What is the two – bucket car wash method?

Posted on 2 June, 2021 19:25:31

If you’ve lived in a part of Australia with water restrictions, or you’re on tank water, then you’ll be very familiar with hauling buckets of water to your car when it’s time to give it a clean. But have you considered that this may actually be the best way to wash your car at home? Even when you have plenty of water at your disposal, you’ll still want to bring the buckets, and you’ll be using the hose spray only sparingly.

Here’s how to follow the two-bucket car wash method for a great clean.

First, gather your supplies

Just as the name suggests, you will need two buckets. You’ll also want a few other essentials on hand.

  • Two buckets
  • Sponge
  • pH neutral shampoo
  • Hose with adjustable nozzle
  • Dirt guards or washboards
  • Chamois
  • Microfiber cloth

Follow the two-bucket car wash method

Why do you have two buckets? Put simply, one is for washing and the other for rinsing.

Start by giving your car a good spray with your high-pressure hose. This works to loosen any dirt. Next, dip your sponge (a large, soft, aerated sponge is best) into your shampoo bucket. Wipe along the car panels in soft, horizontal strokes. You aren’t trying to scrub the car. Work from top to bottom, as the worst dirt and mud is usually lower down on the car panels.

Now,you’ll need that second bucket. Rinse your sponge in a bucket of clean, fresh water, making use of the washboard or dirt guard to remove and trap any dirt from the sponge at the bottom of the rinse bucket.

By keeping dirt out of your clean shampoo bucket, you’re minimizing the risk that dirt and other particles will get rubbed back into the paint. This is one of the most common causes of light scratches, or the annoying problem of residual dirt hanging around after you’ve washed your car.

Grab the high-pressure hose again to gently rinse the suds and loosened dirt off your car panels, and repeat the process until your whole car is sparkly clean.

Wiping with a chamois after rinsing will help to remove water and avoid water spots, preparing the car for a final, thorough dry with a microfibre cloth to protect the duco and give a nice shine.

Regular car washing will keep your vehicle in good condition, but if it’s not something you have time for every week, then you might consider taking your car to your local Magic Hand Carwash. We offer a range of services, priced accordingly, to meet all our customers’ needs. From our quick Magic Wash and interior clean to a full detailing service, you can choose the wash service that’s right for you.

You may even choose to join our Magic Wash Club, where you get unlimited washes from your monthly membership.

Topics:   Car Wash

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