How to Wax Your Car Using Hair Conditioner

Need to make your used car really shine on short notice? Maybe you’re attending an event or having guests and want your car to look its best? If you don’t have time to properly hand wax a car, never fear. Instead of wax, use hair conditioner! It’s easy, affordable, and it works. For extra sparkle, you can even use toothpaste to polish your car’s headlights. Read on to learn how to wax a car with hair conditioner.

Waxing a Car with Hair Conditioner: Step-by-Step Guide

First, gather the items you’ll need, including:

• Two microfiber cloths
• Large bucket
• Dish soap
• Dry and clean hand towel
• Hair conditioner (whatever brand you use)

Once you have your materials, follow these steps to get your car looking its best:

1. Park your car in an area with plenty of shade, as washing it in the sun can create streaks. Next, fill the bucket with water and a small amount of dish soap.
2. Using the microfiber towel, clean one side of your car with the soapy mixture. Be sure not to use circular motions; instead, apply the mixture in long strokes. If the water gets dirty, dump it and add fresh water and soap.
3. After you’ve applied soap and water to one side of your car, rinse it off. This prevents the soap from drying and leaving marks on your car. Wash and rinse the other section as well.
4. Once you’ve washed and rinsed the car, dump the soapy water and clean the bucket well. Next, add two cups of water and a 1/2 cup of hair conditioner. Use a clean microfiber towel to apply the mixture to your car.
5. Hose down/rinse off your car after it’s been covered in the conditioner and water mixture. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry the surface. Enjoy the shine!

How Often to Wax a Car

Generally, it’s a good idea to wax your car four times a year — or once every three months. Although time-consuming, waxing helps protect your car’s exterior paint, so it looks its best for years to come. While hair conditioner can be a quick fix, it’s not necessarily a substitute for a hand wax.

Get More DIY Car Care Pointers from CarHop

Do you want more suggestions for how to keep your used car looking its best without breaking the bank? CarHop has you covered! From repairing small windshield cracks with clear nail polish to removing pet hair quickly to cleaning car air vents with a paintbrush, we have a guide for just about every kind of DIY car maintenance. Shopping for a used car? Visit your local CarHop location to find a high-quality used car, truck, or SUV.