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Caring for your car is different in UAE than in most other places. With high temperatures during the days, low temperatures during the nights and the occasional dust storms – it is imperative that cars get more care. There is a need to know the importance to wash a car without scratching it while removing the dust and cleaning it.

UAE can experience up to 10 sandstorms a year, mainly during the summer. Since the 17th of April 2018, UAE has been experiencing strong rainy, hazy and dusty weather. Poor visibility and plenty of dust during these storms cause difficulties in driving. These kinds of shamals can last days. It is the aftermath of these sandstorms that make most people suffer, owing to the cleaning up process. Questions that run through most people’s heads go from – Will my car be okay? How will it affect the engine? What about the exterior? How to remove dust from car without scratching?





Here’s all you need to know about the best way to wash a car without scratching:

While washing your car, bear in mind that darker colors will show dust and swirls more than lighter colored cars. Two primary methods will help you clean your car without scratching it. These are the Bucket Car Wash Method and the Touchless Car Wash Method.

The best DIY method to wash your car without scratching is the bucket car wash method. If your car is very dusty and soiled, you might need to consider the first method of cleaning that, as the name suggests, it involves two to three buckets of water, one with the soap solution, the other to hold the rinse water from the cleaning cloth used, and the third can hold the conditioning shampoo mixed with the water. This keeps the dirt away from the cloth that is used in cleaning the vehicle.

The latter is advisable if you’re not running on a tight budget and willing to spend on car cleaning tools like the pressure washer and air dryer that would do the cleaning job without putting a scratch on the car surface and without requiring you to touch the surface of the vehicle.

Following the methods mentioned as follows, you will be able to know how to wash a black car without scratching it.

Working condition of the car:

Give your car a once-over often and your car will be in perfect condition!

Under the hood In a hot and dry place, the first thing to do is make sure that everything under the hood is in perfect working condition. Since there are sandstorms every year, it is best to make sure everything under the hood is clean and free of dust. Regular servicing can make sure that your car is in top condition. Get regular professional help to make sure your car isn’t affected by sand getting into all the crevices of your car. To make this easy for you, Check out the top car service centers in Dubai and learn more about choosing the best car wash service. Tire checks Make sure your tires are fine, and that the tread isn’t worn out. This is to keep your car running smoothly in all terrains and conditions. Windshield checks Before you proceed to clean your car, always make sure the windshield doesn’t have major scratches or any cracks. This could prove to be problematic while driving if ignored. Car fluid levels Brake fluid, radiator fluid, wiper fluid, etc. all these need to be monitored. It is important to go through these checks no matter whether you’ve driven through a sandstorm or not. Radiator check Any obstructions in the radiator can cause the car to overheat. This needs to be checked regularly. AC Vents The vents need to be checked often. Especially in arid places like UAE, there is a high possibility of dust collection as well as other tiny particles. We need to properly know how to remove dust from car ac vents while there might be dust present inside. The dust particles need to be removed from the AC vents to prevent poisoning the air. These checks are mandatory whether your car has been through a sandstorm or not. They help keep the car running smoothly all year round. It is also advisable to keep a close watch on your servicing schedule. Get your car serviced by professionals regularly to avoid any major issues.

Will wiping dust off a car scratch it?

Wiping the dust off the car will scratch it when you don’t use the recommended cloth and solution for cleaning the car.

The dust gets attached to the cleaning cloth and hence can cause scratches while you wipe the material on your car surface in regular motions. This cause gets eliminated when you follow the bucket washing systems which keeps the dirt off the cleaning material (soaked in soap) that is used thoroughly on the surface.

How do I stop swirl marks when I wash my car?

You can stop swirl marks when washing your car by following the correct methods and using the right car wash products only.

Use the suitable car wash technique, following the proper drying and cleaning routine and use the right products to avoid damages like scratches or swirl marks on the car’s surfaces. You can clear the damage done by using a clay bar to remove the blemishes from the swirl marks.

Do automatic car washes scratch your car?

Automatic car washes will not scratch your car when they follow the proper technique, correct brushes and cleaning materials in the auto process.

Often the wrong approach with a home car wash technique, or using incorrect materials in the process causes damage in the form of scratches and paint lustre loss. Techniques like the auto car wash and touchless methods are highly recommended when you don’t trust yourself with the DIY approach to wash your vehicle.

What can I use to wash my car at home?

