Tips & Guides

Washing your car the right way is one of the simplest ways to protect your paint and keep it looking new for years. Many people accidentally scratch their car during washing without even realising it. Here’s how to avoid that.

1. Rinse first.
Before you touch the paint, always rinse the car thoroughly with clean water. This removes loose dirt, dust, and grit that could cause scratches when you start washing.

2. Use the two-bucket method.
Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean rinse water. After each pass with your wash mitt, rinse it in the clean water bucket before dipping it back into the soap. This keeps dirt out of your wash water and off your paint.

3. Use a microfibre wash mitt — not a sponge.
Sponges trap dirt on the surface, which can drag across the paint and cause swirl marks. A quality microfibre wash mitt lifts dirt away from the paint, reducing the risk of scratching.

4. Dry with a microfibre towel — not a chamois.
Traditional chamois can cause friction on the surface. A plush microfibre drying towel absorbs more water and glides gently over the paint for a scratch-free finish.

At Imperial Auto Detailing Solutions, we use pH-balanced soaps and premium microfibre products to protect your clear coat and give your car a flawless, swirl-free shine.

If your car has a ceramic coating, paint sealant, or professional wax, proper washing is key to maintaining its shine and durability. Even though paint protection adds a layer of defence, it can still wear down if you wash the car the wrong way.

1. Avoid harsh soaps.
Only use a pH-balanced or coating-safe car shampoo. Strong detergents or household soaps can strip away protective layers and reduce hydrophobic performance.

2. Rinse thoroughly before washing.
Always start with a high-pressure rinse to remove dirt and debris. This prevents fine grit from being rubbed into the coating during contact washing.

3. Use the two-bucket method.
Keep one bucket for clean rinse water and another for your soapy wash solution. This helps avoid reintroducing dirt onto the surface and keeps the coating cleaner for longer.

4. Use a soft microfibre wash mitt.
Choose a plush mitt that glides smoothly across the surface. Avoid sponges or cheap mitts that can cause micro-marring.

5. Dry safely with a microfibre towel or blower.
Use a soft, high-GSM microfibre towel to gently blot the surface dry. If you have access to a filtered air blower, that’s even better — it removes water without touching the paint.

6. Avoid washing in direct sunlight.
Heat can cause water spots and soap to dry too quickly, leaving streaks or residue. Try to wash in the shade or early morning when the panels are cool.

At Imperial Auto Detailing Solutions, we use coating-safe products and techniques to keep your paint protection performing at its best for years.

If your car windows are tinted, cleaning them properly is essential to prevent damage or peeling. Many people use glass cleaners like Windex, but these can actually cause the tint film to bubble, fade, or lose adhesion over time. Here’s how to do it safely.

1. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
Most household glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can dry out and damage the adhesive on tint film. Always use an ammonia-free cleaner specifically made for tinted windows or mix your own solution using water and a few drops of mild dish soap.

2. Use a clean microfibre towel.
Paper towels and rough cloths can scratch the tint or leave fibres behind. A clean, soft microfibre towel ensures a streak-free finish and protects the film from fine abrasions.

3. Spray the towel, not the glass.
Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the window, as excess liquid can seep behind the tint edges and weaken the adhesive. Instead, spray your towel lightly, then wipe the glass in straight lines.

4. Clean in the shade.
Heat can cause the cleaner to evaporate too fast, leaving streaks or residue. Cleaning in a cool, shaded area gives you more control and a clearer finish.

5. Finish with a dry towel.
After wiping with the damp towel, use a second dry microfibre towel to buff the glass. This helps remove any streaks and gives a crystal-clear result.

At Imperial Auto Detailing Solutions, we only use ammonia-free glass cleaners designed for tinted and coated glass, keeping your windows spotless without risking damage.