January 9, 2024

Understanding the Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning a Ceramic Coated Vehicle

Ceramic coating has become a popular choice for car owners who want to protect their investment and keep their vehicle looking pristine. This protective coating forms a strong bond with the surface of your car, creating a barrier against UV rays, chemicals, and scratches. However, cleaning a ceramic coated vehicle requires special attention to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the coating. In this section, we will discuss the do’s and don’ts of cleaning a ceramic coated vehicle.

DO: Use pH Neutral Products

When it comes to cleaning your ceramic coated vehicle, using pH neutral products is essential. These products are specifically designed for use on ceramic coatings and will not damage or degrade its protective properties. Avoid harsh detergents or acidic cleaners as they can strip away the coating from your car’s surface.

DON’T: Use Abrasive Materials

Abrasive materials such as rough sponges or towels can create micro-scratches on the surface of your ceramic coated vehicle. These tiny scratches may not be visible at first but can accumulate over time and affect the overall appearance of your car. Instead, opt for soft microfiber cloths or wash mitts that are gentle on the coating while effectively removing dirt and grime.

DO: Wash Your Vehicle Regularly

Regular washing is crucial in maintaining a ceramic coated vehicle’s shine and protecting it from environmental contaminants. The coating acts as a hydrophobic barrier by repelling water and dirt; however, regular washing will remove any build-up before it has a chance to bond and damage the coating.

DON’T: Let Water Dry on the Surface

Leaving water to dry on the surface of your ceramic coated vehicle can cause water spots. These spots are caused by minerals in the water that are left behind as the water evaporates. To prevent this, use a clean microfiber towel to dry your car after washing it.

DO: Use Recommended Products

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to cleaning a ceramic coated vehicle. They will often recommend specific products that are safe and effective for use on their coatings. Using other products or harsh chemicals may void any warranty you have on your ceramic coating.

DON’T: Wash Your Car in Direct Sunlight

Washing your car in direct sunlight can cause soap suds to dry too quickly, leaving behind residue that can lead to streaks on your vehicle’s surface. It can also make it challenging to see if you have completely rinsed off all the soap, leading to potential damage to your coating.

DO: Dry With a Blower or Air Cannon

Using a blower or air cannon is an effective way to dry your ceramic coated vehicle without causing any scratches or streaks. This method also helps remove any remaining water droplets from hard-to-re ach areas, such as door handles and side mirrors.

DON’T: Use Automatic Car Washes

Automatic car washes may seem convenient, but they can be harmful to a ceramic coated vehicle. The bristles and brushes used in these washes can create scratches on the surface of your car, damaging the coating. It is best to hand wash your ceramic coated vehicle or use touchless car washes.

By following these do’s and don’ts of cleaning a ceramic coated vehicle, you can maintain its shine and protective properties for years to come. Remember to use pH neutral products, avoid abrasive materials, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.

Using The Correct Washing Technique

Proper washing technique is essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of a ceramic coated vehicle. While it may seem like a simple task, there are certain dos and don’ts that should be followed to ensure the best results.

Start with the right tools: Before beginning the washing process, make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand. This includes a bucket, high-quality car soap, microfiber wash mitt or sponge, and a hose with a nozzle attachment for rinsing. Avoid using dish soap or household cleaners as they can damage the ceramic coating.

Rinse off loose dirt and debris: Before applying any soap or cleaning products to your vehicle, give it a thorough rinse with water. This will help remove any loose dirt or debris that could potentially scratch the surface during washing.

Use proper techniques for washing: When washing your ceramic coated vehicle, it’s important to use gentle techniques that won’t damage the coating. Wash with the 2 bucket technique by filling one bucket with clean water and another with soapy water. Dip the wash mitt or sponge into the soapy water and start washing from top to bottom, rinsing off any dirt or debris in the clean water bucket before repeating. This helps prevent scratching the surface of your vehicle with any trapped particles. Wash and rinse one panel at a time. Start from the top of the vehicle and work your way down in sections to prevent dirty water from running onto areas that have already been cleaned. Use a back-and-forth motion rather than circular motions to avoid creating swirl marks.

