Since I started taking care of my car I have heard the reference, ‘pamper your paint.’  I remember that phrase uttered many times on many different platforms.  That is not an accident.  But I wonder how many people who claim to struggle so much with swirls and scratches, really think about what that phrase means.  Do you really meditate on this, or look at it as hallmark moment for car care people?  Above all things concerning products, it starts with your mindset.  All things car care, but especially when it comes to caring for your paint (wash), you have to get over the mentality of you JUST/ONLY cleaning a car.  I have seen bare minimum extreme micro steps to being careful, from people saying they are trying to be careful.  Those same people who do 1 or 2 of the 4, 5, and 6 things commonly recommended, are also the ones asking the question why do the swirls keep coming back.  You know the answer!

Take a person who never eats healthy food or exercise.  This person decides to eat one healthy meal per month and goes to the gym 2 times a month.  Are you surprised this person is not looking and feeling healthier!  What you just envisioned is comparable to what I think of when people ask me, “why do the swirls keep coming back.”  There are so many people who boast that the swirls and scratches will always come back, while only doing a couple of the recommended 10 suggestions to keep their car looking.

I am not saying realistically there may not be some light marring or swirls that accumulate gradually over time.  Dealing with those problems is more challenging.  But there is no reason, if someone is sincere about car care, to see the aesthetic condition deteriorate the way I normally see.

Seriously Take Your Time!

Let us start with not getting in a race to finish your car.  Just set more time aside.  Those quality sealants and ceramic coatings you invest your energy and resources into, will naturally reduce the frequency of and time it takes to wash your car.  Notice I did not say avoid washing.  The urgency due to less dirt accumulation may lead to you waiting a few more days to wash your car, not weeks or months.

Stop Scrubbing Your Paint

It should go without saying you should minimize putting pressure on your wash mitt or other microfiber towels.  If you have your car (protected) especially a REAL ceramic coating, I see no reason to lead with doing anything that has ANY pressure.  Even on naked paint or even unprotected paint that will get polished, I do not start with washing with pressure.  The mitt should glide on the surface.

There are and have been way too many resources available in the detailing industry to wash away stubborn stuck on material on a regular basis.  In today’s time, especially with videos from reputable sources and resources from this site, why are you trying to unproductively scrub bugs, bird feces, water spots, and tar deposits off your car?  There are quality products dedicated to all of those issues.

Observe And Pamper What Touches Your Paint

How do you store your microfiber towels and wash mitts?  How do you wash them and what is your drying process?  Do you inspect your towels and mitts for foreign objects before use?  Do you inspect your towels while using them?  How you answer ANY of those questions will provide clarity why the damage to your paint returns.  Microfiber towels and mitts require special care just like your paint.  They need to be washed and dried carefully.  Because they are absorbent, they will collect dust if left out in the open and hold on to any debris it touches.  This is what touches your paint.