To wash a car at home, you need the following:

2-3 buckets of water

Soft conditioning shampoo

Acid-free spray wheel cleaner

Long-handled brush

A water hose and nozzle

Clay, waxes and paint polishes

Sponge and a microfiber washcloth (fabric-friendly for interiors)

Take note never to avoid direct sunlight while cleaning the car and never to wash a car while it’s running hot, as it may cause severe damage to the car parts, thus cleaning it always when in the shade.

Cleaning the interiors of the car:

Go through the step-by-step process on how to clean your car interiors and feel great every time you step into it!

Cleaning out the clutter Anything you can see on the floor of the car, in the compartments, on the doors, and inside the pouch on the back of the seats, pick up and toss out if not needed. Empty bottles, used tissue paper, spilled dry food and more have a way of piling up even in the cleanest of cars. Make sure you get rid of this clutter before you start the real cleaning process. Cleaning the AC vents Using a small foam brush you can clean the vents of particles of dust and dirt. This will make sure you are breathing clean air when the AC is turned on. Use a vacuum cleaner to collect the dust as you clean the AC vents so that the dust doesn’t get everywhere else. Use a germicide to clean the vents to further safeguard yourself. Get the filters and AC coolant checked regularly to make sure your AC is in perfect condition. That will also help to can get rid of ac odors. Cleaning the dashboard Here’s how to clean car dashboard – Using a brush, dust off the front of the car – from the dashboard to the steering wheel, the speedometer, the music system, the gear and dials, and knobs. Vacuum up the dust as you’re brushing it off. Use a damp cloth or germicide to clean the spots you have dusted off. Cleaning the seats Generally, the seats have a way of getting a lot of dirt spilled on themselves! So first vacuum the folds of the seats, then the rest of the seats. After vacuuming them, if you find that the smallest of dirt particles are embedded within the texture of your seat upholstery, you can use a toothbrush dipped in soapy water to clean it up. Be gentle enough to avoid destroying the upholstery, though. If you’ve got a pet, use a foam roller to get rid of any fur or hair that could be on the seats. Cleaning the floor of the car Pull out the floor mats, and dust them first. Wash the mats out thoroughly and let them dry whilst you clean the rest of the car. Vacuum the floor of the car thoroughly, to get out any particles of dust or small bits of trash off the car. Scrub out any sticky or greasy spots on the floor of the car. Polishing the dashboard Use a pea-sized dollop of wax on a cloth to shine up the leather on your dashboard. It will make sure your car sparkles from inside out! You can also use the residual wax or oil to shine up the steering wheel. Make sure to use as little as possible, since the steering wheel could end up slippery. Minimal wax or oil with maximum elbow grease is the best way to go about this. Cleaning the windshields Using a glass cleaning formula, clean the inside of your windshields thoroughly. You can use a small bit of newspaper to finish up. This can keep the glass sparkling clean, while also aiding visibility. Window Cleaning Clean the inside of the windows just like you would clean the windshield. Don’t forget to roll your windows down and clean the top of the glass. A lot of grime and dirt can get collected there. Make sure to clean the glass without scratching it. You can also clean the groove into which the glass is rolled up with a small toothbrush or foam brush. Freshening the air Use a natural air freshener to keep your car smelling like a daisy! Avoid air fresheners with too many chemicals. Instead, opt for an organic or natural formula made from all-natural ingredients. Again this will be a great way to get rid of ac odors and keep your car smelling like your favorite flower or fruit. Always air out the car after you clean the interiors. This helps get rid of the smells of all the cleaning products you’ve used. Wait about 15-20 minutes before proceeding to the exterior of the car. Once your floor mats are nice and dry, return them to their places and ensure they fit perfectly. Keep a track of which floor mat goes where, since they are all cut in different shapes to fit all the grooves. You can also check our tips on how to wash a car – Do’s and Don’t.

Cleaning the exterior of the car:

With dust and sand being made up of small particles of stones, as well as individual grains, it is best to go through the following process while cleaning your car. If you follow the list, you will know the best way to wash a car without scratching it.

Items you will require to clean the exterior:

Cleanser – car cleansing formula, mild soap, baby shampoo

Glass cleaner

Buckets/Mugs and/or a hosepipe

Sponge

Soft cotton cloth (like a cheesecloth)

Car Wax

Power buffing tool (Optional)