How to Wash Your Car at a Self Service Car Wash?

Washing your car at a self service car wash is not always as simple as it might seem at first glance. Over the years, we at Getmancar have gathered a lot of tips and tricks to help you achieve a sparkling result.

For example, did you know that using two buckets (one for soapy water and one for clean water) can help prevent scratches on your paintwork? (assuming you use buckets to wash your car, of course). Or how important it is to dry your car thoroughly to avoid buildup?

In this article, we will break down the best way to wash a car and share only tried-and-true methods based on our experience — so your car will shine and please the eye!

How often should you wash your car?

There is no correct answer to this question, there are those who wash their car 1-2 times a year, who wash their car only when it gets dirty, and there are those who do it every day, but it is harmful to not wash your car for a long time, as well as to wash your car often.

If you do not wash your car, there is a chance that dirt will get stuck in the paint or the varnish will corrode on the car, then only a new paint job will help, the same thing happens with car wheels. If you wash your car too often, this also does not contribute to the durability of the varnish coating.

The best option is to wash your car only when it gets dirty, but not less than once a month. It is necessary to wash the car:

1. if there are bitumen residues
2. if there are mosquito residues, after the highway
3. in winter, since the roads are treated with a reagent, which then settles on the car and corrodes the varnish

If you often wash your car or live in conditions where the roads are constantly treated with a reagent, be sure to polish the car using hard wax 1-2 times a year.

Types of car washes

Cars are often washed:

1. independently, at home - it is great if you have chemicals, a high-pressure device and drains for chemicals, so as not to pollute the environment.
2. at car washes by car washers - this is common in countries where labor is relatively inexpensive. This is the best type of car wash by professionals, but in some countries it can be very expensive, for example, in Germany such a wash can cost 150 euros, and in Georgia, for example - only 10 euros.
3. at self-service car washes - we have already described the entire process. We will only add that washing here is not only a service, but also a ritual that car enthusiasts love very much.
4. at automatic car wash - it is very common in the European Union because it is cheap, but it is often criticized because it is the worst for your car's paintwork.

Preparing for the Car Wash

Preparation is a crucial step that will help you achieve the best result. Before you start using a self service car wash, you need to consider a few factors. Proper organization will save you time and make the process more efficient. Our experts recommend:

• First, choose the right time of day — early morning or evening in clear weather is best. This way, you’ll avoid the soap drying too quickly on the surface. Direct sunlight can leave streaks, so don’t rush.
• Second, check that the air temperature is between +5°C and +30°C. In cold weather, cleaning agents are less effective.
• Third, inspect your car: remove stones and other debris that could scratch the paint. And, of course, close all windows and sunroofs to prevent water from getting inside — this will protect your interior from moisture.

Many people wonder how to use self service car wash correctly. If you follow this guide, you’ll be able to prepare your vehicle and get the best possible result. In this article, we explain the main rules so you’ll know exactly how to wash your car properly.

When Is the Best Time to Wash Your Car

Choosing the right time to wash your car is important. How to wash your car at a self service car wash depends on both the time of day and the temperature. The best way to wash a car is early in the morning or late in the evening. Direct sunlight can ruin the result and leave streaks.

Temperature also plays a key role. At very low temperatures, water can freeze, making the process difficult and potentially damaging the paint. Ideally, choose a time when it’s warm outside and there’s no strong wind. If you follow these recommendations, you’ll easily master how to use a car wash effectively.

Many of these rules can be relaxed if you wash your car in a room that is room temperature and well lit.

Our specialists emphasize that every stage of the wash requires attention — from preparation to the actual cleaning. By following these simple tips, you’ll keep your car in perfect condition, protect it from damage, and extend its lifespan.

Using a Self Service Car Wash: Step-by-Step Guide

A self service car wash is a convenient way to keep your vehicle clean. Let’s break down self service car wash instructions and learn steps to washing a car properly.

1. Pre-Wash (Degreasing)

The first stage is the pre-wash. Here, it’s important to remove large dirt particles and sand. Approach the machine and select the “pre-wash” mode. Use the water jet to rinse off the main dirt. Pay special attention to areas where dirt builds up the most: wheel arches, lower body panels. Sometimes it’s worth using special degreasers. Always think about how to use manual car wash safely to avoid damaging your paint.

Also, often before this stage, it is possible and necessary to use the stage of “chemical treatment of the car body and wheels”. At regular car washes, car washers often resort to this procedure, spraying the car with a special agent, most often “Daymer”, which is diluted in a ratio of 1 to 30 for washing the car. Dymer enters into a chemical reaction with the dirt of the car and begins to decompose it. That is why, after its use and the beginning of the pre-wash process, the dirt, even settled, will be washed off even before treating the car with foam or soap solution. 

The applied dammer cannot be kept for a long time. You literally applied the agent (by spraying) to the car and immediately took a high-pressure device in your hands to wash off the dirt from the car and began to treat the car with water pressure. If you hold the dammer on the car longer, this can lead to corrosion of the varnish. 

Please note! That primary chemical treatment can be harmful to rubber (seals on doors, hood, windows...), chrome (grilles, chrome decor) on the car. That is why you should dilute the dimer in proportion and immediately wash it off with water pressure.

It is at the stage of primary rinsing that you should wash the most contaminated areas of the car: thresholds, wheel arches, disks. Rinse these parts thoroughly so that dirt does not drip from under the wheel onto the disk of the car you washed.

2. Main Wash with Foam

After the pre-wash, move on to the main wash. Select the “foam wash” mode. Apply foam evenly across the entire body. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes to break down the dirt. Rinse your wash brush regularly to avoid scratches. 

