How often do you wash/wax your Prius?

[PriusRos]

I must admit to having a bad case of new-car syndrome and the neighbors probably think I'm crazy because on any given weekend when it's not raining I'm out there washing, blow drying, and waxing/polishing my Prius. Since I got it at the end of July, I've taken it to the carwash at least once, bought a leaf blower, washed it by hand, then blow dried it, at least twice, then bought Mr. Clean Autodry carwash system and washed it with that three times. I would have washed it more often than that but it was always raining!

Once I wash it, I feel I have to polish it one way or another. I think the first time, I just did a quick polish with Zaino Z-6. The next time, I applied Zaino All-in-One, then Z-2, Z-6, and Z-CS. Then I tried some Carnauba wax that I had lying around my basement for a while. It didn't look bad but I think it was too old and hard and it was very difficult. Then I did the whole Dawn wash thing to strip the wax, and applied Z-AIO, Z-5, Z-6, Z-CS. After my last wash, I used some Z-6, then I waxed it with S100 motorcycle carnauba wax. I can't say for sure whether it adds more depth than Zaino, but it looks pretty good!

Are other people as obsessed as me? How often do you wash and wax your car? I should add that I don't have a garage so the car is subject to all sorts of environmental assaults and crap from the tree and birds in the driveway. Being dark grey, it does show dirt. On the other hand, it really shines when it's clean and polished.

[Paradox]

I wash weekly.

I use spray on wax after each wash and use speed shine in-between the washings a bit before bed.

I use a sealant like Zaino once a month to every two months.

And I clay twice a year.

Yes, I have a problem.

[Tideland Prius]

I wash weekly

I wax twice a year

I claybar once a year or whenever the paint feels rough to the touch

[Rae Vynn]

When ours was new, I was out there washing it down at least once a week.

I'm sure you'll find the time starting to stretch between washes, as time goes by.

[HI MPG]

If I had the resources and time, I would definitely wash more often (SoCal is in a drought and I spend most weekends catching up on classwork). As it is, i try to wash it every 2 weeks...preferably by my own hands, but if I'm pressed for time, I'll drop it off with the detailer at my workplace.
Is washing too often being eco-unfriendly? Just curious (and I'm not judging anyone since I'm just as obsessed with car care as the next Prius owner) since I would think most Prius owners care a bit about the environment...

[biscuit]

I got my Prius a month ago and have yet to wash it.. planning to this week if we get another clear day. I must say, the silver sure hides the dirt!

[triumph1]

Originally Posted by PriusRos

I must admit to having a bad case of new-car syndrome and the neighbors probably think I'm crazy because on any given weekend when it's not raining I'm out there washing, blow drying, and waxing/polishing my Prius. Since I got it at the end of July, I've taken it to the carwash at least once, bought a leaf blower, washed it by hand, then blow dried it, at least twice, then bought Mr. Clean Autodry carwash system and washed it with that three times. I would have washed it more often than that but it was always raining!

Once I wash it, I feel I have to polish it one way or another. I think the first time, I just did a quick polish with Zaino Z-6. The next time, I applied Zaino All-in-One, then Z-2, Z-6, and Z-CS. Then I tried some Carnauba wax that I had lying around my basement for a while. It didn't look bad but I think it was too old and hard and it was very difficult. Then I did the whole Dawn wash thing to strip the wax, and applied Z-AIO, Z-5, Z-6, Z-CS. After my last wash, I used some Z-6, then I waxed it with S100 motorcycle carnauba wax. I can't say for sure whether it adds more depth than Zaino, but it looks pretty good!

Are other people as obsessed as me? How often do you wash and wax your car? I should add that I don't have a garage so the car is subject to all sorts of environmental assaults and crap from the tree and birds in the driveway. Being dark grey, it does show dirt. On the other hand, it really shines when it's clean and polished.

Nothing wrong with taking care of your car! I try to wash twice a month, wax 2-3 times a year, and only have to vacuum once per month, as I don't eat or drink in it. Weathertech floor guards catch all of the sand and dirt.

[jdcollins5]

I also have a Winter Grey and wash it every weekend since I have had it. I am sure my neighbors think that I am obsessed.

I work at a paper mill so when the wind is across the parking lot I can get "crap" on my car. So, I want to be sure to keep this off plus the fact that the Grey really looks nice when it is clean.

[MariaEvri]

I wash it once a month. I only waxed it once since it was a gift wax

[eddiehaskell]

I want to wax the car every 4-5 months because that's about how long the wax I'm using can protect the paint. What I keep in mind is that every time the paint is touched, marring will in some way be induced. Therefore, I try to find the balance between protecting the paint from the elements and rubbing it too much.

For people that really like taking care of their car, there is always that desire to do something and be very proactive, but often times, less is more.