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Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 1994-2014: How to Wash, Wax, and Detail Your Car

Learn insider tricks for washing, waxing and detailing your 1994-2014 Ford Mustang.

By Charlie Gaston - September 25, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

So, you want to improve the appearance of your Ford Mustang? Good. But did you know rubbing dirty cleaning water over your paint could cause serious damage? That's why you'll want to follow our no-nonsense guide to washing, waxing and detailing your car. The process does require several hours of work as well as a moderate level of exertion, but you'll be happy you saved yourself money and completed the project from the safety of your own home garage.

Materials Needed

  • Car cleaner
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Stiff scrubbing brush
  • Two buckets
  • Water hose
  • High quality wax
  • Degreaser
  • Electrical buffer (optional)
  • Clay bar

Step 1 – Clean the paint

  • Using a high quality car soap, such as Chemical Brothers Maxi Suds II, and a microfiber wash mitt, clean your paint of all contaminants and old wax residue.
  • It's recommended that you start with the top of your Mustang, and then proceed to your windows.
  • If possible, use the two-bucket method. Doing so will prevent old contaminants from being transferred back onto your paint while you work.
  • Always wash your paint using a straight up and down motion to prevent swirls.
  • Move on to the hood of your car, followed by the entire front area, rear deck and trunk.
  • Wash the entire passenger-side of your vehicle (except for the rear quarter).
  • Do the same for the entire driver-side of your vehicle; again, leave the rear quarter alone for now.
  • Finish by washing your rear bumper as well as the rear panels you left undone.
  • It's best to rinse your Ford Mustang after washing each of the above-mentioned sections and going on to the next.
  • Apply a wheel cleaner to your wheels and a rim cleaner to your rims. Rinse both areas when you are done.
Figure 1. This is the two-bucket method.

Step 2 – Wax the paint

Apply a good wax, like Turtle Wax Ice Synthetic Wax, to your freshly cleaned paint. Using an applicator, move section by section starting from the hood of your Ford Mustang and working your way to the trunk, applying a quarter-size amount of wax to your paint. Use overlapping, circular strokes for the best results. Allow the wax to sit for at least 10 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer, and then remove it using a microfiber cloth. You may also use an electric buffer, if you own one, for a professional-looking finish. Make sure to remove all wax residue from your paint before moving on to the next step.

Figure 2. It's not compulsory to use an electronic buffer, but if you have one that's great.

Pro Tip

Although not compulsory, it's highly recommended that you clay bar your paint to remove stubborn deposits. You'll need to use a lubricant.

Step 3 – Detail the interior passenger cabin

  • Remove trash and large debris from the interior of your passenger cabin.
  • Wash interior plastics and trim using a high quality cleaning and dressing product.
  • Remove your mats and vacuum out your carpet and seats, using a stiff scrub brush.
  • Clean your mats, and then place them back inside your vehicle.
  • Install a new air freshener if desired.
Figure 3. Using a scrubbing brush on the leather.

Step 4 – Clean the engine bay

Make sure your engine isn't hot before cleaning. Start the process by covering vulnerable components, such as your alternator, battery, coil packs, electrical plugs and air intake systems, using plastic bags or sheets of aluminum foil. Apply a commercial-grade degreaser to your engine bay. Allow the product to sit for approximately 20 minutes while it works, and then rinse it off. Wipe down your engine bay with a microfiber cloth.

Figure 4. Clean your engine bay using a degreaser.

Featured Video: Two-Bucket Car Wash Method

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