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Carefree Car Ownership

How to clean your car

Cleaning your car inside and out doesn't have to cost 15 to 20 dollars at the car wash every week or two, especially now that the weather is finally warming up. By doing it yourself with simple household supplies, you can end up saving a good chunk of change throughout the year. The step-by-step method of cleaning automobiles is very easy to follow and practically universal.

When filling the bucket with soap and water from the hose, be sure to use a product that's specifically meant for cars instead of dishwashing soap.

Give the car a good initial rinse before applying soap in order to prevent dirt and grime from scratching the paint when you're scrubbing the vehicle. Use a soft cloth or special absorption fabric rather than a sponge.

Don't forget to scrub the wheels, spokes and tires with soap once you're finished with the body. The application of polish will make the wheels glisten, especially since this is often the dirtiest area of a car.

When wiping down the windows from the inside, use non-ammonia glass cleaner. There are many soaps that are specifically designed to remove dust and dirt from the dashboard and steering wheel.

Cleaning your car is so basic that anyone can do it at a minimal cost. The job will often be much more effective than going to a car wash, which may leave streaks all over one's car when it isn't properly dried. So take an extra hour or two and shine up your vehicle on your own terms.
 

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