Gather supplies: car wash soap, 2 buckets, wash mitt, wheel cleaner (optional), wheel brush, microfiber drying towels, hose with spray nozzle
Park in the shade on a cool surface
Rinse the car thoroughly to remove loose dirt
Fill one bucket with soapy water using car wash soap; keep a second bucket empty for rinsing the mitt
Clean wheels and tires first using a dedicated brush or mitt
Rinse wheels and tires thoroughly
Wash the car from top to bottom using straight-line passes with the wash mitt
Rinse the mitt in the second bucket, then reload with soapy water
Re-rinse each section as needed to prevent soap from drying
After the full car is washed, do a final complete rinse
Dry immediately with clean microfiber towels using light blotting or gentle dragging
Clean remaining water spots or streaks with a fresh microfiber towel
Optional: apply wax or sealant after drying