Washing | Snowfoams | Car shampoo | Cleaner

Car lovers know they should steer clear of automatic car washes—and we recommend the same.
Car washes often only remove surface-level dirt and grime and can leave scratches on the paint. That’s why we advise washing your car by hand.

Proper preparation and the right equipment are crucial for hand washing. We’ll explain what to look out for, offer tips, and share which products are ideal for a perfect car wash.

Why Hand Washing Matters

To properly wash your car by hand without damaging the paint, preparation and equipment are key. Typically, you’ll need:

• Two buckets with grit guards

• Car wash sponge

• Car shampoo

• Snow foam (cleaning foam) or detailing clay

• Wheel cleaner and wheel brush

• Bug remover

• Drying towels

• Glass cleaner and microfiber cloths

Many of these products are available individually or in convenient sets in our online shop—whether you're looking for car shampoo or snow foam.

Step 1: Pre-Wash

Start with a pre-wash to loosen heavy dirt and help prevent scratches during the main wash.
Apply bug remover to the front areas of the car—like the grille, hood, windshield, and side mirrors—and allow it to work.

Tip: For stubborn bug residue, apply bug remover multiple times, as insect remains can be very persistent.

For dirt across the rest of the vehicle, use a pH-neutral snow foam in a foam sprayer (snow foamer) mixed with water. Spray the foam over the entire vehicle and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Tip: The thicker the foam, the longer it clings to the paint and the better it loosens dirt.

After soaking, rinse the foam off with clean water. A pressure washer is ideal for this, but be mindful of the pressure and maintain a safe distance to avoid damaging the paint.

Pro Tip:
Rinse the car from top to bottom so that loosened dirt flows downward and doesn’t settle back onto the vehicle.

Step 2: Main Wash

Once the foam is rinsed off, begin the main wash using a microfiber wash mitt and AutoGlanz Germany car shampoo.
Apply shampoo again and gently wash from top to bottom in straight strokes, using light pressure.

Rinse with clean water and dry the paint with a drying towel to avoid streaks.

Types of Car Shampoos

There are various types of car shampoos developed for different purposes. Here are the most common:

• All-Purpose Shampoo: Standard shampoo for regular car washing. Removes dirt, dust, and light grime without stripping wax or sealants.

• Wash & Wax Concentrate: Contains wax or sealant ingredients that leave a protective film and shine on the paint during washing.

• Foam Shampoo: Produces thick foam to gently lift dirt off the surface. Best used with foam cannons or pressure washers.

• Degreaser Shampoo: Effective for removing grease, oil, and stubborn contaminants. These are stronger and should be used sparingly to avoid paint damage.

• Specialty Shampoos: Formulated for specific surfaces like wheels, glass, or plastics. Designed to clean particular materials without harming them.

It’s important to choose the right shampoo based on your vehicle’s needs and the type of contamination to ensure a thorough clean without damaging the paint.