How To Properly Wash & Maintain A Ceramic Coated Vehicle

Properly maintaining a ceramic-coated vehicle is essential to preserving the protective layer and ensuring its longevity. A ceramic coating shields your vehicle's surface from environmental contaminants, enhances gloss, and simplifies cleaning. However, improper maintenance can diminish these benefits. This guide will help you learn how to properly clean and care for your ceramic-coated vehicle, with product recommendations and step-by-step instructions to ensure optimal results.

Step 1: Start with the Wheels

The wheels are often the dirtiest part of your car, so cleaning them first prevents backsplash onto freshly cleaned surfaces. For optimal results, consider the following products:

• Hydrosilex Wheel Cleaner: Features a built-in iron remover to tackle heavy brake dust. Its alkaline-based formula is safe for most wheels (except carbon ceramic cause of the iron remover) and provides excellent lubricity, minimizing the risk of scratching.
• Koch Chemie Awh: An ammonia-based, alkaline cleaner ideal for a touchless cleaning solution. It effectively cleans wheels and tires simultaneously but requires dilution for best results.
• 3D Wheel & Tire Cleaner: A ready-to-use option for those who prefer to skip dilution. This product efficiently cleans both tires and wheels in one step.

Spray the chosen cleaner onto the wheels and tires, let it dwell for 2-3 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. 

Step 2: Pre-Wash the Vehicle

A pre-wash removes loose dirt and contaminants, reducing the risk of scratches during contact washing. Use a foam cannon or a sprayer to apply a high-pH alkaline soap, such as:

• Koch Chemie Af Active Foam: A high-alkaline option that provides superior lubricants and additives for breaking down dirt and grime, making it ideal for those seeking premium performance.
• P&S Frostbite: A budget-friendly high-alkaline alternative that still effectively breaks down grime while being a more cost-effective choice.

If a foam cannon isn’t available, opt for a rinseless wash solution like P&S Absolute Rinseless Wash or Koch Chemie Rrw Rinseless Wash. Follow these steps:

• Mix the soap or rinseless wash according to the recommended dilution ratio.
• Spray the solution onto the vehicle, allowing it to dwell for 2-3 minutes. Avoid letting it dry on the surface.
• For stubborn dirt, repeat the process with either the high-alkaline soap or the rinseless wash to ensure complete removal before rinsing thoroughly.

Step 3: Perform a Two-Bucket Wash

For contact washing, use the two-bucket method to minimize scratches. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Soap Bucket: Fill halfway with water and add a ceramic soap, such as Hydrosilex Ceramic Soap, which contains SiO₂ to rejuvenate the coating. 
• Rinse Bucket: Fill with clean water and add a grit guard to trap dirt particles.
• Two Wash Mitts: Use one for the top half of the vehicle and another for the bottom half to prevent cross-contamination.

Start washing from the top of the vehicle and work your way down, rinsing the mitt frequently in the rinse bucket to remove trapped dirt. This method ensures a scratch-free finish while maintaining the coating’s integrity.

Step 4: Dry the Vehicle

To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a leaf blower or a dedicated heated dryer like the MaxShine Mini Handheld Dryer. Follow up with a microfiber drying towel, such as the Autofiber Motherfuffer, which offers superior absorption thanks to its 75/25 blend.

Step 5: Apply a Maintenance Ceramic Sealant

For enhanced protection, use a ceramic sealant spray every 2-6 months. While ceramic soaps provide ongoing rejuvenation, sealants like Hydrosilex Recharge or Hydrosilex Recharge Offroad add an extra layer of durability. Simply spray lightly onto the surface, wipe off with a microfiber towel, and buff for a streak-free finish.

Step 6: Use a Quick Detail Spray

For spot cleaning or enhancing gloss between washes, use a ceramic quick detail spray. Recommended options include Hydrosilex Ceramic Waterless Wash or Gyeon Ceramic Detailer for a sleek, polished look.

Conclusion

By following this maintenance routine, you can extend the life of your ceramic coating while keeping your car looking its best. Using the right products and techniques minimizes damage and preserves the coating’s hydrophobic and protective properties. For questions or additional tips, visit Detailing World Memphis or email us at detailingworldmemphis@gmail.com.