What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, I've spent 15 years cleaning everything from dusty farm utes to show-quality HSVs, and the basics are where most people mess up. With the autumn sun still biting and the salt spray active on the coast, you need a solid routine. This is the exact workflow I use in my mobile business to get professional results without wasting half your Saturday.
The Right Gear (Don't Skimp Here)
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Before You Pick Up The Hose
What You'll Need
The Cleaning Process
Wheels First
Clean the wheels and tyres while the rest of the car is dry. If you do them last, you'll splash brake dust back onto your clean paint.
The Big Rinse
Give it a thorough blast with the hose. Your goal is to get as much loose grit, salt, and red dust off before you touch it.
Contact Wash
Wash from the roof down using the two-bucket method. Use light pressure. If the mitt gets dirty, rinse it in your plain water bucket immediately.
Final Rinse
Flush out all the gaps, door handles, and mirrors. I usually spend an extra minute on the wheel arches to get any salt out.
Drying
Lay your drying towel flat and pull it across the surface. Don't buff it dry; let the towel soak up the water to prevent swirls.
Protection
Apply your spray sealant or wax. This is your sunscreen against that brutal March UV. No dramas if you use a 'wet coat' product here.
The 'Mate's Coming Over' Check
What You'll Need
Watch Out
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