The Right Supplies Make Washing Cars Fun
08/09/08
Vacation weather may be upon us, but we still have chores to get done. Between work, carting our kids to swimming lessons and mowing the lawn, the list of tasks may seem endless. To make matters more difficult, the economy has gone slightly sour and we often feel the pinch in our wallets for things like electricity to run our air conditioners, and pumps for our swimming pools. Nevertheless, there are ways to cut back on spending, and one small thing that can help is to wash your own car.
Car wash supplies are essential for a do it yourself operation. A source of clean running water is the first thing you will need to wash your car. Any backyard hose with a sprayer on it should work just fine. Be sure to park your car as near to the hose as possible so you can be sure it will reach all the way around your car.
You will need a bucket of some sort, preferably one that will hold two gallons or so. Soap is the next thing you will need, which is probably the most important part of your car wash. Make sure that you buy soap specially made for car washing rather than household detergents which could damage the finish on your vehicle.
In order to get the soapy water from the bucket onto your car, you will need a good sponge. Some folks like natural sponges, while others prefer a synthetic sponge. Either of these are fine, and can be purchased at most grocery stores. I have seen recommendations for two separate sponges to be used, one for the wheels and one for the chassis, if you would like.
After you have rinsed the soap off of your car, it is a good idea to dry the outside of the windows, at least. It is best to wipe down the windshield and windows inside the car with some household glass cleaner and paper towel. Protective rubber spray to keep your tires from cracking can be a good investment. Tire spray will keep your rubber from cracking and weakening in the heat.
If you would like your car to look even shinier after washing, you have the option of waxing it. Wax can be purchased along with other car wash supplies in most retail stores. Waxing can take a while, but the results are beautiful. Wax not only protects your paint job, but it also enhances the color and sheen of your car to make it stand out. There are so many great car wash supplies to choose from for do it yourself jobs. Washing your own car can be a surprisingly fun way to save money.