First things first, you’ll need to gather some required materials before beginning.
Make sure that a steady stream of water is available.
Fill a large, plastic bucket with cool water. (A metal bucket could scratch your vehicle if it’s accidentally knocked into the paint).
Your choice of a soft, clean cloth, a wash mitt, a terry cloth towel, or a soft bristle brush, just as long as you’re sure that whatever you’re using won’t scratch the paint. A sponge is a poor choice here, as it’s relatively flat surface could drag dirt across the vehicle’s surface as you wash, wearing away the finish.
Tip: Most towels labeled “100% cotton,” actually aren’t made entirely of cotton, and contain fibers that will scratch your vehicle’s paint. You can find out if a towel is 100% cotton by performing the following test. Roll up a corner of the towel and set it on fire. That’s right, light a small, corner portion of the towel on fire. If the flame is clear and candle-like, then the material in question is truly 100% cotton. On the other hand, if it creates black smoke, and leaves melted fibers on the towel (the very same fibers that would have scratched your paint), then you shouldn’t be rubbing it all over your vehicle.
You’ll need some soap for this operation, and any good automobile soap will do. Do not, however, use dishwashing liquid or household cleaners of any sort. These detergents were not made to be used on automobile paint, and many will remove wax from a car like grease from a dinner plate.