Wash  ____________________________________________________________
This is simply one of the most important steps to keeping a vehicle in good condition. However, if not done properly, it can actually cause harm to the paint and other surfaces.

Contrary to beliefs, dish soap is not safe to use on an automobile. Over time, non-automotive soap will dry out and fade the paint, trim, rubber, and other plastics on the exterior of your vehicle. Dish soap will also remove any existing wax or sealant, leaving the exterior unprotected. High-quality automotive shampoos are formulated with lubricants to help lift away and encapsulate dirt without causing scratches and swirls in the paint. They also contain conditioning oils to maintain or even enhance the shine without removing any wax or sealant that may be present on the paint.

Using the wrong type of wash mitt can easily induce more scratches and swirls. Chenille wash mitts are very soft and will help lift away dirt particles instead of dragging them across the paint. Combined with an automotive shampoo that is rich with lubricants and conditioning oils, a quality wash mitt will ensure a scratch-free wash.

Just like dish soap, bath towels are not suitable for automotive paint. What most people don’t know is that bath towels contain heavy polyester threading that can scratch automotive paint. Pound for pound, polyester thread is stronger than steel. If you care about the appearance of your car, you definitely do not want to be using bath towels on your paint. The best type of drying towel is a waffle weave micro fiber towel. These plush towels are able to absorb large amounts of water while also being soft enough to not scratch or mar the paint during the drying process.

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