You probably already know that premium valeting services offer an enormously better finish to the paintwork, a more thorough cleaning inside and out and surface protection that can last for as long as you own the vehicle.
However, you may not know about the harmful mistakes you might be making when washing your own vehicle, and the damage which sometimes doesn’t appear right away!
For vehicle owners across Norfolk, especially those driving daily around Wymondham and surrounding rural areas, these mistakes are extremely common.
Unsafe washing techniques
This one is the most commonly understood by now. When your car has thick layers of winter dirt and grime piled on, something we see constantly on vehicles driven around Norfolk’s rural roads, going full steam ahead with your wash mitt or sponge is one of the WORST things you could possibly do to your vehicle’s paintwork.
Contact creates friction. Friction in the paint’s lacquer creates swirl marks and scratches. When you trap thick layers of grit in between a car’s lacquer and a wash sponge and drag it across the panel, damage is inevitable.
Then when summer rolls around and the car is out in the sun, it hits you and the damage is already done. Your paintwork is laced with circular scratches all over and has lost it’s original shine, something many drivers in Wymondham and wider Norfolk only notice once the weather improves.
The solution? Proper pre-wash procedures and safe-wash methods. When your vehicle receives a professional valet, it is treated to a thorough pre-cleansing using the correct PH-balanced chemical for the situation. This strips away the majority of the dirt before contact is made.
Then when it’s time for the contact wash, multiple layers of safety are introduced, such as: a second layer of foam on the car to combine with the bucket, multiple wash mitts and grit guards to trap dirt.
With all of these techniques dialled into perfection, we ensure your vehicle does not collect scratches and swirls in the cleaning process.
Neglecting decontamination
The next mistake you probably don’t realise you’re making involves what we call the ‘decontamination’ process. This is a chemical and mechanical process that removes embedded tar, brake dust, sap and industrial fallout particles from the paintwork and wheels. These contaminants usually are not removed with a regular wash.
For our maintenance clients across Norfolk, we do a routine decontamination every 3–6 months to ensure the lacquer stays contaminant free.
If you just wash regularly year after year, expect to see a heavy buildup of those annoying black specks of tar (very common on Norfolk A-roads), dull-coloured paintwork that doesn’t hold it’s protection, a rough feel to the panels, and an overall ‘dirty’ look that you just can’t quite put your finger on.
Not applying protection
Not applying protection to your vehicle after cleaning it is a great way to ensure that all of your work is reversed after the first drive, particularly through the winter months in Norfolk.
Unprotected paintwork gets dirty MUCH faster and is a lot more time-consuming to clean as well.
Unprotected wheels are at a real risk of expensive damage over time due to corrosion of the alloy from pitted-on brake dust.
Unprotected glass can reduce visibility in wet and foggy conditions, something drivers around Wymondham and surrounding villages will be familiar with.
With a professional valet, your entire vehicle gets protected, not just cleaned.
The paintwork is treated to a premium ceramic coating or a natural carnuba wax.
The windscreens and side glass is protected with an ultra-hydrophobic coating to ensure max visibility.
Wheels are protected with either a ceramic coating or a polymer sealant.
Using the wrong chemicals
An overlooked mistake that many DIY’ers make is using chemicals that are far too strong or not designed for certain parts of a vehicle.
For example, high-alkaline TFR. This can strip wax layers, increase the speed of paintwork fading and stain chrome and plastic trims, something we frequently see on vehicles cleaned at home across Norfolk.
Household glass cleaner being used on car windows. Big no. Household window cleaners contain harmful ammonia which can damage vehicle glass, particularly any tinted windows. Expect a streaky finish and wiper judder too.
And don’t even get me started on Fairy Liquid for washing the car. This stuff is designed for cleaning grease off of dishes, not for your pride and joy. This will strip protective layers, not provide sufficient lubrication for a safe contact wash and often leaves streaks and smears once dried.
Use the correct products for each stage of the cleaning process, or you might regret it later on!
Ineffective drying process
Less commonly known, but the drying process can cause as much damage as the wash process if not done correctly.
Once again, drying towels create friction on the paintwork. This friction can cause scratches and swirls over time, particularly noticeable on darker-coloured cars once the Norfolk sun finally comes out.
This is why we have methodical procedures for the drying process which include:
- Running water off on low pressure
- Air drying using an air blower
- Collecting any excess with a soft microfiber towel, prepped with quick detailer to prevent friction
And even worse, leaving your car out to ‘air dry’ on it’s own. You’ll only ever make this mistake once in your life, once you see your car covered in white limescale water spots the next morning.
Final Thoughts
Most paint damage doesn’t come from driving — it comes from poor washing habits.
Correcting these mistakes:
- Keeps your car glossier for longer
- Reduces the need for machine polishing
- Protects resale value
If you’re based in Norfolk, including Wymondham and the surrounding areas, and want your vehicle cleaned properly without the risk of damage, professional detailing is always the safest option.