While washing your automobile by driving it through a commercial car wash may be more convenient and less time consuming, cleaning it at home by hand will be easier on your wallet. If you don't mind getting a little wet, you can get your vehicle shiny and clean at home using everyday household items, such as dish soap and sponges. 

To give your car or truck a professional-quality cleaning and avoid damaging the vehicle's finish, there are a few rules you'll need to follow. It's also important to clean it in an environmentally friendly matter, as you'll be rinsing products into your groundwater system. 

Here are a few tips for getting your vehicle squeaky-clean in your own driveway:

1. If you want to wash your car or truck after using it, give it time to cool off first. Avoid washing the vehicle when the body is hot, either from use or the sun. During the washing process, park the vehicle in a shaded spot if possible, as heat can cause the soap to dry in unsightly spots.

2. Prior to washing the automobile with soap, rinse it clean with a garden hose to remove as much stuck-on dirt an debris, such as bird excrement, as you can. Equip the hose with a high-pressure nozzle for the best results. 

3. Once most of the debris is washed off or loosened, it's time to wipe the vehicle down. Start by mixing a solution of warm water and a mild, eco-friendly dish soap in a large bucket. You can also use a soap that is specifically designed for use on cars and trucks if you desire. 

4. Use a soft, clean natural or synthetic sponge to suds the vehicle up using long back-and-forth, rather than circular, strokes. Spend some extra time on heavily soiled areas, such as on the bumper or fender.

If you drop the sponge on the ground, thoroughly rinse it off with the hose to remove small pebbles, stones or other debris, which can damage the car's surface and scratch its paint.

5. When the vehicle is clean, rinse the soap off using the hose again, Remove all traces of the soap, which can leave unsightly white spots on the surface. 

6.  You can either wipe the car or truck dry with a clean, soft chamois to ensure that there is no spotting or streaking, or allow it to air dry. 

For more advice or professional help, contact a local car wash service.