The Two Bucket Wash Method Explained
The Two Bucket Wash Method is a safe and effective technique to use when hand-washing your vehicle. By following this process, you significantly reduce the risk of contaminating your wash mitt, helping to prevent marring or scratching the paintwork.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
To perform the Two Bucket Wash Method effectively, you’ll need the following items:
Two Buckets (with grit guards)
Hose or Pressure Washer
The concept is simple. You should start with two buckets: one for rinsing your wash mitt or sponge, and another containing a mixture of water and vehicle shampoo for washing your car.
For optimal results, your buckets should also include a grit guard. While not essential, using a grit guard significantly reduces the risk of reintroducing dirt and grit to your wash mitt, helping to prevent scratches.
What is the purpose of a grit guard, you may ask?
A grit guard sits at the bottom of your bucket and acts as a barrier. It allows dirt and debris to settle below it and away from your wash mitt, keeping your wash mitt cleaner and your paintwork safer.
The Wash Bucket is where the magic happens.
Here, you should add a car shampoo – such as our Concentrated Car Wash or Ceramic Shampoo if you’re looking to add protection – and then fill the bucket with water.
The Rinse Bucket contains only clean water.
Before dunking your wash mitt into the Wash Bucket, you should first rinse it thoroughly in the Rinse Bucket. A few dunks – and a gentle wipe if needed – will help dislodge any stubborn grit. The aim is to ensure your mitt is as clean as possible before it enters the soapy water of the Wash Bucket.
This method significantly reduces the risk of scratching or swirling your paintwork when the wash mitt makes contact with the vehicle.
Top Tips:
When washing your vehicle, always work from top to bottom and in straight lines. Most of the grime tends to accumulate on the lower sections on vehicles, so it’s best to leave these areas until last.
We also recommend working panel by panel. Larger panels – such as the roof and bonnet – can be divided into two sections for more thorough cleaning.
Avoid applying excessive pressure when using your wash mitt; it should glide smoothly over the paintwork. When paired with a well-lubricated car shampoo with strong cleaning properties – such as our Ceramic Shampoo – the dirt should lift away effortlessly.
If your vehicle is heavily soiled, before washing we strongly recommend starting with a good pre-wash. Pre-Washing your vehicle is vital in order to remove as much dirt as possible before making contact with the paint.
You can read more about the importance of pre-washing HERE.
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