Keeping your car clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about protection. Dirt, salt, bird droppings, and even everyday dust can damage paintwork and interiors if left unchecked. But how often should you really be washing your car? And when is it worth doing a deeper clean?
Most cars should be washed at least once a month, with more frequent cleaning during the winter or after long road trips when dirt and contaminants build up quickly. But the truth is, your ideal cleaning schedule depends on how, where, and when you drive.
How Often Should You Wash the Exterior?
Weekly
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Ideal for those who commute daily, park outside, or live near the coast where salt can eat into paintwork.
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Regular washing prevents grime build-up and protects paint protection layers like wax or ceramic coatings.
Every 2 Weeks
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A good balance for most drivers.
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Keeps dirt manageable and ensures contaminants like bird droppings or tree sap don’t etch into the paint.
Monthly (Minimum)
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If you drive occasionally and keep the car garaged, a monthly wash is the bare minimum.
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Anything less, and you risk long-term paintwork issues.
💡 Pro Tip: Always avoid using household detergents—these strip waxes and leave your car unprotected.
Recommended Product:
👉 Valet-Pro Citrus Pre Wash – The perfect pre-cleaner for removing road film, salt, and grime before a contact wash. Its citrus-based formula breaks down dirt safely, reducing the chance of swirl marks when you move on to hand washing.
When Should You Deep Clean the Exterior?
A standard wash keeps things tidy, but sometimes your car needs more. Consider a deeper clean when:
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Winter road salt has built up on sills, arches, or the underbody.
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You’ve done a long road trip, picking up tar, bugs, and heavy grime.
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The paint looks flat or water no longer beads, meaning your protection is wearing thin.
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You’re preparing for a car show, sale, or new season.
During these times, go beyond your usual wash with extras like:
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A decontamination wash (iron remover, tar remover, clay bar).
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A fresh coat of wax or ceramic spray for added protection.
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Polishing to restore gloss and clarity.
How Often Should You Clean the Interior?
Just like the exterior, the inside of your car benefits from regular upkeep. Dirt, crumbs, and dust build up quickly and can shorten the life of your upholstery.
Weekly Touch-Ups
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Shake out mats and give surfaces a quick wipe.
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Vacuum seats and footwells if used daily.
Monthly Deep Clean
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Wipe down dashboards, vents, and high-touch surfaces with interior cleaners.
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Condition leather or fabric to prevent wear.
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Clean inside glass to remove haze and improve visibility.
Recommended Product:
👉 Ultra Plush Microfibre Towels Grey - Edgeless – Perfect for both interiors and exteriors, these high-quality towels lift dust and dirt without scratching surfaces. Use them for dashboard wipes, drying interior glass, or buffing seats after conditioning.
Seasonal Considerations
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Winter: Salt and grit are the biggest threats—clean more frequently (weekly if possible).
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Spring: Tackle pollen and give the car a full decontamination to remove winter’s build-up.
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Summer: Focus on bird droppings and bug splatter, which can etch paint in hot weather.
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Autumn: Keep leaves and debris from clogging vents and drains; clean interiors more often if bringing in mud.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but most car owners should wash their vehicles every 1–2 weeks, with monthly deep cleans for both inside and out. By combining regular maintenance with the right products, you’ll not only keep your car looking its best—you’ll also preserve its value and protect your investment.