How to Wash Your Car and Bike at Home Like a Pro

Using dishwash or detergent

They are made to strip grease. On a car they strip wax and protection and dry out rubber parts.

Rubbing dust dry

Wiping a dusty car with a dry cloth drags grit across the paint and leaves fine swirl scratches.

Washing in hot sun

Water and shampoo dry too fast on hot metal and leave spots and streaks.

Letting it air dry

Hard water leaves white mineral spots on paint and glass as it dries.

🧴 Car & bike shampoo

A high-foam, paint-safe shampoo made for vehicles.

🪣 Two buckets

One with shampoo solution, one with plain water to rinse the mitt.

🧤 Microfibre mitt and towels

A mitt for washing and large towels for drying. No old cotton rags.

🛞 Separate wheel brush

Wheels carry brake dust and road grit, so keep them away from the paint mitt.

Park in the shade. Wash in the morning or evening when the body is cool to the touch. Close all windows.

Wheels and tyres first. They are the dirtiest part. Clean them with the separate brush and rinse, so dirty water doesn't splash onto a clean body later.

Pre-rinse. Rinse the whole car with water from top to bottom to wash away loose dust and grit before you touch the paint.

Wash top to bottom. Mix shampoo in the first bucket as per the label. Wash one panel at a time (roof, glass, bonnet, sides, then the lower panels) in straight lines. Dip the mitt in the plain-water bucket after every panel.

Rinse well. Rinse off all the foam from top to bottom, including door edges, mirrors and the fuel lid area.

Dry immediately. Lay a large microfibre towel flat and pat or pull it gently across each panel. Don't let the car air dry.

🔌 Protect electricals

Cover the ignition switch, meter and battery area with a plastic bag, and plug the silencer opening before washing.

💧 Gentle water only

Use a mug or low-pressure flow. Strong jets push water into bearings, switches and the air filter.

🧽 Same shampoo, softer touch

Wash the tank, panels and visor with shampoo and a soft mitt. Use a brush for the engine area and wheels.

⛓ Chain care after washing

Dry the chain and apply chain lubricant after every wash to prevent rust.

⚠ No polish where you hold or stand

Keep tyre and dashboard polish off seats, grips, foot pegs and tyre treads. They become slippery.

🛑 Test brakes after washing

Wet brakes grip less. Ride slowly and apply the brakes gently a few times to dry them.

✔ Do

• Use a shampoo made for cars and bikes, diluted as per the label.
• Wash in the shade on a cool body.
• Rinse off loose dust before touching the paint.
• Use the two-bucket method and a clean microfibre mitt.
• Dry immediately with microfibre towels.
• Wash bird droppings and tree sap off quickly. They can mark the paint.
• Store car care products closed and out of reach of children.

✘ Don't

• Don't use dishwash, washing powder or bathing soap on the paint.
• Don't wipe a dusty car with a dry cloth.
• Don't wash in direct sun or on a hot engine.
• Don't use the same mitt for wheels and paint.
• Don't put polish on tyre treads, pedals, steering, grips or seats.
• Don't put detergent in the windshield washer tank.

How often should I wash my car?

Every 1–2 weeks for most cars. Wash sooner after rain, dust storms, long highway drives, or if bird droppings land on the paint.

Can I use dishwash liquid or washing powder?

It's best not to. They are made to strip grease, so they also remove wax and protection from the paint and dry out rubber seals. A car shampoo cleans without stripping.

Why do I get white spots after washing?

Hard water leaves minerals when it dries. Wash in the shade and dry the car straight away with microfibre towels.

Can I use the same shampoo for my bike?

Yes. Cleansol Car & Bike Wash Shampoo is made for both. Just protect the electricals and use gentle water flow on bikes.

Will tyre polish make my tyres slippery?

Not if it's used correctly. Apply it only on the sidewall (the side of the tyre), never on the tread that touches the road, and wipe off any extra.