Washing should be fun and therapeutic but still use some common sense.  Put in the appropriate effort mandated for your expectations and you will love the results. This is a follow up to my article published in 2023, Pollen and Safe Washing Habits.

Look Up.  Seriously, look above where you are washing your car.  You need to be mindful of your environment and the debris (whether noticeable or barely visible) that drops to the surface in moments.

In general, be mindful of your environment. Before you wash your car, ask yourself how dirty it is. What is the severity of the condition?  Usually what you think, in practical terms of safe washing, is worse than your perception.  Critically think your approach.  Is your car caked in grime?  Even if your car does not appear to be dirty or that dirty, have you gone a long time since washing it?  If so, you are going to have to increase your focus while carefully washing your car.  That recommended foam and pre-rinse step is now absolutely necessary.  Whenever I am using a hose, I am thoroughly pre-rinsing.  Your wash mitt is going to need to see the rinse bucket (with grit guard) more frequently.  Do not underestimate the consequences of carelessly drying your car!

How are you storing your towels?  I am going to state the Elusive Obvious here.  Microfiber attracts dirt, grime, dust, etc.  Just like how your microfiber towels pull foreign substances from your car, it is a magnet that holds on to whatever dust or debris it touches where you store your car.  The microfiber that has been sitting on your wooden shelf in the garage for a week, is now just as dirty (if not more than) your car.  That is what you are rubbing back on your car.  I have observed many people’s storage methods, which they are often surprised to hear me state it is not good enough.  Some of these people are vandalizing their own car with fluffy towels.

How are you caring for your microfiber towels?  Just like when I wear my clothes, afterwards I consider my wash mitt and other microfiber towels dirty. I wash them appropriately following the steps in this P&S Rags to Riches review.

Last point.  As directly responsible as we need to be in regards to better protecting our paint, other people can be even more problematic.  It is important to have a conversation with the service manager every time about documenting the car does not touch a tunnel wash.  A similar sign to the below Hang Tag (ideally two) should also be noticeably left in your car without fail.  In addition be mindful, that there are few mechanic shops with staff members that care about your paint, from personal experience.  Put in the work to find the outliers.  When you find one, have a friendly but up front conversation with them about paint care.  Also do not be afraid to set boundaries with your friends/acquaintances.  They have needs and desires you honor.  It should go both ways.