The time it takes to hand wash a car can vary depending on factors such as the size of the vehicle, how thorough you are, and your experience with car washing. On average, here’s a breakdown of the time needed for a typical hand wash:

1. Pre-Rinse – 5 to 10 minutes

• This includes setting up your hose or pressure washer and rinsing off the loose dirt and debris from the car. A thorough rinse helps avoid scratching the paint when you start washing.

2. Washing the Car – 15 to 30 minutes

• Using the two-bucket method with a microfiber wash mitt, it typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to wash the car, depending on the vehicle's size and how detailed you want to be. Smaller cars (like a sedan) take less time, while larger vehicles (like an SUV or truck) will take longer.
• If you’re using a foam cannon with your pressure washer, add an extra 5 minutes for foam application and soaking.

3. Wheels and Tires – 10 to 15 minutes

• Cleaning the wheels and tires with a dedicated wheel cleaner and brush usually adds another 10 to 15 minutes. Wheels tend to be dirtier, so this part can take more time if brake dust has built up.

4. Final Rinse – 5 to 10 minutes

• After washing, a final rinse is needed to remove all soap and suds. If you’re working in sections, this might take less time since you rinse as you go.

5. Drying – 10 to 15 minutes

• Using microfiber towels or a drying chamois, drying the car thoroughly can take 10 to 15 minutes. A larger vehicle or more intricate areas might take more time to ensure everything is dry and streak-free.

Total Time: 45 to 80 minutes

Additional Time Factors:

• Claying: If you use a clay bar or clay mitt after washing to remove contaminants, it can add another 15 to 30 minutes to the process, depending on how detailed you want to be.
• Waxing: Hand waxing the car after washing can add 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of wax and how thorough the application and buffing process is.

Summary:

• Basic hand wash: ~45 to 60 minutes
• Thorough wash (including wheels and drying): ~1 to 1.5 hours
• Wash with claying and waxing: 2 to 3 hours

The process can be quicker as you get more experienced and efficient, but it's worth taking your time to avoid missing spots or causing damage to the paint.