One of the most common questions our Ceramic Pro Elite Dealers get from customers is how to wash a car in winter. Whether you’ve invested in a Sport coating package or the Ultimate Armor exterior lifetime protection package, keeping your car free of corrosive contaminants is essential.
Road salt and magnesium chloride can quickly damage the undercarriage, paint protection film, and ceramic coatings in colder climates. If left on the vehicle, this grime can lead to corrosion and, eventually – rust.
But how can you safely wash your car when your garden hose is frozen during winter weather, or you live in water-restricted regions? Fortunately – the answer is simple. It’s called a rinseless or hybrid car wash.
Ceramic Pro has partnered with Americana Global to create a series of professional detailing supplies designed to maintain and protect our ceramic coatings, paint protection film, and ceramic tint.
One of their most diverse products is Americana Global Rinseless Wash.
In this article, we’ll provide an easy-to-follow guide on how to wash your car in the garage or outdoors – without using a hose or running water – in winter or at any time.
Please take some time to watch the video below, hosted by our Lead Trainer, Dane Gregory. He will introduce the Americana Global Rinseless Hybrid Wash system.
How to Wash Your Car at Home in Winter
One of the biggest myths about detailing cars is that it’s impossible to wash a vehicle in winter. With traditional car soaps and hoses, this is true in cold weather climates. It’s also tough to wash cars in water-restricted regions in the USA.
If you’ve recently spent thousands on a Ceramic Pro coating, PPF, or the new Ultimate Armor package, it’s crucial to find a creative way of washing light debris from your vehicle all year.
For those people searching for an eco-friendly and effective way of washing their cars, trucks, or SUVs in winter, Americana Global Rinseless Wash is the perfect solution.
The video above is simple to follow. However, we’re here to help if you want step-by-step written instructions.
Washing a vehicle in winter with a professional ceramic coating applied is extremely simple. If you’re looking for the best protection against winter-time contaminants and environmental exposure, click the button below to request a FREE QUOTE from a Ceramic Pro-certified installer.
Looking to Protect Your Car in Winter?
The best way to keep ice, snow, and road salt from sticking to your vehicle is to have a professional auto salon install Ceramic Pro coatings.
If you’re looking for superior protection against winter weather, click the button below to receive a FREE ESTIMATE.
Step 1 – Collect Your Supplies
You’ll need to collect essential supplies for washing a car without a hose.
(1) Bottle of Americana Global Rinseless wash: 16oz or 32oz
(2) Plush Microfiber Towels (you’ll use these instead of a wash mitt).
(2) Wash Buckets (at least 3-gallon buckets) – Add an extra wash bucket if you’re going to wash your wheel wells,
(2) Grit Guards
(1) Dedicated Drying Towel
(4) Gallons of Filtered Warm Water (if you live in freezing temperatures and are washing in your garage). Don’t use hot water above 80 degrees. Room temperature is OK.
(1) Pump Sprayer (optional – but highly recommended)
(1) Bottle of Americana Global Detail Spray – for final wipe down and added protection.
Step 2 – Mix the Solution
For completing a rinseless wash, we recommend using (1) oz of Rinseless wash per 256oz of water. Or (1) cap full of liquid per 1 gallon of filtered water.
If you don’t have filtered water, it’s OK to use tap water. Just make sure to dry the vehicle entirely quickly to avoid water spots.
- Fill two buckets with water. One bucket will be your wash bucket – the other is a rinse bucket with only fresh water.
- Insert your grit guards
- Add Rinseless Wash into the wash bucket – 2 caps total for 2 gallons of water.
- Add your two pink towels to the wash bucket.
- Swirl and agitate the liquid to mix it up.
Step 3: Pre-Rinse with Pump Sprayer
Fill the pump sprayer with filtered water. Most pump sprayers are two to five gallons. Add the recommended (1) cap or 1oz per 1 gallon.
Close the container and shake the pump sprayer to agitate and blend the liquid.
Pump up the mixed liquid and saturate the panel from top to bottom.
Focus on one panel at a time. This will help avoid freezing in colder climates.
Step 4: Wash the vehicle
Using the first pink towel, ring it out to remove most of the dripping liquid – but not all the way. It should be saturated enough to drip slightly.
Fold the towel in four
Wash from top to bottom – left to right.
When done with the panel, put the dirty towel in the clean bucket.
Dry off that section with the dedicated drying towel.
Step 5: Create a Mobile Quick Detailer
Let’s say you want to create a mobile detailing or car care kit in the back of your car to remove those annoying bird droppings or light debris to keep the vehicle clean. You can use this Rinseless wash as a quick detailer.
Here is how to do it correctly.
- Using a clean 32oz trigger sprayer bottle, fill the bottle about ¾ full.
