How to clean your car’s exterior

Step one: Pre-rinse
Before you do anything else, get your hose or pressure washer out and give your car a good rinse.

You want to get most of the dirt and grit off the outside, paying the most attention to the tyres and panels behind them where debris, mud and brake dust can collect.

This is particularly important if you’re often darting up and down country lanes – especially after the wet winter we’ve just experienced.

If you’re using a pressure washer, avoid washing your car on a gritty or gravelly surface. The force of the water could kick up stones and damage your car, landing you with a hefty charge at the end of your car lease deal for excess damage.

Step two: Wash your wheels
Your wheels are likely going to be the muckiest part of your car.

Leave them to the end, and you risk spraying muddy water all over your nicely cleaned vehicle. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Your best bet is to give them a solid rinse before you spray them with your wheel cleaner of choice. Let the product sit for a while to do its magic, and then attack the mud with a brush to get out all the grit that’s been building up.

You’ll want to either use a second bucket of clean water or change the water before you give them another once over to get them properly clean, and then give the wheels and wheel arches a good rinse.

Step back, admire, and even give the tyre a little (gentle) kick for added je ne sais quoi before you move onto the rest of the car.

Step three: Scrub from the top
With the wheels glistening, it’s time to tackle the exterior of your car.

You’ll want to start at the top and work down, so you’re not dripping dirty water onto the bit you’ve already scrubbed. Use a bucket of lukewarm (clean!) water and your favourite car wash product, and try to avoid using sponges. They can trap grit in the little holes, increasing your risk of scratches.

You’re better off with a wash mitt or soft brush, using straight lines where possible to clean your car. Circular motions can result in unsightly swirl marks.

Starting with the roof, wash one panel at a time to get a nice, even clean. If it’s a warmer day, make sure to rinse each panel before you move on, to avoid those annoying soapy marks.

Step four: Rinse and thoroughly dry
When you’ve made your way from top to bottom and front to back, and your car is practically dazzling you with how clean it is, it’s time for one last rinse to get the last of the soap scum gone.

After you’ve rinsed, be sure to use a chamois or a soft cloth to properly dry the car. It might seem unnecessary when the sun could do the job, but leaving your car to dry naturally can result in a streaky finish.

And when you’re spending so much time chasing that glossy shine, the last thing you want is a watermark getting in your way.

Again, you’ll want to work from top to bottom, drying each panel thoroughly before moving on, to avoid rewetting the areas you’ve just dried.

Step five: Nooks and crannies
When all is said and done, don’t forget about the little nooks that can often get missed.

Once you’ve dried the car, make sure to open the doors and boot and use a cloth to clean between the cracks and get everything spotless, and pick up any lingering drops of water.