How to wash a car with ceramic coating?

Washing a car with ceramic coating is a bit different than washing a non-coated car, as the coating provides a layer of protection that makes it easier for water, dirt, and grime to slide off the surface. However, you still need to take care to maintain the coating and ensure it stays intact. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash a ceramic-coated car properly:

1. Gather Your Supplies

To wash a ceramic-coated car, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Two-bucket wash system (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)

• Car wash soap (pH-balanced and gentle, avoid anything harsh or acidic)

• Microfiber wash mitts (preferably separate mitts for the body and wheels)

• Microfiber drying towels (preferably a large, thick towel or drying cloth)

• Pressure washer (optional, but highly recommended for pre-rinsing)

• Wheel cleaner (pH-balanced, especially for ceramic-coated wheels)

• Microfiber towels (for drying and final touches)

• Spray-on ceramic booster (optional, to refresh the hydrophobic properties)

2. Pre-Wash (Rinse Off Loose Contaminants)

• Pre-rinse the car thoroughly with a pressure washer (or garden hose with a nozzle) to remove as much loose dirt, dust, and debris as possible. Start from the top and work your way down.

  • This helps prevent scratching the surface during the wash by loosening larger particles first.

  • If you don’t have a pressure washer, just use a hose to rinse thoroughly.

• Use a foam cannon (optional but recommended): If you have a foam cannon, apply a thick layer of foam soap to the entire car. This is especially beneficial for ceramic-coated vehicles, as it helps break down dirt and contaminants, reducing the likelihood of scratching the coating during the wash process.

3. Wash Using the Two-Bucket Method

The two-bucket method helps minimize the risk of transferring dirt back onto the car.

• Bucket 1 (Soapy Water): Fill one bucket with clean water and add a pH-balanced car wash soap. The soap should be designed specifically for use on vehicles with ceramic coatings, but any gentle, pH-neutral car wash soap works well.

• Bucket 2 (Rinse Water): Fill the second bucket with clean water. This is used to rinse your wash mitt after each panel.

• Wash from top to bottom: Start with the roof, then move to the windows, hood, trunk, and sides. Always wash in straight lines (not in circles) to avoid swirl marks. The top of the car is usually the cleanest, so start there to avoid dragging dirt over other areas.

  • Rinse the mitt frequently in the rinse bucket, then re-dip it in the soapy water to wash the next section.

  • Work in small sections and avoid letting the soap dry on the car, especially in direct sunlight.

4. Clean the Wheels and Tires

• Use a separate wash mitt or sponge for the wheels, as they accumulate brake dust and grime that you don’t want to transfer to the paint.

• Apply a wheel cleaner that’s safe for ceramic coatings (avoid aggressive, acidic wheel cleaners that can damage the coating).

• Use a soft-bristled brush to clean around the rims and tires.

• Rinse the wheels thoroughly with water, and dry them with a microfiber towel.

5. Rinse the Car Thoroughly

After washing the entire vehicle, rinse off all the soap and foam. Again, starting from the top, use a pressure washer (or hose) to ensure all soap is removed.

• Pay special attention to areas like the door jambs, mirrors, and grills, where soap can get trapped.

6. Dry the Car

Drying is crucial to avoid water spots, which can damage the ceramic coating over time.

• Use a microfiber drying towel or a chamois to dry the car. Start at the top and work your way down.

  • Use a blotting motion rather than wiping, especially if the car is still wet, to avoid rubbing contaminants into the surface.

  • Consider using a car dryer or blower to blow off excess water from tight spots, like door handles, side mirrors, and crevices.

7. Optional: Refresh with a Ceramic Booster

If you want to enhance the hydrophobic properties of your ceramic coating after the wash, you can use a ceramic booster spray.

• Spray a thin layer of the ceramic booster onto the wet surface (some products are applied directly to wet paint, while others require the surface to be dry).

• Buff it in with a clean microfiber towel to spread the product evenly and bring back the water-repelling qualities of the coating.

• This is optional but helps extend the life of the coating and maintain its performance.

8. Final Inspection

Once the car is dry, give it a quick inspection:

• Check for any remaining water spots, streaks, or missed areas.

• If needed, go over the car with a clean microfiber towel to remove any stubborn spots.

• Ensure the paint still has a glossy, smooth feel—this is a sign that the ceramic coating is intact and functioning properly.

Tips for Washing a Ceramic-Coated Car

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or waxes: Since ceramic coatings already provide protection, you don’t need to use aggressive cleaning products or additional waxes.

• Avoid automatic car washes: Many automatic car washes use harsh brushes that can damage your ceramic coating and cause swirl marks. Hand washing is always best.

• Don’t wash too often: While ceramic coatings make washing easier, avoid over-washing your car. Washing too frequently can cause wear on the coating.

• Regular maintenance: Regularly washing your car with the two-bucket method will help maintain the ceramic coating and keep the surface protected. You don’t have to go all-out every time, but keeping it clean will extend the coating’s effectiveness.

By following these steps and maintaining your ceramic coating properly, your car will continue to look great and stay protected for longer. Have you recently applied ceramic coating, or are you considering it? If you're thinking of applying it yourself, I can guide you through that process too!

Ceramic Coating Application Process