Take a brush or sponge, often car washes have a special brush for washing and wash the car body and wheels. Sometimes there are brushes that immediately supply shampoo when you use them. It is important to periodically rinse the sponge for washing, so as not to leave scratches, and if you use a brush provided by the car wash, check several parameters: 

• are there stones or large particles in the brush to avoid scratching the car 
• wash the brush with pressure before use, it will allow you to knock down not only particles, but also make the brush clean.

If you’re wondering how to wash your car the right way, remember — start from the top and work your way down. This rule works because:

• water flows down the car from top to bottom, therefore if you start washing the car from bottom to top, then black foam will flow down onto the washed parts from above
• it is much better to wash the roof and windows with a brush, and only then wash the wheels and thresholds of the car with the same brush. Changing the order may lead not to cleaning, but to even greater contamination of the car.

3. High-Pressure Rinse

Next comes rinsing. Choose the high-pressure mode. This will help remove the remaining soap and dirt. Direct the water jet from the top of the car to the bottom. Make sure there are no spots left with foam. This step is crucial for anyone learning how to use automatic car wash or how to use a car wash in general.

When rinsing a car, the procedure of opening the doors and trunk and high-pressure treatment of the arches and doorways is often carried out, which allows you to wash away dirt and knock out the remaining foam from the car. Be careful, as a careless movement can wet the car interior.

4. Cleaning the Wheels and Rims

Move on to cleaning the wheels and rims. Use a special cleaner to remove brake dust and grime. Often, brushes with stiff bristles are used for this. Apply the cleaner to the rims, then rinse thoroughly with water. This will complete the process and give you a full understanding of the best way to wash a car.

5. Applying Wax

Applying wax is a step that protects your car’s body from dirt and environmental effects. Use the special wax application mode and spread it evenly across the body. Wax will add shine and protect the paint.

Most car washes have a built-in liquid wax dispenser. If you are at such a car wash, spray the liquid wax onto the car body. If you want to apply hard wax to the car, then this procedure is done only after the car has dried.

6. Osmosis Rinse

Another care method you can use after waxing is the osmosis rinse. It removes excess water from the car’s surface, leaving no droplets and preventing streaks. Use the special osmosis feature to handle this step easily. The supply of osmosis (essentially distilled water, which is obtained by cleaning ordinary water from minerals, passing it through filters) is provided at many car washes.

7. Drying the Car

After washing, remove excess moisture. Use soft microfiber towels that won’t scratch the surface. Start with the body, then move to the windows and mirrors. Drying is one of the most important steps to washing a car properly. Additionally, car washes have devices that use air to blow out residual moisture from hard-to-reach places, such as under the license plate, cracks, etc. Use air drying to avoid streaks on your car.

8. Interior Cleaning

Don’t forget the inside of your car. Wondering how to wash your car inside? Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt. Special cleaners for seats and panels will help freshen up the interior. Wipe all surfaces with microfiber cloths for a neat finish.

If you want to use wet wipes to clean the interior, use only special car wipes. Using household and cosmetic wipes can remove the varnish from the panels and interior trim of the car.

What to Do After Washing Your Car

Based on our many years of experience, car care does not end at the self service car wash, and the right actions after the process are just as important. Taking proper care of your car will help keep it in excellent condition and protect it from future dirt and damage. Following a few simple steps to washing a car will ensure the longevity of your vehicle and its attractive appearance.

Pay attention to the following actions after the best way to wash a car:

1. Check the body. Make sure there are no water droplets left on the surface. This will help you avoid streaks. Tip: go over the body with a soft microfiber cloth.
2. Glass. If you notice streaks, use a special glass cleaner. This will quickly restore their shine and improve visibility.
3. Dry everything. Use microfiber to thoroughly dry the body, wheels, and windows. This will prevent water spots and corrosion.
4. Check the rubber seals. Regularly inspect the sealing rubber on doors and windows. This will protect your interior from moisture and wear. Treat the rubber bands with silicone to make them soft.
5. Clean the interior. Remove trash and dust — this will create a pleasant atmosphere for you and your passengers.
6. Oil treatment. After 10-20 washes, it is recommended to treat the door hinges with oil - this will extend their service life and prevent the appearance of squeaks that occur due to degreasing during car washing.

Remember: proper car care after washing your car prolongs its life and preserves its appearance.

Bonuses for Washing a Rented Car from Getmancar

If you use Getmancar services, washing the car can bring you additional benefits. Getmancar offers special bonuses for those who take care of the condition of the rented vehicle.

How to wash a car during the rental period and get compensation?

1️⃣ Take photos of the car (4 photos of the body + a photo of the interior) at the start of the rental (if it is dirty) and send them to customer support.

2️⃣ Wait for confirmation from customer support before starting the wash.

3️⃣ Head to a self-service car wash.

Usually, 1–2 tokens are enough for the exterior wash and 1 token for cleaning the interior.

Note: the maximum amount of wash cost compensation is 300 UAH credited to your in-app balance.

4️⃣ After the wash, do the following:

• Take photos of the clean car (4 photos of the body and additional photos of the interior)
• Take a screenshot of the car wash payment from your banking app (or keep the receipt)

5️⃣ Receive your compensation:

• Up to 300 UAH to your in-app balance — compensation for the wash cost.
• 250 UAH to your bonus account — compensation for your time spent.

Don’t miss the opportunity to use getmancar. Car rental in Kyiv, Car rental In Dnipro, or renting a car in Lviv — it’s fast and convenient. In just a few clicks, you can rent a car for the period you need. No documents required and no managers involved. Forget the hassle. Manage your rental from your smartphone and get the most out of your trips. Take a car right now and enjoy the freedom of movement!