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Airborne dust expected in your area
Fine dust in the air can settle back on your car within hours of a wash. Consider waiting it out.

Should you wash your car today?

Set your location and CarWashcast checks live weather and air quality to give you a straight yes or no — plus the full 5-day outlook.

The complete guide

Everything you need for a spotless finish — from prep to that final drop of water.

The perfect wash, step by step

1
Check today's forecast — and tomorrow's
Use CarWashcast to confirm the next 24 hours are dry and calm. Rain or dust the day after undoes all your work.
2
Rinse the car first
Blast off loose grit and dirt with a plain water rinse, top to bottom, wheels and arches first. This stops scratches during the wash itself.
3
Apply snow foam or a pre-wash
Coat the car and let it dwell for 3–5 minutes without drying out. It loosens stubborn grime before anything touches the paint.
4
Wash with the two-bucket method
One bucket of soap, one of rinse water. Work top to bottom in straight lines — never circles — with a soft wash mitt.
5
Rinse and dry
Rinse thoroughly from the roof down, then dry immediately with a soft microfibre towel to avoid water spots. Roof first, working down.
6
Protect with wax or sealant
Once dry, apply a wax, sealant, or quick detailer for extra shine and protection — it also makes the next wash easier.
Weather & conditions
Always wash in the shade
Direct sun dries soap and water too fast, leaving spots and mineral streaks. Wash early morning or find shade.
Skip it in strong wind
Wind above 25 km/h (15 mph) carries dust, sand, and pollen onto wet paint — causing scratches right as it dries.
Check the day after too
Airborne dust sometimes settles overnight. Confirm there's no rain or dust forecast the next day so the effort pays off.
Ideal range: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
Freezing temperatures ice up soap and water on the paint. Above 30°C (86°F), everything dries too fast. Stay in the sweet spot.
Technique & materials
Two-bucket method
Always use two buckets — one with car shampoo, one with clean rinse water. Rinse the mitt after every pass.
Work top to bottom
The lower half of a car is always dirtiest. Washing roof-to-ground stops you dragging grime back up onto clean paint.
No circular motions
Wash in straight lines only. Circular motions cause fine "swirl marks" that show up under direct sunlight.
Wheels first or last
Brake dust and wheel cleaner are harsh. Wash wheels as the very first or very last step so splashes never hit clean paint.
Protection & upkeep
Wax or sealant after every wash
A coat of wax or sealant protects paint for weeks to months. Dirt sticks less, and the next wash goes faster.
How often to wash
Every two to four weeks suits most cars. Drive a lot? Go more often. Have a ceramic coating? You can stretch it out.
Remove bird droppings fast
Bird droppings are highly acidic and can etch paint within hours in the sun. Wipe them off immediately with a damp microfibre cloth.
Extra care after winter
Road salt attacks paint, rubber, and metal. Give the car a thorough wash once the cold season ends — arches and the underbody especially.