Best Way to Clean Car
Tips and tricks for better results

The best way to clean a car is any way in which you are willing to do it more often, rather than less often. The Internet will render you into a a puddle of goo due to the overwhelming amount of opinions.

From the best car wash shampoo to the two-bucket car wash method, you will be jerked around by glamorized products and techniques that will overload to your "hard drive" to the point of complete inaction.

And the only thing worse than a bad car wash is no car wash! If you allow yourself to get sucked into the endless hype this industry would have you buy into, you will find yourself in a mental overwhelm with no ability to move forward and get what you really want:

• A clean car
• Products that are effective and simple
• Techniques that take less time, not more time
  

Best Way to Clean Car:
What you need to know

Before I get down to my specific tricks and tips of cleaning your car, I want to break down some of the myths and hype surrounding car cleaning and washing.

Q: How Important Is It To Wash Your Car:

Very! Dirt and sun are your cars biggest enemies. Washing your car as frequently as possible is best. While it is easy to overthink the car washing process, the main goal is to simply wash your car to keep the dirt from accumulating, rather than overthinking the so-called best way to clean a car.

Q: Can You Wash A Car Every day

Yes. I realize there are many really scary myths about washing or waxing your car too often and how this can be damaging to your car. The reality is that it would be virtually impossible to wash your car too much to the point of damage.

Q: Is It Possible To Wash A Car Without Scratching

Depends. If you allow too much dirt to accumulate on your car then you need to accept that no car wash product or technique will prevent 100% of micro-scratching to your car —I don't care what that so-called expert on YouTube tells you. The best way to clean your ca is as much about frequency as it is about products and techniques.

Q: How Often Should You Wash Your Car

Often! As often as possible. I find it interesting when people claim to be a big time "car person" and yet they let their car accumulate months of dirt on their car  -perhaps they are overthinking things due to the overwhelm of the endless opinions on this subject. I believe a car should be washed once a week as general maintenance. 

Q: Is It Safe To Use Dish Soap To Wash A Car

Yes. But with that said; I don't recommend it. Dish wash soaps in general contain chemicals that break down oils and grease. This means that dish soaps will also break down any wax on your car and continue to strip any form of protection you may have on your car in the form of car wax. And washing your car with dish soap on a regular basis will help dry out your clear coat prematurely which will cause it to age quicker than it normally would.

Q: Is The Two-Bucket Car Wash Method The Safest Way To Clean A Car

Yes, technically speaking. It is also a way to consume unnecessary amounts of time and energy for very little pay-off. Anyone who recommends using the two-bucket car wash method is either trying to sell you something, or is trying to boost their authority by glamorizing something like cleaning your car from a mole hill, into a mountain.

Best way To Clean Car
Better results with less effort

If you are still with me and want to see what I consider the best way to clean a car then keep reading. I am going to deliver my car cleaning tips based on the following:

• Simpler methods
• Better products
• Better tools

If I lost you momentarily before, the best way to clean a car is any method you are willing to do more often, not less often. A clean car is the foundation of your cars appearance and health of your cars paint.

If you accept that cleaning your car requires a certain amount of effort and physical discomfort, then you will naturally find endless excuses that will prevent you from cleaning your car. 

So if I can show you ways to reduce the amount of effort and discomfort, then you are likely to end up with a clean car more often than not.

Simplest and Easiest Way to Clean Your Car

Welcome to the world of waterless wash products. In simplest terms yo can think of this process like you would about dusting the fine furniture in a house:

You spray product onto the furniture —typically labeled as a furniture polish— to help wipe away the dirt/dust which also leaves a nice shine.

There are products made for cars that operate the same way —you spray a product onto your car paint, wipe away the dirt, and you are left with a clean, shiny and protected surface.

Waterless Wash and Wax Kit on Amazon

Clean, Shine & Protect—Anywhere, Anytime
This all-in-one waterless wash and wax kit makes car care effortless—no hose, no mess, just pro-level results. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, it's the easiest way to get that freshly detailed look on any vehicle.

• All-in-One Powerhouse – The original and best waterless car wash, spray wax, quick detailer, and "wax as you dry" product. Simply spray on and wipe dry for a spotless shine and long-lasting protection.
• Gentle Yet Tough – Lifts dirt without scratching while leaving behind a slick, non-stick UV-protective coating. Safe for use on ceramic coatings, waxes, sealants, paint protection films, and more.
• Trusted by the Pros – This high-performance, aircraft-grade wax has been used for over 35 years on Air Force One, Marine One, NASA shuttles, military fleets, commercial airliners, and luxury private aircraft.
• Eco-Friendly & Safe for All Surfaces – Alcohol- and ammonia-free, water-based, and plant-derived. Biodegradable and non-toxic, it’s safe to use inside and out—with no harsh fumes or skin irritation.
• Versatile Use, Anywhere You Are – Use as a waterless wash or apply after a rinse as a "wax as you dry" solution. Perfect for cleaning in parking lots, garages, RV parks, work sites, and apartment complexes.
• Complete Kit Included – Comes with everything you need.

Darren's Tips: Here you have it —the ultimate solution for the simplest and easiest way to clean your car!

