How to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car:Â The Ultimate Guide
Washing a ceramic-coated car is a tricky process that requires special materials and techniques. With the right washing method and cleaning materials, the process will be easy, and the results will be better. This guide will help you understand how to wash a ceramic coated car carefully and professionally. Read the full article to learn the step-by-step washing process and safety tips.
Table of contents
- What is ceramic coating?
- Supplies for washing a ceramic-coated car
- How to Wash Ceramic Coated Car
- Common mistakes when washing ceramic-coated cars
- Benefits of ceramic coating
- Maintenance tips for longevity
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is ceramic coating?
Ceramic is a liquid polymer that we apply to the car body for protection. After the ceramic coating is completely dry, a hard and protective layer is formed on the paint. This layer helps to protect the car from dirt, water, and other elements. It also makes the car easier to clean and keeps it looking shiny for a long time. The ceramic coating is very durable, and with proper maintenance, it can last very long. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to wash a car with ceramic coating.
Supplies for washing a ceramic-coated car
The first step is to gather the necessary supplies for washing the ceramic-coated car. Some of the essential supplies are:
- PH-neutral car shampoo
- Foam cannon
- Microfiber wash mitt
- Two buckets
- Microfiber drying towel
- Hose with a spray nozzle
Buy high-quality material to avoid damage damage to car paint and ensure professional cleaning. Having the right supplies is essential to eliminate the chances of scratches on car’s body. If your car gets damaged due to hail, you must decide if it is worth repairing the hail damage.
How to Wash Ceramic Coated Car
Here are the essential steps to efficiently wash the ceramic-coated car:
Pre-wash preparation
Before beginning the washing process, make some initial preparations. Some necessary preparations include:
- Park the car in the shaded area. It will prevent the sun from drying the soap too quickly.
- Prepare two buckets, one with clean water and the other with soapy water.
- The clean water bucket is for rinsing your wash mitt, while the soapy water bucket is for washing the car.
- Prepare the hose and make sure that it is ready to use
Rinsing the car
Rinse the car with clean water to remove any loose dirt and debris. You can utilize a hose with a spray nozzle to cover the entire car surface area. Removing the dust and debris with water will not produce scratches on the paint during washing. During the rinsing process, pay special attention to the lower parts of the car because there is more dirt there.
Using a foam cannon or foam gun
After that, a foam cannon or foam gun is used to apply the foam to the ceramic-coated car. The foam helps to soften the strongly adhered dirt and grime and simply the cleaning process. The best way to apply the foam to the whole car is to attach the foam cannon to a hose or pressure washer. After applying the foam, leave it for some time, and do not let it dry quickly.
The bucket wash method
The two-bucket method means keeping one bucket with clean water and one with soapy water. Dip the microfiber cloth in the soapy water bucket and wash a specific portion of the car. After each iteration, dip the cloth in a bucket with clean water and wash it properly. These methods protect the ceramic-coated surface from getting scratched with dust particles in the cloth.
Washing with a PH-neutral shampoo
Wash the car with PH-neutral shampoo because it is gentle and does not harm the car’s surface. Use the soapy wash mitt and start washing from the top of the car and then to the bottom. Moreover, wash one section at a time and rinse the mitt after each interval to keep it clean.
Rinsing off the shampoo
After washing the whole surface of the ceramic-coated car, clean the shampoo with clean water. You must completely wash off the shampoo because the leftover shampoo will cause stains and bad smell. If you want to maintain a fresh smell in your car, see our tips on keeping that new car smell. Start from the top and work your way down to ensure a thorough rinse.
Drying the car properly
The final drying process is necessary to protect the ceramic coating from the car. Avoid quick drying of the surface because it can produce stains or spots. Use a soft microfiber cloth and gently rub the surface to soak up the water. Do not rub hard or at a fast pace because it will produce scratches on the ceramic surface. So, these cleaning steps describe how to wash ceramic coated car without harming the surfaces and producing scratches.
Inspection
After completing all these steps, do a final inspection of your car. Find out whether there is leftover food, shampoo, water, and dirt or everything is washed out. If you notice any such thing, quickly wash it off. Otherwise, it will result in more strong stains, which will become hard to remove later.
Common mistakes when washing ceramic-coated cars
There are some common mistakes that you must avoid to protect the ceramic coating on your car.
- Do not use strong chemicals to avoid damage to the car.
- Avoid using a rough sponge and cloth to protect the surface from scratches.
- Do not wash your car in direct sunlight.
- Do not neglect regular washing and maintenance.
- Avoid using low-quality cleaning products and tools.
Benefits of ceramic coating
Hopefully, you understood how to wash the ceramic-coated car. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of ceramic coating. This table highlights the top benefits of ceramic coating on cars.
Benefit | Description |
Protection from UV Rays | Shields the paint from sun damage and fading |
Dirt and Water Repellent | Makes it easier to clean off dirt and water |
Enhanced Gloss | Gives the car a shiny, glossy appearance |
Long-lasting Protection | Can last for several years with proper maintenance |
Scratch Resistance | Adds a hard layer that reduces minor scratches |
Chemical Resistance | Protects against harsh chemicals and contaminants |
Easier Cleaning | Reduces the effort needed to wash and maintain the car |
Preserves Paint Quality | Keeps the car’s paint looking new and vibrant |
Maintenance tips for longevity
You must properly maintain the car to increase the lifespan of the ceramic coating on the car. Here is a list of some helpful maintenance tips:
- Wash your car regularly using the techniques outlined in this guide.
- Avoid parking under trees or in areas where bird droppings are common.
- Do not let the car stay under the sun for a long period of time.
Conclusion
We hope that these washing steps and precautions help you understand how to wash the car with ceramic coating. Following the expert tips in this guide, you can safely wash your car. Remember to use the right supplies, wash gently, and perform regular maintenance.
FAQs
How often should I wash a ceramic-coated car?
The actual answer depends on your car’s usage and care. In general, you should wash the ceramic-coated car every 2 to 3 weeks. It will help protect the coating from scratches and increase its lifespan.
Can I apply ceramic coating myself?
Yes, you can apply the ceramic coating yourself only if you have the skills and the right tools. Otherwise, we recommend hiring professionals to ensure the best results.
Is ceramic coating better than wax?
Yes, ceramic coating is better than traditional because it lasts longer and provides better protection. For this reason, ceramic coating is a superior option for long-term car care.
What is a ceramic coating?
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to a car’s paint to protect it from dirt, water, and UV rays while enhancing its shine.
How long does it take to PPF wrap a car?
It depends on the size and complexity of the car’s surface. Generally, it can take around 1 day for an average-sized car to apply paint protection film to a car.