Washing the Car

April 1, 2020

Another great task to check off your list while staying at home - washing the car.

This is a very challenging time for all of us, but keeping busy and spending time outdoors where it is safe does help. Since I am spending all my time here at my Bedford, New York farm, I am trying to get a lot of organizing and cleaning projects completed inside and outside my home. One of the projects - giving the cars a good hand wash.

Enjoy these photos.

: This is my Mercedes-Benz GLS550. It’s such a great car. My drivers and I love its maneuverability and comfort. On this day, while I am inside organizing the pantry, my driver, Andres, is outside washing the cars.

: Andres is using my Electric Pressure Washer – it is so lightweight and easy to use. It gets so many jobs done quickly and thoroughly. I hope you already have one of your own from my collection on QVC or on Amazon.

: Andres starts by spraying the entire car with water. The pressure washer is strong enough to get all the dirt off, but gentle enough not to damage the car’s exterior.

: Andres is washing the car right in front of my carport which is right outside my Winter House.

: Here, Andres sprays the windshield and gets any debris out from under and around the wipers. Always try to point the sprayer downward, so water does not get into the car or under any of the car’s protective seals.

: Then he sprays all the wheel wells and tires clean. Usually, I spend a lot of time in my car – driving to and from my New York City headquarters, to various meetings and media appearances, and to visit my daughter and grandchildren. It’s important to make sure it is clean and always ready to use.

: Next, Andres sprays soap all over the car. Be sure to use a soap specially designed for washing cars, so the paint is not damaged during the cleaning process.

: He soaks a large mitt in soapy water and rubs the car down in sections, starting from the top and working to the bottom. Don’t use a brush on the car body – it may leave little scratches.

: Andres also thoroughly washes the wheel rims. This GLS550 has 4MATIC all-wheel drive, so it’s good in all kinds of weather. It also has ABS brakes and driveline traction control.

: When it is time to rinse, Andres circles around the car several times with the pressure washer. Washing the car from the top down will allow soap to drip over lower sections of the car.

: Then he rinses the sides – make sure all the windows are closed! Try to rinse the soap off quickly so it does not air dry on the paint, and leave streaks or stains.

: And then finally, Andres rinses the tires.

: Andres uses several soft towels to dry the vehicle. He wipes down every surface carefully. He goes over the car multiple times to make sure there is no standing water anywhere on the car which can tarnish the paint or cause rust.

: Andres also dries the top of the vehicle and is careful around the sliding and tilting glass sunroof.

: And then the hood.

: And don’t forget around the windows.

: After the car is completely towel-dried, Andres opens each door and wipes the inside. My car stays very clean on the inside – the interior and leather seats are vacuumed often.