What Not to Wear

Avoid wearing accessories, especially those that stick out and could scratch the car’s surface, such as a watch, a ring with large jewels or a shirt with metal or oversize buttons. If you’re wearing a belt, slide it around so that the buckle is not facing the automobile.

Location, Location, Location

The ideal spot for scrubbing is a shaded area. That’s because when you wash in direct sunlight, the car’s surface can dry fast, leaving unattractive streaks and residue. Also, it’s best to park on grass or gravel, where runoff water can be absorbed. For convenience, set up near a hose or other steady supply of water.

Smart Solution

First, use detergent designed for automobiles, such as Meguiar’s NXT Generation Car Wash, $8, car specialty shops. Anything bought for the kitchen or bath may be harmful if applied to a car’s exterior, cautions Reynolds. Follow package directions to mix the right amount of cool water with the car soap. Avoid hot water because it will only soften the wax. And don’t expect to see a lot of suds in your bucket. In fact, suds often inhibit cleaning, and quality products don’t produce many.

Power Wash

Reynolds strongly recommends using a wash mitt to clean your car. These mitts, which are designed to fit over your hand like a glove, let you reach into cracks and crevices without scratching the paint. They are available for about $7 at car specialty shops or on amazon.com.

The Wash Cycle

Start by washing, and then rinsing off, the tires, the dirtiest part of the car. (Later, the runoff that comes from scrubbing the rest of the vehicle will trickle lower and continue to clean the wheels.) Step two: Rinse the entire car with water to remove any loose dirt. Then, using your wash mitt, scrub using straight strokes that run the length of the automobile. Do the top part of the car first; the water that drips down will prerinse the lower parts of the car, which are a magnet for dirt and grime.

While washing, dunk the mitt into the bucket of water to remove the dirt you’ve picked up, preventing the buildup from scratching the paint. Change the water two or three times to prevent the dirt and grime in the bucket from increasing. After washing the entire car with soap and lots of water, hose down the exterior.

A Dry Spell

Remove the excess water with a drying towel to prevent water spotting. Reynolds recommends using a synthetic chamois or a microfiber waffle-weave towel — either can be purchased at an automobile specialty store for about $9 to $15. A 100 percent cotton towel will also do the trick.

Wax Poetic

Waxing is the last step of the process. It protects the paint while adding luster and shine to the car’s exterior. Apply the wax with a terry-cloth towel, and then move it in a circular motion. You don’t need to wax a car every time you wash it; Reynolds suggests waxing the car between once a month and a few times a year, depending on how often you drive it.