Saturday Morning Wash as Therapy - Part 2

How to Keep the Ritual Alive as the Weather Gets Colder

Part 2 of 2

In Part 1 of our last issue, I discussed the importance of maintaining your detailing routine as we enter the winter months — shifting your focus to the interior and keeping your workspace organized to reduce clutter and maintain the flow. The goal was simple: keep the ritual alive, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.

In this issue, I'm going to talk about having a full-wash strategy in the cold winter months. Yes, I did say we would shift more to the interior, but we also don't want to allow continuous buildup of winter grime and road salt to accumulate throughout the season. A little exterior maintenance goes a long way.

The Full-Wash Strategy for Cold Weather

Depending on where you live, you might get a break from the extreme cold, allowing you to wash your car at home — or, if available, at a wash (carwash or self-service carwash) with heated water and bays. Aim for every 3–4 weeks.

If you decide to wash at home, choose a day that's on the mild side and be sure to avoid getting water into the seals. You don't want them freezing shut. Treating the seals with nextzett Gummi Pflege weather seal conditioner keeps them conditioned and prevents sticking to the door frame in freezing temperatures.

Using a rinseless wash indoors or in a garage is a great idea. Just make sure your car isn't too dirty, or it'll be challenging to clean and increase the risk of scratches.

Don't chase perfection — this is purely maintenance. We're trying to keep momentum, not win a car show.

The Payoff of a Winter Wash Routine

By keeping a consistent wash routine during the colder months, you gain several benefits:

• You maintain continuity of your ritual: staying consistent every few weeks is far easier than tackling months of built-up dirt — emotionally and physically.

• You've got a thousand things to do. Whether you wash or do an interior wipe-down, getting it done gives you an excuse to slow down and enjoy the reset it brings on a Saturday morning.

• Winter is full of gray hues. Light, meaningful upkeep helps fend off the winter slump.

• That accumulation of dirt and road salt on your floor mats can weigh you down without realizing it. I've never met anyone who doesn't appreciate a cleaner car. Everything feels lighter, and that matters during the cold months.

Recommended Products

Here's the rundown of items that will help you keep your winter routine manageable:

• Interior cleaner with a natural finish like nextzett Cockpit Premium

• Streak-free glass cleaner such as nextzett Windscreen Clear

• A hand-wash shampoo to remove winter grime, like nextzett Auto Glanz Shampoo, or a polymer-infused shampoo like Detailers Finest RestoWash for added shine and protection

• Optional: winter-safe sealants or touch-up sprays like Detailers Finest Heritage Sealant Wax or nextzett Perfect Shine

• Optional: fragrances to set the tone. A good scent can shift your mood instantly — try one of the new Detailers Finest car fragrances.

Wrap Up: The Ritual Continues

Let's beat the winter blues anyway we can. One way is to continue enjoying our cars. It's not a prerequisite of winter that your vehicle has to be perpetually covered in dirt.

So yes, the routine changes. We shift from mostly exterior to mainly interior, with an occasional exterior wash when the weather gives us a window. Whatever it takes to maintain the flow. At least the hot, beating sun and humidity won't be there to slow you down, right?

Stay connected to your car throughout the winter months. Now, I'm going to head out to the garage and freshen up my interior in preparation for the week ahead.