1. Washing in Direct Sunlight or When the Car is Hot

Why it's a mistake: The heat causes soap and water to dry too quickly on the paintwork. This rapid evaporation leaves behind stubborn water spots, soap residue, and streaks, which are difficult to remove and can etch into the clear coat over time. The dried soap can also be harder to rinse off completely, potentially leading to a dull finish.

How to avoid it: Always wash your car in the shade, ideally on an overcast day, or during the cooler parts of the morning or late afternoon. Ensure the car's surface is cool to the touch before you begin.

2. Using Dish Soap or Household Cleaners

Why it's a mistake: It might seem convenient to grab the dish soap from your kitchen, but it's one of the worst things you can use on your car's paint. Dish soaps and many household cleaners are designed to cut through grease and grime on hard surfaces. While effective on dishes, they are too harsh for car paint. They strip away the protective wax or sealant layer on your car, leaving the paint vulnerable to environmental contaminants, UV damage, and fading. This also makes the car more susceptible to scratches during future washes.

How to avoid it: Always use a car-specific wash soap. These products are formulated to be pH-neutral, effectively clean the paint without stripping wax, and lubricate the surface to reduce friction during washing.

3. Using Dirty Sponges, Brushes, or Towels

Why it's a mistake: One of the most common causes of swirl marks and scratches is using contaminated washing tools. As you wash, dirt, grit, and debris get trapped in your sponge, mitt, or brush. If these tools aren't frequently rinsed or are used when already heavily soiled, you're essentially rubbing abrasive particles directly onto your paint, creating micro-scratches and swirl marks.

How to avoid it:

• Use a two-bucket method: one bucket for soapy water and one for rinsing your wash mitt.
• Use a grit guard at the bottom of each bucket to trap dirt.
• Use a soft, high-quality microfiber wash mitt instead of a sponge, as microfiber traps dirt within its fibers away from the paint.
• Have dedicated microfiber towels for drying, and ensure they are clean and soft. Never use bath towels or old rags, as they can be too abrasive.

4. Washing from Bottom to Top (Instead of Top to Bottom)

Why it's a mistake: The order in which you wash your car matters more than you might think. The lower parts of your car (rocker panels, bumpers) collect the most dirt, mud, and heavy grime. If you start washing here, you're transferring the heaviest dirt to cleaner upper sections of the car as you rinse or move your wash mitt, increasing the risk of scratching.

How to avoid it: Always work from the top down. Start with the roof, then the windows, upper panels, and finally the dirtiest lower sections. This ensures that dirty water flows downwards and you're always working on the cleanest possible surface with your wash mitt.

5. Letting the Car Air Dry or Using a Squeegee

Why it's a mistake: While convenient, letting your car air dry or using a household squeegee can leave behind unsightly water spots and streaks. Unless you have perfectly de-ionized water, tap water contains minerals that will leave deposits when the water evaporates, resulting in water spots. Air drying guarantees these spots. Squeegees, especially those not designed for car paint, can also push dirt around or create streaks if not used perfectly.

How to avoid it: Immediately after rinsing, dry the car thoroughly using a clean, soft, high-quality microfiber drying towel. For best results, consider a leaf blower or a dedicated car dryer for touchless drying, or use a quick detailer spray as you dry to help wick away water and add shine.