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Mercedes-Benz: How to Wash and Wax Your Car

Don't use just any car shampoo to wash your Mercedes-Benz; use a product that will really condition your paint. Take some time to have your car's paint stand out from the rest and follow this step-by-step guide.

By Charlie Gaston - May 8, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class (2002-present).

When it comes to washing and waxing your Mercedes-Benz C-Class or E-Class, not all car detailing products are the same. While there are a number of products on the market that promise excellent results, the truth is you'll want to choose a detailing product that is specially formulated for clear coat cars. In addition to providing the steps to properly wash and wax your car, we'll list some favorite detailing products and explain why and how they work so well. With this article, you won't have to waste time or money testing unfamiliar products. Read the instructions below and take care of your Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible.

Materials Needed

  • AMMO foam paint cleanser and wheel cleaner
  • Clay bar and lubricant
  • Turtle Wax
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Wool wash mitt and buffing pad
  • Wheel brush
  • Buckets and water

Step 1 – Wash the exterior

Using AMMO's foam paint cleanser is recommended. This product won't compromise the existing layers of protection on your car or strip away your paint's natural oils.

Making sure your windows are closed, thoroughly spray your car with water. Fill up one bucket with water about halfway. Fill another bucket with the foam paint cleanser and spray the inside with clean water to get a sudsy car wash mixture. Dip the wool wash mitt into the foam cleanser bucket and begin washing the roof of your car. Wipe the mitt in a straight, back and forth motion, washing the car one section at a time. In between sections, rise the wash mitt in the bucket with water only, then dip it in the foam cleanser bucket and move on to the next section. Rinse and repeat washing your vehicle as needed.

Figure 1. Two bucket car wash method.

Pro Tip

AMMO foam paint cleanser retails online for approximately $20. It is also available in auto parts stores for the same price.

Step 2 – Apply wheel cleaner

For cleaning the wheels, AMMO's plum wheel cleaner is recommended.

Thoroughly spray your rims with water. With the foam cleanser bucket from the previous step, dip a wheel brush into the bucket and clean the rims. Once most of the dirt and grime has been rubbed off, spray the rims with water. Wait for the water to dry and spray the rim with the plum wheel cleaner; allow it to sit for about ten minutes. Then, clean your rims with the wheel brush and rinse the remaining residue off the rim. Wipe the rims completely dry with a microfiber cloth.

Figure 2. Spray AMMO's plum wheel cleaner onto your rims.

Pro Tip

Also recommended is Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel and Tire Cleaner, which costs around $15 online.

Step 3 – Clay bar and polish the vehicle

Zaino's show car polish is a popular choice for Mercedes-Benz owners.

Apply a clay bar lubricant to one section of your car and glide the clay bar over the surface of the paint in straight, back and forth motions. Make sure to cover all areas of the section. Once finished, wipe off the lubricant with a clean microfiber cloth and move on to the next section of your car. Next, apply a moderate amount of polish to a clean microfiber cloth and wipe one section of your car in small, circular motions. allow the polish to settle for ten minutes and use a clean microfiber cloth to remove the remaining polish.

Figure 3. Clay barred Mercedes-Benz.

Pro Tip

You should clay bar your vehicle at least twice per year.

Step 5 – Wax the vehicle

The use of Turtle Wax for your C-Class, or any other cars you might have, is recommended.

Apply wax to your wool buffing pad and buff one section of your car in small, circular motions. Wait ten minutes (or as directed by the manufacturer) and remove the wax with a clean microfiber cloth. Apply four or five coats of wax for optimal shine.

Figure 4. Full washed, polished and waxed Mercedes-Benz.

Pro Tip

Ideally, you should be waxing your paint every two to three months. With some of the high-end products, you could wait as long as five months before the next waxing.

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