The DIY Exterior detail

Depending on the situation, your car is often your first impression. Many people enjoy the luxury of getting their car detailed, but sometimes that’s not feasible — or you simply like to DIY. I’m not here to gatekeep, and luckily most of the detailing industry feels the same. If this is the direction you want to take, I’m here to help with product recommendations, process, and the must-have equipment you need for safe, effective DIY car detailing.

Start with the Basics

You don’t need a huge setup to get a safe, professional-looking wash. For anyone learning how to wash a car safely, begin with:

• 2 buckets - 5 Gallon

• Wash mitt - Any

• Drying towel - Made For Vehicles!

• Car shampoo - Gold Class Meguiar’s

• Car-safe, ammonia-free window cleaner

These essentials form the foundation of a swirl-free car wash and help protect your clear coat from unnecessary damage.

Why the Two-Bucket System Matters

The two-bucket wash method is the easiest way to keep your car safe from unintended scratching and swirl marks during a DIY exterior detail. One bucket holds your soapy wash solution, while the second bucket holds clean rinse water. After cleaning each section, always rinse your mitt in the clean water before dipping back into the soap.

This prevents dirt and grit from re-entering your wash bucket, one of the most important car detailing tips for preserving your paint.

You might have people tell you that the Two-Bucket System is dead. These are detailers that have all the (expensive)equipment to do away with this process. And the main reason we get rid of this comes down to saving time, and new chemicals and equipment that has become common in the industry, such as foam cannons and rinseless wash.

Step-by-Step Exterior Wash

1. Pre-rinse if needed

   1. If your car has a large amount of dirt or grime, use a hose to rinse off as much as possible. This reduces the chance of rubbing debris into your paint.

2. Prepare your buckets

   1. Fill the first bucket with water and the appropriate amount of car shampoo.

   2. Fill the second bucket with plain rinse water.

3. Wash panel by panel, top to bottom

   1. Work on one panel at a time, starting at the top and moving downward. This prevents redoing areas you’ve already cleaned and keeps dirt from dripping onto finished sections.
      Rinse the vehicle thoroughlyAfter washing the entire vehicle, rinse it well to remove all soap and loosened dirt.
      Dry with a car-safe towel

4. Use a soft microfiber drying towel designed for automotive exterior care. Regular towels can leave micro-scratches and create swirl marks in your paint.

Window Cleaning Made Simple

Using a small to medium microfiber towel:

1. Spray your ammonia-free window cleaner into the towel, not directly onto the glass.

2. If cleaning both inside and outside, swipe vertically on one side and horizontally on the other.

   1. This helps you identify streaks quickly and results in cleaner, clearer glass — a simple but effective detailing trick.

Quick Takeaway

You can get excellent DIY car detailing results with minimal gear as long as you follow safe washing steps and protect your paint. Start with two buckets, a quality wash mitt, proper car shampoo, and an ammonia-free glass cleaner, and you’ll keep your vehicle looking sharp between professional details.