You’ve made a smart investment in protecting your vehicle with a professional ceramic coating. Now, to ensure that showroom shine and hydrophobic magic last for years to come, it’s crucial to follow a proper maintenance routine. Contrary to what some might think, a ceramic coating is not a “set it and forget it” solution; it requires mindful washing and aftercare.
This guide will walk you through the simple, yet essential, steps to maintain your ceramic coated car and protect your investment. Read on to learn how to wash ceramic coated car.
Why Proper Washing is Non-Negotiable
A ceramic coating creates a protective layer that repels dirt and contaminants. However, it’s not invincible. Improper washing techniques—such as using abrasive tools or harsh chemicals—can scratch the coating and compromise its effectiveness. By using the right methods, you’ll ensure the coating continues to perform at its peak and the beautiful hydrophobic properties remain intact. If you don’t feel confident or have the right tools to perform a ceramic coating maintenance on your own, please contact us and seek expert’s help.
What You’ll Need: The Right Tools for the Job
Before you start, make sure you have the right products to avoid damaging your coating.
- Two Buckets: One for clean, soapy water and one for rinsing your wash mitt (this is the “two-bucket method”).
- pH-Neutral Car Shampoo: Avoid shampoos with waxes or harsh detergents. A dedicated car wash soap is formulated to be gentle on your coating.
- Wash Mitts: Use soft, microfiber or lambswool wash mitts.
- Drying Towels: High-quality, plush microfiber drying towels are essential to prevent swirls and scratches.
- Detailer Spray: A ceramic coating-specific detailer spray or “booster” can be used to top-up the coating’s hydrophobic properties.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide for Your Ceramic Coated Car
Warning, it’s very easy to damage your car’s surface paint if you don’t handle this properly. If you don’t feel confident or have the right tools to do this, please contact us and seek expert’s help or visit our Richmond Hill Ceramic Coating shop to learn more. Otherwise, follow these steps for a safe and effective wash.
Step 1: The Pre-Rinse
Start by giving your car a thorough rinse with a pressure washer or a garden hose. This removes loose dirt and grit before you touch the paint, which is a major cause of scratches.
Step 2: The Two-Bucket Method
Fill one bucket with your pH-neutral car soap and water. Fill the second bucket with clean water for rinsing. This method ensures you aren’t dragging dirty water and grit back onto your car’s surface. Dip your wash mitt into the soap bucket, wash a section of the car, and then rinse your mitt thoroughly in the rinse bucket before returning to the soap bucket.
Step 3: Wash from Top to Bottom
Work your way down the car, starting with the roof and windows. Clean one section at a time, using straight lines rather than circular motions to minimize the risk of scratching. Pay extra attention to the lower panels, which collect the most dirt.
Step 4: The Final Rinse
After washing, give the entire car a final, generous rinse. You’ll notice the water beads and rolls off the surface due to your coating’s hydrophobic properties.
Step 5: Gentle Drying
Drying is just as important as washing. Use a soft, clean microfiber drying towel. Pat or blot the water off the surface instead of rubbing it. You can also use a car-specific blower to blast the water off, which is the safest method.
Ceramic Coating Aftercare Best Practices
- Avoid Automatic Car Washes: The aggressive brushes and harsh chemicals in automatic car washes will degrade your coating over time and can cause micro-scratches.
- Use a Ceramic Booster: Every few washes, consider using a high-quality ceramic booster spray. These products are easy to apply and will help revitalize your coating’s performance.
- Remove Contaminants Quickly: Bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatter are highly acidic and can etch your coating if left on the surface. Wipe them off as soon as you notice them using a detailer spray.
By following this ceramic coating maintenance guide, you can confidently maintain your ceramic coated vehicle and enjoy its stunning finish for years to come. Still not sure how to wash ceramic coated car? Let us help, give us a call or chat with us online if you have any questions.
Ready for the ultimate protection? If you’re looking to apply a new ceramic coating or want to book a professional maintenance wash, contact the experts at Sparkle Armor. We use only the highest-quality products to ensure your car looks its best.