Keeping your Prius clean

by hand is always better if you have the time and inclination. you'll get lots of fine opinions, but i just use dishwashing liquid in warm water. you can find plenty of specialty products at auto supply stores or online if you prefer.

 

The Prius is a small enough car to wash by hand without tiring. Washing by hand is preferable because you'll get less marring, of course that depends on how you wash it also.

Prewet the car to get everything softened. Use car soap(any is fine don't use dawn) and wash with a microfiber cloth. You can use 1-2 buckets for rinsing the dirty cloth.

If you have your own driveway, its easier to be more of a perfectionist. If not and you have to go to a washbay, I go with the philosophy of getting it done.

 

If you hand wash, you’re going to see the chips and scratches you’d miss going through a car wash. It’s also possible to do a much more thorough job, hosing out the wheel wells and undercarriage.

Toyota Canada makes (or brands) a car wash liquid concentrate; not sure if it’s available in the States.

 

OP, please do not do this. In the car world before the advent of the many chemicals and methods we have now, we use to use dish soap to help STRIP AWAY all waxes/protectants that's on the paint. I wouldn't be surprised if bisco used old bath towels to dry the car(you will absolutely tear up the clearcoat with cotton towels).

Any car shampoo from Walmart will do. Use microfiber towels to dry your car. Also, do not wash your car in the sun/when your car is hot. Unless you're using DI water or distilled water, the water that flashes off will leave deposits that are difficult to get rid of.

 

Literally any car wash soap rated well on amazon would work with a mitt and bucket. Nothing to watch for it using the right stuff (DON'T use dish soap!!!)
I love Chemical Guys Mr. Pink or my new fav is their Citrus wash and gloss. Get a bundle with bucket and mitt. Dry with microfiber drying cloth. None of this is hard or expensive and you literally can't mess it up.

Some things I have found taking care of some decently nice cars for a few decades. If you don't have easy access to water Optimum "no rinse" is awesome. Wipe on and wipe off with microfiber towels. Just can't start with a *really* dirty car.

After a wash I love P&S Bead Maker. That stuff is magic. Like teflon coating your car and easier to wash next time and adds quite the shine. Doesn't matter if you get it on anything....glass, plastic, wheels, etc. Just wipe on a small section at a time and wipe off.