Keeping Your Car Clean In Winter

If you're fortunate enough live in an area that doesn't see extreme winter weather (i.e. snow, ice, and sleet), then keeping your car clean through the winter months is about the same as the rest of the year. However, if you live somewhere that experiences the harsher side of winter, maintaining a fresh finish is difficult – but not impossible! Below are a couple steps you can take to make sure your ride stays as clean during the colder months as it does in the warmer ones.

Rinseless Washes:

If you've read any of our other guides on cleaning during harsh-weather months, you'll notice we talk a lot about waterless and rinseless washing. And that's for good reason! Thanks to the high-quality formulas we carry, you're able to clean your car without having to use a hose or even running water (perfect for those sub-zero weekends)!

Rinseless washes, as I'm sure you've guessed by reading the name, don't require any rinsing after use. When you think of washing your car, what part uses the most running water? The rinsing! So, when you are able to use a cleaning product that doesn't require rinsing, it doesn't matter if you have access to a hose or outdoor space for cleaning; you just need some product and a ton of microfiber towels!

Rinseless washing does still require a bucket of water (but just 1!) and takes a bit longer than a waterless wash – read more about waterless washes below!

Waterless Washes:

Waterless washes are very similar to rinseless washes, but don't require the use of a bucket of water. Waterless washes are simply sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned and wiped away using a microfiber towel. These formulas are full of lubricating agents that provide a smooth ride for your microfiber towel, slimming down the chance of wiping-induced swirls.

Many waterless washes also include some sort of protection, mainly carnauba wax-based protection but some of the newer formulas also include some SiO2 and ceramic protection as well. Look for a waterless wash manufactured by the same brand as your protection product (be it wax, sealant, or coating), as they're generally designed to in harmony with one another. 

Below are a few products that we would recommend adding to any winter cleaning collection:

BLACKFIRE Rinseless Wash

BLACKFIRE Waterless Wash

Wolfgang Uber Rinseless Wash

Wolfgang Uber SiO2 Rinseless Wash

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine Revision 6

P&S Absolute Rinseless Wash

Cobra Shine And Buff Waterless Wash Towel 16 x 16 Inch

Chinchilla Microfiber Buffing Cloth 16 x 24 Inch 3 Pack

Both waterless and rinseless washes can be used on all surfaces of your vehicle's exterior, including paint, glass, metal, plastic, and rubber.

In a pinch, a quick detailer can be used as a waterless wash, but those formulas don't usually contain enough lubricants and more product may be necessary to clean an entire vehicle. Using a dedicated waterless or rinseless wash is more cost effective overall.

Maintaining

Quick Detailers

Quick detailers, as mentioned above, aren't ideal for winter washing, but they are perfect for maintaining your existing protection, as well as giving that protection a quick boost to shine. Many quick detailers are formulated with shining ingredients like carnauba that create a slick finish and helps with water beading. Quick detailers can be used directly after applying your chosen protection as one final wipe-down, as well as intermittently throughout the week between washes for a fast boost to your paint.

Check out our top picks for quick detailers and some must-have accessories that go along with them!

Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray

Gtechniq Quick Detailer 500 mL

GYEON Quick Detailer 500 mL

CARPRO EliXir Quick Detailer

Griots Garage Ceramic Speed Shine 22 oz

SONAX Ceramic Ultra Slick Detailer

Chinchilla Microfiber Buffing Cloth 16 x 24 Inch 3 Pack

Cobra Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towels 16 x 16 Inch 3 Pack

Your chosen protection product may have a corresponding quick detailer, and they've been formulated to work together using synergistic compatibility, but many quick detailers can be used over any type of paint protection.

Full Coverage:

While this option may not be for everyone, we didn't want to leave it out in case it applies to you! The best way to keep your car clean in the winter is to make sure it doesn't get dirty in the first place. If you have extra garage space (and of course, an extra vehicle!) consider garaging your car for the season. Mostly popular with valuable show cars, keeping your car out of the extreme winter elements may be your best bet.

We also have interior protection products that are perfect for keeping your car mats clean, as well as other protective products for multiple surfaces.

Car Interior Protectants & Coatings

With the right winter car wash techniques and protective measures, maintaining a clean vehicle in cold weather is completely achievable. Whether you opt for a rinseless wash, waterless wash, or protective detailing spray, choosing high-quality products tailored for winter conditions will ensure your car stays spotless and protected. Don't let winter weather dull your car's shine—stay ahead of the elements with smart winter car care practices!