I’m still mad about this one. A couple years ago, I decided to “detail” my car myself to save a buck. Big mistake. I ended up with swirl marks on my hood that still make me cringe. So, let’s talk about the dumb things people (aka me) do when detailing and how to avoid my nightmare.
First off, never use a dirty sponge or rag. I grabbed an old towel from my garage, thinking it was fine. Nope. It was like rubbing sandpaper on my paint. Always use clean microfiber towels—buy a pack, they’re cheap. And wash them after every use. Same goes for mitts when washing your car. Dirt trapped in there is a recipe for scratches.
Another rookie move? Using dish soap. I thought, “Hey, it cleans plates, why not my car?” Wrong. Dish soap strips wax and dries out your paint. Get a proper car wash soap—pH-balanced, no harsh stuff. My detailer buddy laughed his ass off when I told him about my Dawn disaster.
Then there’s polishing. I went ham with a cheap buffer, no clue what I was doing, and left swirls everywhere. If you’re gonna polish, watch some YouTube tutorials first and start with a mild compound. Or, honestly, just leave it to a pro unless you’re ready to practice on a junker.
Oh, and don’t skip drying. I used to let my car air dry, thinking it was fine. Water spots everywhere. Now I use a blower or microfiber drying towel. Game-changer. My advice? Take your time, use the right tools, and don’t be a cheapskate like I was. Your car’s worth it, and you’ll avoid haunting regrets like mine.