Since the weather is supposed to (slightly) improve for September it’s the perfect time to shine up that paintwork! We’ll start off this week with an easy car wash – Bucket, sponge, hose? Sounds so simple… but if you really want to give your car some TLC a simple car wash involves so much more!   What you will need: 2 buckets – You may think I’m mad but to preserve your paintwork 2 buckets is the way to go! Find out why later on.  Wash mitt – Looks a bit like a fluffy hedgehog (only use a sponge if you purposely want to scratch your paint) Cool water – hot water will strip off all the protection on your paint so unless you’re planning a polish and wax afterwards, keep it cool. Car Shampoo – You wouldn’t wash your hair with washing up liquid so don’t use it on your paintwork either!    Flip-flops and vest top on, now get to work! Firstly, be careful where you park – make sure the hose will reach the whole car without rubbing off of it (and scratching). Then hose down the car – try to knock off as much of the dirt as you can with just water. Fill both your buckets with cool water, and put car shampoo into just one bucket and mix well. Now dip your wash mitt into the shampoo bucket. Starting from the roof down, divide the car into small sections and regularly rinse your mitt in the water bucket before dipping it in the shampoo bucket. This makes sure you never drag grit or dirt back onto the car! Don’t forget your wheels! If you have alloy wheels you might find it easier to use a brush. Clean the back wheels first as the front will always have more break dust! Hose the car down again and make sure you wash all the suds off. If it’s a hot day you might find it easier to rinse the car after you’ve washed each section to avoid streaking.  If the car is really dirty you may have to repeat the whole procedure! Now stand back and admire your hard work.  ...