Don't let random passersby deface your ride with “Wash Me" scrawled in windshield dirt. Instead, avoid the old “drive of shame" and give it a good old-fashioned scrub down with an apartment car wash.
Even if your apartment doesn't have a car wash station on its list of amenities, that doesn't mean you can't still DIY this wet and wild chore. It just takes a few supplies and a little bit of strategy to get the job done.
Sure, you could drive somewhere for a car wash, but where's the fun in that? Hand-washing a car is a great workout and an even better way to cool down in the summer months. Just follow these easy tips for an apartment car wash and you'll soon have the ultimate clean car. Bonus points if you detail the inside, too!
The water's going to have to come from somewhere, right? Even if you know where the spigot is already, it's probably smart to check with management to make sure you can use it. Who knows? Maybe they'll even spot you a hose for the job! If not, pick up an expandable hose at the local hardware store. Those are easier to store than the old-school variety.
A waterless car wash product is a solid option for cars that aren't filthy to start off with. So, if you've just gone muddin', skip ahead. These products are not for you. Waterless car wash is available in concentrated form (so you have to dilute it), or ready-to-use. Some even have built-in wax! To use, simply spray the product on and wipe it off with a soft towel. When the towel section gets dirty, use a different part.
Split the difference between waterless and a full wash by using a no-rinse product, like Optimum No Rinse. This three-in-one product functions as a rinseless wash, as well as a detailer and a lubricant. Just add the recommended amount to one or two gallons of water, then apply with a wash mitt or microfiber towel.
The wheels are not the same as the rest of the vehicle, so don't treat them like they are. Clean them first because they're the dirtiest parts of the car.
Spray with a good hose to dislodge dirt from crevices. Use a tire-specific cleaner and a towel/mitt to scrub it down. Don't use that towel on the rest of the car because it's likely pretty gross.
The waterless car wash product community is booming. There are waterless wipes already primed with cleaners available for purchase. Pick up a pack each for general washing, tire and trim and wax, if you want to go full-out.
Here's another idea on the waterless front. If you want to avoid the hassle of a spigot and hose (or don't have access to one), purchase a small pump sprayer. Such a device helps evenly apply a coat of waterless cleaner. Then, you just clean as normal with a mitt or microfiber towel. It can also rinse the car off with plain water (fill it up inside first), but the water pressure isn't as good as the average hose.
If you can't do a full wash apartment car wash at your complex or just don't have time, use a California Duster to quickly get rid of dirt and dust and bring back the shine. This tool will buy you more time between washes, and is usable during full washes, as well.
Sometimes dried up, dead bugs just don't want to come off. Without the power of a professional car wash it is extra challenging. Before you start washing, use old dryer sheets to wipe bugs off. Then wash as normal.
No need to buy a pricey product to put the finishing touches on your headlights. Squirt some toothpaste on a rag and polish up those headlights until they shine.
For the final, streak-free rinse, opt for a green cleaner. Wash the car as normal. Then rinse the soap residue with a hose. Mix three parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle and spray the car. Then wipe down with a newspaper for a shiny, squeaky clean finish.
Specific techniques aside, there are some general things to consider when doing an apartment car wash. Minding these suggestions make the whole process easier, not to mention more effective and enjoyable.
Other than these tips, use your common sense. If all goes well the first-time management is more likely to let you keep doing car washes from the comfort of your apartment parking lot.
Each and every time you wash your car by hand you'll come up with ways to make an apartment car wash more efficient and easier. Eventually, you'll be a well-oiled machine for…well, your well-oiled machine.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.