Washing Your Car in Garage – Tips & Tricks for Beginners

Although hand washing is the safest way to wash vehicles, one problem some car owners may have is where to do it. Not all have the advantage of a porch for outdoor car washing. Sometimes, extreme temperatures can be unbearable for the task due to the potential risk to the car paint.

All things considered, washing your car in garage is a good option. It can be safely done with some precautions and proper steps.

Is It Okay to Wash Your Car in the Garage?

Earlier, it was mentioned that car washing inside the garage is a good option for some situations. However, some concerns may make car owners question if it’s okay to car wash in the garage, such as pooling of water, mold, and damage. It’s actually possible to safely car wash indoors as long as the following are met or observed:

• Enough space for working around your car
• Proper drainage and/or using a floor squeegee
• Keeping things that shouldn’t get wet away from water
• Consider using a rinseless car wash product
• Consider waterproofing the garage walls and doors

Why Should You Wash Your Car in the Garage?

In some situations, the garage is actually the best place for car washing. Below is a list of reasons why you should wash your car in the garage:

1. For the Best Car Wash Results Without Water Spots

A car can get water spots when washing if the temperature is very hot, especially when there’s no shade available, as water evaporates quickly and leaves water spots.

By keeping the car away from the heat in the garage, you can achieve a clean car without water spots.

2. To Avoid Harsh Elements

Harsh elements, such as rain, snow, and even the heat from the sun, can get in the way, adversely affect car washing results, or worse, cause damage. Car washing in the garage will allow you to clean your car while protecting it from the elements.

3. To Avoid Discomfort

The temperature can sometimes be too unbearable to do car washing outside, like in cold weather or on scorching sunny days. Amidst extreme temperatures, the garage would be more comfortable for car washing.

Guide to Garage Car Washing

Garage car washing isn’t so complicated and different from outdoor car washing. But you must take some precautions and extra steps to successfully perform the task without any problems.

You may be worried about not having proper drainage and a garage car wash system. Although they’re good to have for the task, even if you don’t, you can still do it with some alternatives.

1: Keep the Things That Shouldn’t Get Wet Away From Water

Before you start washing, make sure to remove things that shouldn’t get wet from your work area, such as electronics, boxes, papers, etc. And keep them in a safe place.

2: Use Space Heaters During Winter

This step applies in winter, as cold temperatures can freeze water while car washing. Use one to two space heaters beside the car to prevent freezing,

3: Use a Hose Hookup if Your Garage Doesn’t Have a Water Source

You need a hose hookup that’s long enough to reach your garage. Hook it up to your water source, and bring it to your garage.

4: Pre-Rinse the Car

When you’re ready to start washing, begin as usual by removing loose contaminants with a pre-rinse to prevent scratches and swirl marks.

• You can use a pressure washer, provided your garage is spacious and your surroundings are waterproofed.
• It’s not advisable to use a gas-powered pressure washer, as it’s too strong and may soak the garage.

5: Periodically Squeegee the Water Out of the Garage

Proper drainage is required for garage car washing. But it can also be possible without a drain using a floor squeegee.

• It’s advisable to periodically squeegee the water out of the garage throughout the car washing process to prevent pooling.
• Each time water accumulates on the garage floor, like from pre-rinsing, dripping soapy water, and final rinsing, push it out with the floor squeegee.

6: Wash the Car With the Two-Bucket Method or Consider a Rinseless Wash Product

As usual, you’d wash the car using the two-bucket method to clean it while preventing scratches and swirl marks thoroughly. Using a microfiber wash mitt and dirt trap also helps.

Once you’re done wiping the car with soapy water, rinse it properly and dry it completely with a microfiber cloth or blow dryer. You can do this freely without worrying about pooling if your garage has a drain.

But if your garage doesn’t have a drain (or even if it does) and you want to car wash without too much water on the floor or cleaning up, you can use a rinseless wash product. Highly recommendable is Optimum No Rinse.

7: Rinse and Squeegee the Garage Floor

Thoroughly rinse the residues of the soap and contaminants off the floor once you’re done car washing. This is especially important if the concrete floor isn’t waterproofed not to cause damage.

Then, again, use the floor squeegee to remove water from the garage floor. You wouldn’t want to leave the floor soaking wet, as that can cause mold or make the water freeze in winter.

Conclusion

There’s no need to worry if you don’t have a porch or if the weather is too harsh for outdoor car washing. A practical alternative you can do is washing your car in garage.

But remember to take precautions and extra steps to avoid accidentally soaking other things, mold development, freezing in winter, and damage.