You can use soap or detergent to clean your car. You can, but it could ruin the paint, cause rust and accelerate the oxidation process. Also, cleaners that are not made specifically for cars may leave a residue, which can trap dust and debris, causing scratches. If you’re going to apply wax, it’s important that no residue is left on the paint.
You shouldn’t use a polishing machine at home. Orbital buffers or dual-action polishers can be used safely at home. They won’t damage the paint finish and won’t cause scratches. Avoid professional machines and those with faster RPMs, though, as those will be harder to handle.
Any cloth is fine to clean and polish. Old t-shirts, cleaning rags and flannel may seem like a good choice for cleaning, but they can scratch the paint, as they easily attract dust and debris. Instead, use a terrycloth microfiber towel made especially for cleaning cars or other soft surface.
