What are the best DIY options for washing and waxing a car at home?

[Chandika Lakshan]

I’m looking for regular methods and products to wash and wax my car at home. Also, what’s the best way to wipe off water? Should it be done dry or with a solution for lubrication between the paint and cloth? Please recommend safe solution brands that don’t harm the paint or reduce the original shine.

[iRage]

13 hours ago, Chandika Lakshan said:

I’m looking for regular methods and products to wash and wax my car at home. Also, what’s the best way to wipe off water? Should it be done dry or with a solution for lubrication between the paint and cloth? Please recommend safe solution brands that don’t harm the paint or reduce the original shine.

Well...easy question complicated answer. Alot depends on the current state of your paint/body. So let's start from the basics.

Wash your car (preferably with a stripping shampoo - a shampoo that removes previous waxes, etc) , de-ironize the car, and then a final shampoo, rinse, and dry your car.

Let's say you do a proper paint correction (this may include anything from a compound for removing swirls, scratches, etc, to a color restoring polish for restoring any sun burns, removing residue, etc). This typically adds polymers that bring out the color.

From there, you can either go the waxing route or opt for a glass/ceramic coating. Let's assume you take the way route. You can use a paste or liquid wax. Both have it's pros and cons. Paste wax helps put on a harder shell than the liquid wax. However, the liquid wax is less likely to leave swirls on the body work, which can happen if you use crappy material and are not gentle with the paste wax application process. My favorites are Meguairs Ultimate/Gold Class waxes. They are pricey though (15,000 or do for a can online....but I have used mine for nearly 3 years on two cars). You also find a series of Soft99 waxes for a bit cheaper (mind you, these are mostly made outside of Japan and are not available in the Japanese market). 3M and SONAX are other options you can find at varying price points. 

After the paste wax, you might want to use a sealant to sort of lock in the wax and add an extra layer of ooomph. It also helps clear up any polish/wax buildups on the edges of beadings...I cheat and use Chemical Guys' Synthetic detailer. If you want to remain product loyal then Meguair has a quick wax/detailer.Autoglym has its ultra deep shine, which is more of a proper sealent which I like.

If properly maintained, the way will last for a good 6 - 8 months. During this period, you can use the above quick detailers/waxes every few weeks or so after a good wash. Some quick detailers can be sprayed on while the car is wet and you are going through the process of drying it (CG one can). Some need the car to be wiped down.
You can also use something like Soft99's FukuPika. I use this a lot in Japan during the summer. Leaves a rather durable shield that lasts through the high Japanese summer heat, yellow sandstorms and typhoons.

Washing...foam it. Especially if the car is extra dirty. After a few minutes rinse it down. Then do a shampoo wash. Use a wash and wax shampoo. Drying...you don't need to necessarily use any kind of lubricant (at least not all the time). What is more important is that you use proper microfibre (or charmois) towels to wipe it down. I use an ultra soft fluffy microfibre towel for a gentle wipe through. Don't rub the body dry like you are drying your dog's fur !