How to Use a Shammy on Your Car
by Russell Wood
The term "shammy" comes from the word "chamois," which refers to the hide of an animal such as a deer or sheep. This is a very soft and super-absorbent material, so it's perfect for using after you've washed your car or when you have a wet surface to dry. It's a little bit tricky at first, but once you know the proper steps, you'll be drying your car off in no time.
Step 1
Place the shammy on the hood of the car and spray it down using the hose. Most shammies dry to a hard shape after use, so you want to completely saturate the shammy to loosen it up to a malleable state. Wring it out and soak it twice.
Step 2
Wring out the shammy and lay it flat on the surface you want to dry. Hold the two corners closest to you with your index finger and thumb, then pull the shammy toward you, keeping it as flat as possible against the surface of the paint. This will remove all of the major water spots from the surface.
Step 3
Turn around and wring out the shammy so you don't get water on your newly dried surface. Ball up the shammy with your hands, then run it against the area you just dried to ensure that the small water spots are gone.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the car is completely dry. Once it is, store the shammy in a dry location so that it doesn't develop mold or mildew.
Things You'll Need
- Hose with water source
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