- Add (1) cap full of Rinseless wash.
- Add a bit more water to fill it to a full 32oz.
- Mist the product onto the spots you want to clean.
- Use a plush pink microfiber towel to dry.
- Flip the towel over to the dry side to buff off any residue.
As you can see, cleaning your vehicle during the winter months is possible – and more accessible than you’d think.
If you like what you see and would like to stock up on these Ceramic Pro Americas recommended detailing supplies – visit CeramicPro.com/Aftercare or click the links in the description below.
Wrapping it Up
Washing your car in winter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can wash your vehicle with the proper supplies without damaging the paintwork.
Invest in a rinseless wash solution, buckets, grit guards, microfiber towels, a dedicated drying towel, and a pump sprayer to ensure your wash is successful.
Additionally, a quick detailer and ceramic boost spray protect the paintwork during winter. With these tips in mind, you’ll have a clean car no matter what time of year it is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rinseless Washing
How Often Should You Wash Your Car in Winter?
It’s recommended to wash your car every two or three weeks during the winter season. This will help you keep up with dirt and salt buildup.
If you live in a region where cold temperatures are frequent, investing in a rinseless wash solution can be a great way to remove light debris without scratching your vehicle’s paintwork.
It’s a great idea to wash your vehicle every few weeks – especially during standard winter driving.
If you drove during a lot of snow or ice, and there was road salt on the highway, consider using a pressure washer or high-pressure hose to rinse your undercarriage when the weather conditions improve.
Otherwise, stick using the waterless wash method on the car’s paint we mentioned above.
How Do I Wash My Car at Home in Winter?
Washing your car at home in winter takes a few extra steps. First and foremost, you’ll need to collect some essential supplies for washing a car without a hose.
This includes a rinseless wash, wash buckets, grit guards, microfiber towels, a dedicated drying towel, and a pump sprayer.
You can also wash your wheels and tires using Americana Global Wheel & Tire cleaner. We’ll be releasing a blog soon explaining how to use this product.
We’ll also explain why Americana Global All Purpose Cleaner is a great product for interior detailing – including floor mats, leather, and vinyl.
For complete instructions on how to wash your car in winter, visit CeramicPro.com/Aftercare for more tips and tricks.
Can I Wash My Car at Home Without a Hose?
Yes! You can wash your car at home without a hose using a rinseless wash solution. This wash requires minimal water, making it ideal for winter washes.
Start by filling two wash buckets with one cap full of rinseless wash. Use a pump sprayer to pre-rinse your vehicle, then use the wash bucket and microfiber towels to wash each panel, followed by a drying towel.
You can create a mobile detail kit out of a 32oz trigger sprayer bottle to make quick detailing easier.
Can You Wax Your Car in Winter?
We have a saying at Ceramic Pro – Wax is Dead. If you have a ceramic coating or paint protection film, installing wax or spray wax on top can cause the hydrophobic properties to go away.
Americana Global Detail Spray is the solution for protecting your ceramic coating or paint protection film.
It is a quick detailer and ceramic boost spray that provides a super slick layer of protection. It contains no wax or sealants. Instead, it uses nanoceramic technology to provide a thin layer of silicon dioxide that lasts for a few months.
You can use this detail spray after the rinseless wash for enhanced shine.
Is it OK to Wash Your Car in Winter?
Yes, it is OK to wash your car in winter. Investing in a rinseless wash solution and other essential supplies allows you to wash your vehicle without damaging the paintwork. It’s recommended to wash your car every two or three weeks during the winter season.
How Often Should You Wash Your Car in Winter?
It’s recommended to wash your car every two or three weeks during the winter season. This will help you keep up with dirt and salt buildup.
If you live in a region where cold temperatures are frequent, investing in a rinsless wash solution can be a great way to remove light debris without scratching your vehicle’s paintwork.
How Do I Wash My Car in the Garage in the Winter?
Washing your car in the garage during winter takes a few extra steps. First and foremost, you’ll need to collect some essential supplies for washing a car without a hose.
This includes a rinseless wash, wash buckets, grit guards, microfiber towels, a dedicated drying towel, and a pump sprayer.
What Temperature is Too Cold for Car Wash?
Generally, it’s not recommended to wash your car in temperatures below 32F (0C). This is because the detergents and chemicals in wash solutions can freeze if the temperature drops too low.
Always check the temperature before washing your vehicle. If it’s below freezing, wait until the temperature rises before washing your car.
Does It Hurt Your Car to Wash it in Cold Weather?
It is possible to wash your car in cold weather without hurting the paintwork.
However, using a rinseless wash solution and other essential supplies such as wash buckets, grit guards, microfiber towels, a dedicated drying towel, and a pump sprayer is essential.
This will help protect your vehicle’s paintwork from scratches and swirl marks.
