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Car Wash - The 2-Bucket Technique (tutorial)
The 2-bucket technique?
Washing is the second step of a complete detailing. It comes after the pre-wash with a Foam Lance or Foam Gun. It can also be the first step if the vehicle is not too dirty.
The technique to absolutely adopt in order to wash your vehicle properly is the "2-bucket technique". As its name suggests, it requires two buckets: the first dedicated to our soapy shampoo solution and the other for rinsing our mitt. Always rinse your mitt in the rinsing water after each washed panel, rubbing it well against the grid at the bottom. Then, dip the mitt back into the soapy water.
The grid called a "grit guard" is essential in order to rid your mitt of impurities and to keep the residue at the bottom of the bucket.
Move your mitt in straight lines without applying pressure. Indeed, the lubricating film created by the shampoo will tend to slide dirt into your mitt. Avoid circular movements which encourage micro-scratches.
Finally, it is essential to clean your vehicle from top to bottom and finish with the lower panels and bumpers.
Warning: Always wash your vehicle in the shade to prevent the shampoo from drying too quickly on the surface and thus avoid dried water marks on the surface of the clear coat.
What do you need?
-> Find all the accessories needed for the 2-bucket technique.
More than in any other step of a restoration, the choice of your equipment is very important.
- 2 buckets
- 2 grit guards
- 2 wash mitts
- 1 shampoo
- 2 drying microfiber cloths (or 1 for a small car)
It is important to clean panel by panel and not all at once. This allows you to create as few defects as possible, by placing your mitt in the rinsing bucket as often as possible. In this way, the wash bucket with the shampoo will always remain clean, while your rinsing bucket will gradually become loaded with dirt and contamination.
Which mitt(s) to use?
There is a wide range of wash mitts on the market: natural, synthetic, "chenille" type, with or without thumb pocket, synthetic sponge or even microfiber...
The most important thing is to use 2 wash mitts.
- 1 for the lower panels and rims (the dirtiest areas)
- 1 for the rest of the bodywork.
It can be easy to get lost. The most important thing is to use equipment that suits you and with which you are comfortable.
Synthetic chenille-type mitt
- Example: Elite Deluxe Super Premium Chenille Wash Mitt, Chemical Guys
Synthetic microfiber/cotton-type mitt
- Example: Thick Microfiber Washmitt, Chemical Guys
Microfiber sponge
- Example: Basics Wash Pad, Dodo Juice
Natural mitt (sheep or lamb wool) => excellent quality.
- Example: Cquartz Wool Wash Mitt, Carpro
How to dry your car after washing?
As explained above, once washed and rinsed, the vehicle must be dried without delay (even more so if washing is done in the sun). This prevents water from penetrating the clear coat (beware of very hard water) and the appearance of so-called "waterspots".
There are several solutions for drying your car. The most common is to use a drying microfiber cloth. Ideally you should have 2, especially for larger vehicles. The second allows you to do the finishing touches very easily.
Alternatives to the drying microfiber cloth: Air Dryer, Métrovac. Metrovac products allow you to dry a vehicle without contact, without creating any defects.
Tips: How to avoid water marks?
Spray a little quick detailer on the microfiber cloth or directly on the bodywork for a perfect wipe.