How to Wash & Protect Your Car Like a Pro with Merrick Shine

As car enthusiasts and hot rod builders, we know the cleaning and detailing process is the last and most important step after any build. Here's the step-by-step routine we use with the Merrick Shine line to get a clean, glossy, protected finish at home. Shop the full lineup in our Merrick Shine Car Care & Detailing Products collection.

Step 1: Clean the Wheels & Tires First

Always start with the dirtiest part of the car so you don't splash grime onto clean paint. Merrick Shine Wheel Cleaner / Degreaser is a ready-to-use yellow degreaser that removes brake dust, grease and grime from wheels and tires. It also works on engine compartments, door jambs and gas caps, and it's great for cleaning white wall tires.

Step 2: Wash with Hi Foam Wash & Wax

Merrick Shine Hi Foam Wash & Wax is a high foaming car soap with emulsified carnauba wax that enhances color and gloss every time you wash. It cleans away grease, bugs, oil and road film from paint, glass and chrome, and works in both a foam cannon or a bucket. Use 1-2 ounces per gallon of water for best results. Washing often? Grab the Hi Foam Wash & Wax 2 Pack.

Step 3: Touch Up & Lube with Quick Detailer

Merrick Shine Quick Detailer / Waterless Wash is formulated with surfactants and silicones for light shine and cleaning, with hydrophobic properties. Use it as a clay lube, a waterless wash on a mildly dirty vehicle, or a quick wipe-down before a car show. It's great for wrapped cars too. Want both steps in one order? Check out the Quick Detailer + Hi Foam Wash Combo.

Step 4: Protect the Paint with Graphene SiO2 Sealant

Merrick Shine Graphene SiO2 Paint Sealant is a water based graphene spray coating engineered with silicas and silicones for shine and protection, and built to minimize smearing and streaking. Use it as a standalone paint sealant, or on top of a ceramic coating to prolong its life and shine. It gives 6 to 12 months of protection depending on conditions, with strong water beading and sheeting.

Step 5: Streak-Free Glass

Merrick Shine Glass Cleaner has no ammonia and no added scent, both of which can cause smearing, so it's safe on tinted windows. Use it on windshields, headlights, windows and mirrors. It cuts through dirt, dust, grease, grime and film.

Step 6: Dress Tires, Trim & Interior

Finish with Merrick Shine Rubber Vinyl Plastic Tire Dressing, a sprayable water based dressing for rubber, vinyl and plastic. Because it's water based, it won't dry or crack surfaces. Use it on tires, exterior trim, dashboards, door panels and center consoles. Let it sit for a great shine, or wipe it dry right away for a like-new look.

Get Everything in One Kit

Want the whole routine in one box? The Merrick Shine Sixer (6 Pack) and the Merrick Shine Ultimate Car Wash Combo (4 Pack) (car wash, graphene detailer, tire dressing and wheel cleaner) make great gifts for any car guy or gal.

Browse the full Merrick Shine Car Care & Detailing Products collection to build your kit.