The double bucket car cleaning method is a simple way of getting better results without leaving scratches on a car’s paintwork. A single bucket cleaning method can trap and lead to grit being dragged across a car’s body leading to loads of tiny scratches forming. This can only be corrected with polishing or an expensive respray so it’s best to avoid them forming in the first place.
Related: Touchless car washes: what is it and can I do it myself?
That’s where the double bucket method comes in. It’s a simple and affordable way to improve your car washing experience and get better results, all while preventing scratches from forming. So let Parkers break down the double bucket car cleaning method and save you cash and keep your paintwork gleaming.
What you need for double bucket cleaning
Autoglym 20L Car Wash Bucket
Price: £14 | VIEW OFFER
A proper detailing bucket is preferable to a regular bucket as most car care companies offer dilution ratios based on a 20-litre bucket of water. Grit guards are also designed to fit the universal 20-litre bucket design so it just makes sense. Good options like this one from Autogylm will be ultra-tough and feature metal handles for secure carrying.
Important note: Get two of them.
Grit Guard The Original Insert
Price: £7.99 | VIEW OFFER
An essential accessory for car care, a grit guard that sits in the bottom of a bucket will ensure that the grit and contaminants sink below the grating ensuring that your wash mitt won’t pick up these bits and scratch your paintwork. Just make sure you pick up two of them.
26JPN Microfibre Wash Mitt
Price: £13.75 | VIEW OFFER
Ditch the sponge, it’s a scratch risk and old-fashioned. Microfibre wash mitts are far nicer to use and massively reduce the chance of scratches. We like this one from 26JPN because of its 700gsm microfibre pile, central split for extra control and cuffed wrist.
Gtechniq GWash (1000ml)
Price: £19.99 | VIEW OFFER
A good car shampoo promotes lubrication between your wash mitt and bodywork which should help prevent scratches from forming. We really liked Gtechniq GWash when we tried it.
How to perform the double bucket method
• Insert the grit guards into the bottom of both buckets. Then add the recommended volume of car shampoo to the wash bucket and fill both up with tap water.
Tip: Use the barrel of your pressure washer for the final bit of filling your shampoo bucket, the pressurised water will help the shampoo lather up and produce a thicker foam
• Ideally you should first apply a pre-wash (like a snow foam) to your car before getting busy with the buckets. This step will help soften and break down dirt for easier cleaning and further reduce the risk of scratches occurring.
• Add your clean wash mitt into the shampoo-filled bucket and then start cleaning your car, working from top to bottom.
• When you can feel a little more resistance it’s time to clean your mitt in the rinse bucket. Make sure to rub your mitt against the grit guard to dislodge any embedded debris and ensure the mitt is contaminant free.
• Add the cleaned wash mitt back into the wash bucket to get shampoo on it again and continue cleaning.
• Repeat this wash and rinse method until the entire car has been cleaned with shampoo.
• Then it’s time to rinse the car with water and begin drying it. Make sure to dry the car with a drying towel.
The optional third bucket
Yes, that’s right, there’s a method that will expand your bucket collection further. The third bucket doesn’t have a set function and can be any of the following:
• To offer both heated and chilled water buckets
• A bucket for rinsing the wheels as they’re the dirtiest part of the car
• As a secondary rinse bucket for ensuring your wash mitt is even freer from contamination
Is it necessary? Not really, two buckets are the most effective car washing method, the gains that come from using additional buckets will be minuscule. A third bucket also means more costs and a higher water bill, as well as the faff of moving three buckets about.
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