Use pH-neutral car soap: It’s crucial to use a pH-neutral car soap when cleaning your ceramic coated vehicle. Soaps with high pH levels can strip away protective layers of the coating, leaving it vulnerable to damage and reducing its lifespan.

Install grit guards in buckets: Grit guards are small inserts placed at the bottom of a wash bucket to trap dirt and debris, preventing them from being transferred to your wash mitt or sponge. This helps prevent scratches and damage to your ceramic coating.

Use a separate wash mitt or sponge for wheels: It’s best to use a separate wash mitt or sponge for cleaning your wheels and tires as they can accumulate large amounts of dirt and debris that could scratch the surface of your vehicle.

Rinse frequently: Frequent rinsing is necessary when washing a ceramic coated vehicle. This will help remove any excess soap and prevent it from drying on the surface, which can leave unsightly streaks behind.

Dry with a microfiber towel: Once you have finished washing your vehicle, use a clean microfiber towel to dry it off. Avoid using regular towels or chamois as they can also cause scratches on the coating.

Avoid car washes with harsh chemicals: While it may be tempting to take your ceramic coated vehicle through an automated car wash for convenience, it’s best to avoid them altogether. These types of car washes often use harsh chemicals and materials that can damage the coating.

Maintain regular maintenance washes: To keep your ceramic coating in top condition, it’s recommended to regularly wash your vehicle every 1-2 weeks. This will help remove any contaminants or dirt that could potentially damage the coating over time.

Following these proper washing techniques will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your ceramic coated vehicle. Remember to always use gentle products and techniques to avoid damaging the coating, and maintain regular maintenance washes for best results.

Choosing the Right Soap and Shampoo

Ceramic coating is a great investment to protect and maintain the shine of your vehicle. However, it is equally important to choose the right soap and shampoo when cleaning your ceramic coated car. The wrong products can damage the coating and reduce its effectiveness. In this section, we will discuss some dos and don’ts of choosing soap and shampoo for washing a ceramic coated vehicle.

Dos:

Look for pH Neutral Soaps: When it comes to cleaning a ceramic coated car, pH neutral soaps are highly recommended. These soaps have a balanced pH level that is neither acidic nor alkaline. This makes them gentle on the coating while effectively removing dirt and grime from the surface.

Opt for Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Sulphates are harsh chemicals commonly found in shampoos that create lather but can strip away protective coatings like ceramic coating. Therefore, it is important to choose sulphate-free shampoos when washing your ceramic coated vehicle.

Use Microfiber Wash Mitt or Sponge: Instead of using regular sponges or towels, opt for a microfiber wash mitt or sponge when cleaning your car with soap or shampoo. These are soft and gentle on the surface while being effective at removing dirt without causing any scratches.

Dilute Concentrated Soaps: Many car soaps come in concentrated form which needs to be diluted before use. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to dilute them properly as using concentrated solutions can damage the coating.

Don’ts:

Avoid Dish Soap: Dish soap is a common household cleaning product, but it should never be used to wash a ceramic coated car. It is highly alkaline and can strip away the protective coating, leaving your car vulnerable to damage.

Stay Away from Abrasive Products: Products that contain abrasive materials like harsh chemicals, bleach, or acids should be avoided at all costs when cleaning a ceramic coated vehicle. These can cause scratches and dull the shine of the coating.

Don’t Use Any Old Towel or Cloth: When drying your car after washing, avoid using any old towel or cloth lying around. These can have dirt particles that can cause scratches on the surface of the ceramic coating.

In conclusion, using pH neutral soaps, sulphate-free shampoos, microfiber wash mitts or sponges, diluting concentrated solutions, and avoiding dish soap, abrasive products, old towels or cloths, and high-pressure water are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when choosing soap and shampoo for washing a ceramic coated car. Following these tips will help maintain the shine and protection of your ceramic coating for years to come.

Maintaining the Hydrophobic Properties of the Coating

After investing in a ceramic coating for your vehicle, it is important to properly maintain its hydrophobic properties. This will not only keep your car looking shiny and clean but also ensure that the coating lasts as long as possible. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you maintain the hydrophobic properties of your ceramic coated vehicle.