three bucket wash (basic car wash)
Before I begin on the details of the three bucket wash method, I will explain the reasoning behind using this precautionary method of washing your car. As you learn, and if you desire, you can add more tools and techniques to your arsenal and can become a pro Do-It-Yourself detailer!
The main reason to use the three bucket wash method is to ensure that you do not inflict damage into the paint's clear-coat finish. Improper washing is the #1 reason for the introduction of swirls to your vehicle! The sad reality is, nearly every car out there has swirls because the techniques needed to maintain a swirl free finish are not widely known or talked about by the everyday detailing enthusiast. For years I "detailed" my car in ways that I thought was perfect... until I learned otherwise. Now I cringe at the thought of washing a car using my old methods.
The good news? Your paint can be saved with a paint correction by a professional detailer armed the right tools and knowledge. If you combine this with your knowledge of maintaining a swirl free, glossy finish -- you will be left with a car looking better than ever and moving forward it can stay that way!
OK, enough rambling.. Onto the Three Bucket Wash method which is something I learned from one of the best detailers in the world, Mike Phillips with Autogeek.net. The three bucket method involves the following materials...
All this can be purchased online at autogeek.net (or through me to avoid shipping costs) for the total price of just under $45.
The main reason to use the three bucket wash method is to ensure that you do not inflict damage into the paint's clear-coat finish. Improper washing is the #1 reason for the introduction of swirls to your vehicle! The sad reality is, nearly every car out there has swirls because the techniques needed to maintain a swirl free finish are not widely known or talked about by the everyday detailing enthusiast. For years I "detailed" my car in ways that I thought was perfect... until I learned otherwise. Now I cringe at the thought of washing a car using my old methods.
The good news? Your paint can be saved with a paint correction by a professional detailer armed the right tools and knowledge. If you combine this with your knowledge of maintaining a swirl free, glossy finish -- you will be left with a car looking better than ever and moving forward it can stay that way!
OK, enough rambling.. Onto the Three Bucket Wash method which is something I learned from one of the best detailers in the world, Mike Phillips with Autogeek.net. The three bucket method involves the following materials...
- Three 5 gallon paint buckets
- 2-5 grit guards (the more the merrier, but two will suffice)
- Quality wash mitt(s)
- Daytona Speed Master Pro Brush
All this can be purchased online at autogeek.net (or through me to avoid shipping costs) for the total price of just under $45.
STEp #1
The first step to washing the car is to gather all the materials needed for the wash process. You should fill up your three 5 gallon buckets with water (more on that soon to come), get your brushes and mitt(s) ready, and get the hose. You start by rinsing the loose debris and dirt from the car with a presoak of just water over the entire car. A few tips...
- Never work too large of an area at one time (keep it to one panel at at time and then rinse)
- Use your grit guards to agitate your mitt after each panel worked
- GENTLY glide your mitt over the paint, no need to be aggressive here at all! If ONE to TWO gentle wipes does not get rid of the dirt, you will need to change your course of action to safely remove the spot.
- Always wash in a straight line (NEVER DO THE WASH ON WASH OFF CIRCLES!!) Imagine the commercials with the car in the wind tunnel and you can see the movement of the wind blowing over the car. You want your mitt to move in the same direction as this wind blows over your car
- Never wash your car in direct/hot sunlight. Mornings and evenings are the best
step #2
I bet you were wondering what the three bucket were for, huh? Each bucket will have an intended job and will only be used for that job. One bucket is for the car soap and clean wash mitt(s), one bucket is for you to rinse your mitt off in, and the third bucket is for you to rinse your wheel and tire brushes out in.
Take your wash mitt from the clean soapy bucket and gently glide it across the panel. You want to wash the car from top down with the roof, and ending with the trunk of the vehicle. After you have washed the panel, take your mitt and agitate it against the grit guard in your rinse bucket.
- You never want to use your wheel bucket for your paint in a later wash. This will cause damage to your paint!
- Measure 2 and 3 gallons on one bucket, mark it with a permanent marker for your car wash soap bucket
- Label your buckets so you don't accidentally mix them up!
Take your wash mitt from the clean soapy bucket and gently glide it across the panel. You want to wash the car from top down with the roof, and ending with the trunk of the vehicle. After you have washed the panel, take your mitt and agitate it against the grit guard in your rinse bucket.
step #3
Get your hose and spray off the freshly cleaned panel. Next, presoak the next panel with the hose. After that, repeat Steps #2 & #3 until you are finished with the whole car. I wash my cars in the following sequence...
- Roof
- Hood
- Passenger side (top to bottom) front
- Passenger side rear
- Driver side front
- Driver side rear
- Rear of car
Step #4
Rinse the car one more time with the hose to ensure that you removed any water-spots or remaining soap. Dry your car with a high quality towel and you are finished! Enjoy the clean, swirl free ride! Stay tuned for more articles!