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Don't wash a hot car -

If your car has been under direct sunlight and it's hot, let it cool off. Washing the car while it's hot will make water evaporate faster, leaving water marks.

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Clean bird droppings -

These can be corrosive, and sometimes just washing them with soap won't cut it. You can remove these by applying WD-40 on the area, letting it sit for a minute, and then wiping it off.

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Remove windshield bugs -

If you're having trouble with your windshield wipers getting rid of dead bugs, then try Coca-Cola. Soak a rag with Coke and wash the windshield. Then rinse it with fresh water.

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Always use two buckets -

One filled with soapy water and another one for rinsing water. The latter should be refilled with clean water when it gets dirty.

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Rinse it before you wash it -

Don't apply soapy water directly onto the car before giving it a nice rinse with just water. This will help remove any dust and dirt before you start washing your car.

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Use the correct soap -

No, dish soap is not appropriate. It's just too harsh for your car paint. Buy a proper one from an auto shop.

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Don't use a sponge -

Sponges hold on to dirt particles that can scratch your car. Use a microfiber car wash mitt instead.

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Use a microfiber towel to dry your car -

Traditionally used chamois is not as effective in cleaning up any particles left after rinsing.

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Dry windows in two directions -

You can avoid streaks by drying the windows in different directions. Do the exterior in one direction and the interior in another (e.g. horizontal in one and vertical in another).

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Remove scratches before polishing -

Polishing won't necessarily remove any scratches. Do so using a scratch removal kit, before you polish your car.

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Treat plastics before waxing -

Make sure you treat your plastic trims before you wax and polish your car. Wax can stain these plastics, so apply a restoring product first, if you can, and avoid touching them when polishing.

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Apply synthetic wax -

This is the secret to making your car really shine. It will give it that ultra glossy look.

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Get rid of wax haze the right way -

Again, the microfiber towel is your friend. Use circular motions to wipe off the wax.

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Use a dual-action polisher -

This is often mistaken for a high-speed buffer, but this is a different tool. Unlike the buffers, these run at lower speeds and oscillate as they rotate.

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Avoid fingerprints on the paintwork -

A great way to check for dirt or abrasion in your car paint after it has been cleaned and waxed is to simply do it with your hand inside a plastic bag.

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Top to bottom -

You should always start by cleaning the top and then move to the bottom. The dash first, then the seats, until you finally get to the carpet.

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Brush and vacuum -

Use a brush to remove dust and dirt from all the places that are hard to reach on your dash and console. The trick is to use a vacuum cleaner at the same time: you vacuum as you brush.

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Brush and vacuum -

Just vacuuming a carpet is not enough to clean it. You should scrub it with a stiff brush first.

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Get rid of pet fur -

Here's a hack for you: use a balloon. Yes, just rub it to create static electricity. This will help lift away pet fur.

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Static electricity -

Okay, you might not have a balloon at hand. But you can achieve similar results with a latex glove.

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Don't use silicone-based sprays on your dash -

These will leave a glossy film that will attract even more dust! Instead, apply a non-silicone matte finish protectant.

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Deodorize your vents -

The best way to do this is by using compressed air. Just blow some into your vents to get rid of any dirt.

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Clean the cracks of the seats -

Sprinkle the area with a bit of baking soda and water, and clean it with an old toothbrush. This will work great for crumbs or even dried-on liquids.

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Don't forget the top of the windows -

These are sometimes overlooked when we clean our windows, but these can accumulate dirt and grease over time.

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Lubricate door seals -

These come lubricated when new, so they won't get dry and stick to the doors. But the lubricant tends to be wiped away when we clean our cars. A fix is to apply silicone spray on a rag and wipe the seals.

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Clean glass last when cleaning the interior -

Save window cleaning for last. Otherwise any other products you apply on your dash, for instance, might get it dirty.

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Leave your tires for last when cleaning the exterior -

The products that make tires shiny usually contain silicone, and you don't want to risk getting to the paint before waxing.

See also: All you need to know about alloy wheels

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