GUIDES

THE HALO GUIDE TO WASHING

This procedure outlines the step-by-step process for safely and effectively washing a vehicle to maintain its cleanliness and appearance whilst preserving any warranty on the coating.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  1. Bucket(s): For soapy water and rinse water.
  2. Car Wash Soap: Specifically designed for automotive use.
  3. Wash Mitt or Sponge: Microfiber preferred to avoid scratching.
  4. Jetwash: To rinse off dirt and soap, ideally with a snow foam attachment.
  5. Microfiber Towels: For drying and wiping.
  6. Wheel Cleaner: To clean wheels and tires.
  7. Tire Brush: To scrub tires.
  8. Glass Cleaner: For windows and mirrors.
  9. Wax or Sealant: For added protection and shine.

PROCEDURE

1. Preparation

  • Ensure the car is parked in a shaded area to prevent soap from drying too quickly and etching the paint.
  • Gather all necessary materials listed above.

2. Initial Rinse

  • Use a hose with a gentle stream of water to wet the entire car, starting from the top and working downwards.
  • Avoid high-pressure streams to prevent pushing dirt into the car’s paint.
  • Ensure to rinse all visible dirt and debris from the surface of the vehicle.
  • Once initial rinse has been carried out. A Pre-wash or snow foam should be applied:

Snow Foam application:

  • Mix the snow foam concentrate with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically a ratio of 1:5 or 1:10).
  • Attach the foam lance or foam cannon to the pressure washer or hose.
  • Spray the foam onto the car starting from the top and working your way down, covering the entire surface including wheels and lower areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
  • Allow the foam to sit on the car for 5-10 minutes, giving it time to break down dirt and contaminants. Avoid letting it dry on the vehicle.
  • After the foam has had time to work, use a pressure washer or hose to thoroughly rinse off the foam, starting again from the top and working down.

Tips for Best Results when using snow foam:

  • Use a pH-neutral snow foam to avoid damaging wax or sealant layers on your vehicle.
  • Snow foam is not a substitute for a full wash but is an excellent pre-wash method to remove loose contaminants.
  • Adjust the foam thickness on the foam lance or cannon for better coverage and cleaning performance.

3. WHEELS AND TIRES

  • Apply a specialized wheel cleaner and allow it to sit for the recommended time.
  • Use a tire brush to scrub the tires and clean the rims.
  • Rinse the wheels thoroughly with wate

4. Contact Washing

  • Two-Bucket Method: Fill one bucket with water and shampoo, and the other with clean water for rinsing your mitt or sponge.
  • Soak the wash mitt in the soapy water and start cleaning the vehicle from the top down.
  • Wash the vehicle in sections, such as the roof, windows, hood, doors, and rear, using gentle, straight motions to avoid swirl marks.
  • Rinse the mitt frequently in the clean water bucket to avoid reapplying dirt to the car’s surface.
  • For lower sections of the car and the wheels, switch to a separate mitt to avoid spreading dirt from these areas onto the rest of the vehicle.

5. FINAL RINSE

  • After washing all sections of the car, rinse the entire vehicle from top to bottom to remove all soap and grime.
  • Ensure no soap residue is left on the vehicle.

6. DRYING

  • Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to hand-dry the vehicle, starting from the top and working down.
  • Gently pat or wipe the surface to avoid scratching or creating swirl marks.
  • Pay special attention to areas where water may accumulate, such as mirrors, door jambs, and around lights. 
  • Tip – Open all doors and boot to dry shuts and returns to prevent any water running out after and leaving water marks.

7. GLASS CLEANING

  • Use a glass cleaner and a separate microfiber cloth to clean all windows and mirrors, both inside and outside.
  • Wipe in straight motions for a streak-free finish.

8. Optional Steps (Every 10 washes or 6 months)

  • Ceramic Sealant: For added protection and shine, apply ceramic sealant. This step adds a layer of protection and enhances the gloss.

9. INSPECTION

  • After the car has been washed and dried, inspect the vehicle for any missed spots or imperfections.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  • Avoid washing a car in direct sunlight or when the surface is extremely hot.
  • Use car-specific cleaning products to prevent damage to the paint.
  • Always wear gloves when handling chemicals like wheel cleaners and wax.
  • Rinse your mitt or sponge often to avoid scratches from trapped dirt.

Following this procedure will ensure a thorough and safe cleaning of your vehicle, maintaining its appearance and protecting the paint from long-term damage.