With that said, you do need to maintain realistic expectations —you can't expect to remove 6 months worth of dirt from your car using this method. 

What I can tell you that if you have never tried the waterless wash method, you are going to be amazed at how easily you can clean your car, leave a degree of gloss, and apply a small amount of protection all at the same time.

Any person I have taught this method to who resists, has always embraced this technique once they experience the ease and the performance of waterless washing.

Traditional Way to Clean Car

If you simply can't embrace the concept of waterless washing, the next best thing to do is embrace updated products and tools.

And do so by getting yourself a "kit' —these save you time and money by buying things in a kit rather than sourcing everything individually.

Ultra Basic Car Leaning Kit

Chemical Guys Basic Wash Kit on Amazon

Everything You Need for a Scratch-Free Shine
Ready to elevate your car wash game? This all-in-one starter kit includes the essential tools to deliver a flawless, professional-grade clean—without risking swirls or scratches.

• Complete Car Wash Starter Kit – Packed with 5 must-have tools, this kit is designed to make every wash safe, easy, and effective. Get a streak-free, showroom shine without the guesswork.
• Citrus-Powered Cleaning Power – Includes Citrus Wash & Gloss, a premium shampoo that delivers thick, rich suds for a deep, scratch-free clean—powered by natural citrus.
• Shine-Boosting Formula – More than just clean—Citrus Wash & Gloss leaves your paint glowing with a brilliant "just-waxed" finish after every wash, no matter the color.
• Dirt-Trapping Tech – The Cyclone Dirt Trap sits in the bottom of the Heavy Duty Bucket to capture grime and grit before it touches your paint, dramatically reducing the risk of swirl marks.
• Gentle on Paint, Tough on Dirt – The included Chenille Microfiber Wash Mitt glides effortlessly over surfaces, lifting away debris without scratching your finish.
• Trusted Worldwide by Car Enthusiasts – Chemical Guys is the go-to name in car care, trusted by both beginners and professionals for their top-quality products, expert advice, and dedicated support. It’s not just a brand—it’s a global detailing lifestyle.

Darren's Tip: In simple terms the thing I recommend  to everyone is to just take action! If you find yourself constantly stalling in indecision, then just start small, but take action!

This kit works perfectly for anyone who finds themselves stuck in inaction.

Ultimate Foam Car Wash Kit

Chemical Guys Foam Car Wash Kit on Amazon

This all-in-one car wash kit is packed with premium tools and products to keep any vehicle shining like new—perfect for car buffs, truck lovers, or classic car fans.

• Foamy Fun for Everyone – Make car washing a blast with tools that turn routine cleaning into a satisfying, sudsy experience. This kit makes it fast, easy, and fun—something the whole family can enjoy.
• Built by Car Wash Experts – Level up your car care game with a professional-grade Foam Gun Car Wash Kit, curated by detailing pros who know what it takes to deliver that showroom shine.
• Trusted by Car Enthusiasts Worldwide – Chemical Guys isn’t just a brand—it’s a lifestyle. Known for top-tier products, unmatched customer support, and expert advice, it’s the go-to name in car care around the globe.
• Easy Hose Hookup – No pressure washer? No problem. The included Foam Gun connects directly to any standard garden hose, so you can start cleaning without any extra gear.

Darren's Tip: Here is the kit you will want if you are truly committed to taking care of your car properly, and you don't like the concept of the waterless washing method.

Dry Your Car Faster and Smarter – No More Endless Wringing!

Meguiar's Water Magnet on Amazon

Discover the Meguiar’s Water Magnet Microfiber Car Drying Towel – engineered for high performance and effortless drying that leaves your vehicle spotless and streak-free.

• Drastically Cuts Drying Time: Say goodbye to repeated wringing. The advanced microfiber technology quickly absorbs water, helping you finish the job faster.
• Superior Absorbency: Absorbs up to twice as much water as traditional terry towels, making every swipe more effective and efficient.
• Streak-Free Shine: Specially designed to prevent streaks and water spots, leaving your car with a flawless, showroom-quality finish.
• Durable & Reusable: Built to last with premium materials, this towel is machine washable and ready for multiple uses without losing performance.
• Oversized for Maximum Coverage: At a generous 22" x 30", the waffle-weave texture covers more surface area—perfect for cars, motorcycles, boats, and even around the house —the perfect size for efficiency without being so big that it can't be managed.

Darren's Tips: I am amazed at how many people I see using traditional bath towels to dry their cars. Not only are bath towels hard on your car paint (bath towels put in micro-scratches and result in what is called the spider-webbing effect) but notoriously leave lint as you dry your car.

If you follow no other tip from this page,; follow this —you need to embrace the technology of microfiber and ditch those bath towels. 

Best Way to Clean a Car Summary

While I could write an entire book on how to clean a car, I simply wanted to provide a basic approach that likely has introduced you to a few new tools, and will hopefully bring a voice of reason to your world so that you get moving.

I promise you if you are willing to do more and more research, you will continue to find endless hyped-up ways to wash your car. You will find yourself neck deep into the endless opinions and still no close to realizing your end goal of getting a clean car.

There is plenty of time for the endless research if you want, but for right now just get started and then you can work from there.

Sincerely,

Darren Priest