5 Common Car Washing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Callum Foster

Washing your car seems simple enough — bucket, soap, rinse — job done, right? But there are a few surprisingly common mistakes we see time and time again that can dull your paint, introduce swirl marks, or even reduce the life of your ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF).



Here are 5 car washing mistakes you’ll want to avoid if you’re keen to keep your car looking its best, plus a few tips from the Spotless Detailing team on what to do instead.

1. Using Sponges or Rough Cloths

Sponges and old towels trap dirt and drag it across your paint, which leads to micro-scratches and swirl marks. These might not be obvious at first — but over time, they reduce gloss and clarity.

What to do instead:
Switch to microfibre wash mitts, drying towels, and cloths. They’re designed to lift and trap dirt safely away from the surface, reducing the risk of scratches and making each wash much gentler on your paint.


2. Using Two Buckets Isn’t Essential

The two-bucket method (one for soapy water, one for rinsing) is great, but you can use one bucket, as long as:

  • You pre-wash and use a pressure washer to thoroughly rinse and remove loose dirt.
  • You use a grit guard in the bucket to trap any remaining debris.
  • You rinse your mitt frequently during the wash.

This keeps dirt out of your mitt and off your paint, even with a one-bucket method.


3. Letting the Car Air Dry

Letting your car air dry might seem harmless, but it can leave water spots and mineral deposits on your paint, especially in hard water areas. These can etch into the surface and become difficult to remove later.

What to do instead:
Use a soft, high-pile microfibre drying towel to gently dry the car without dragging or scratching the surface. For those hard to reach crevices — like around mirrors, badges, and trim — a car blow dryer is a great tool. It helps remove trapped water, preventing drips or water spots from forming after the wash.


4. Washing in Direct Sunlight

Warm panels dry quickly, and that can leave streaks or soap spots before you’ve had a chance to rinse. Direct sunlight can also increase the risk of water spotting.

What to do instead:
Wash in the shade or during cooler times of the day. If you’re washing outside and can’t avoid the sun, work one panel at a time to avoid drying spots.


5. Using Harsh Products (Especially with Ceramic Coating or PPF)

Using strong degreasers, household cleaning products, or acidic wheel cleaners can strip your protective layers like waxes, sealants, ceramic coatings, or even damage PPF over time.

What to do instead:
Always use pH-neutral products that are safe for modern protective finishes. These help maintain the look and performance of your protection without reducing its lifespan.

Need Help Choosing the Right Products?

At both our Perth and Elgin branches, we stock a full range of Gtechniq wash and maintenance products such as:

  • pH-neutral shampoos and snow foams
  • Microfibre mitts, cloths, and drying towels
  • Coating-safe wheel and glass cleaners

If you’re unsure what you need or how to maintain your vehicle's protection, we’re always happy to help in person. Just pop in and chat with a member of the team, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these simple mistakes can go a long way in keeping your car looking its best between details. Whether you’ve got a daily driver or a weekend show car, the right tools and techniques make all the difference.

Have questions? Feel free to get in touch or stop by the shop and we’ll happily talk you through a maintenance routine that works for you.

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