If you've searched "how to wash an electric car", you've probably found two kinds of advice: vague tips that could apply to any car, and long lists of specialty products you supposedly need. This guide is different. It covers what actually matters when cleaning an EV – the charging port, car wash mode, glass roofs, touchscreens, heavy wheels and brake dust – and shows you how to do it with a small, focused set of products.
The short version: you don't need a wheel cleaner
Here's the point most car care brands won't make: for regular washing, you don't need a separate wheel cleaner. Wheels can be washed with the same gentle car shampoo you use on the paint – with a separate mitt or brush and a bit of care.
That's why the 7WASH Complete Car Care Kit deliberately contains no wheel cleaner. 7WASH describes it as the only car care kit in the world that leaves out a wheel cleaner – that's the brand's own claim, and it's what sets the 7WASH approach apart: fewer bottles, products that work together, and nothing in the kit without a clear job.
The kit includes an electric cordless foam sprayer, a wash bucket, microfiber wash mitts, microfiber cloths, a car drying towel, car shampoo, interior cleaner, tire dressing and a paint care and protection product. If you don't want the foam sprayer, the 7WASH Essential Car Care Kit covers the hand-wash essentials – and also comes without a wheel cleaner.
How to wash an electric car: is it different from a gas car?
The basics are the same: rinse, wash gently, dry, protect. But EVs have a few details worth knowing:
- The charging port. It's an opening you want to keep closed and away from direct spray.
- Car wash mode. Many EVs, including Tesla models, have a dedicated car wash mode that adjusts things like wipers, locking or parking behavior. Check your owner's manual.
- Big glass and screens. Large glass roofs, wide windshields and central touchscreens show every streak and fingerprint.
- Weight and wheels. EVs are heavy, and wheels still pick up road grime and brake dust.
- Modern interiors. Synthetic leather, fabric, vinyl and gloss plastic often sit side by side.
What you need to clean an EV
Everything below is included in, or pairs with, the 7WASH Complete Car Care Kit:
- 7WASH Wash Shampoo Premium – for paint and wheels
- 7WASH Cordless Foam Sprayer – 12 V lithium battery, constant 3.6 bar
- Wash bucket and microfiber wash mitts (or the 7WASH Shampoo Plus Set with mitt)
- 7WASH Microfiber Car Drying Towel 60 × 90 cm
- 7WASH Premium Microfiber Cloths 40 × 40 cm
- 7WASH Glass Cleaner and 7WASH Interior Cleaner
- 7WASH Tire Dressing Extra Shiny with applicator sponge
- Optional: 7WASH Hydro Slick ceramic quick sealant and 7WASH Wash & Wax Waterless for touch-ups
Step-by-step: how to wash an electric car at home
1. Prepare the car
- Park in the shade. Paint and glass should be cool to the touch.
- Make sure the charging cable is unplugged and the charge port door is fully closed.
- Enable car wash mode if your car has one, and fold mirrors if your manual recommends it.
2. Rinse and foam pre-wash
Rinse loose dirt off the car, top to bottom, without aiming directly at the charge port, door seals or sensors. Then apply foam with the 7WASH Cordless Foam Sprayer: no pumping, no manual pressure build-up, just an even foam layer for a gentle pre-wash. It works with 7WASH shampoo and is also suited to wheels. Let the foam work briefly and rinse it off.
3. Hand wash the paint
Add 30–90 ml of 7WASH Wash Shampoo Premium to a bucket of water. According to the product description, it is designed for thorough yet paint-safe washing, loosens dirt without attacking sensitive surfaces, leaves no residue and is suitable for paint, plastic, glass and coated surfaces.
- Wash from the roof down, one panel at a time.
- Rinse the mitt often so you're not dragging grit across the paint.
- Keep one mitt for paint and a separate mitt or brush for wheels.
4. Rinse and dry
Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then dry right away with the 7WASH Microfiber Car Drying Towel. It's built to dry a whole car quickly and streak-free; 7WASH says one towel is typically enough for a complete vehicle, without constant wringing.
5. Protect the paint (optional)
On a clean, dry and cool surface, mist 7WASH Hydro Slick onto a microfiber cloth or the panel, spread section by section, let it flash briefly and buff off. It's a ceramic quick sealant for paint, plastic and smooth surfaces with strong water beading and visible gloss. Keep the car dry for 1–2 hours afterward.
Cleaning EV wheels and brake dust – without a wheel cleaner
Searches like "cleaning Tesla wheels" and "EV brake dust" come up constantly. So let's repeat the main point: you don't need a dedicated wheel cleaner for regular wheel washing. That's exactly why the 7WASH kit doesn't include one.
Do electric cars produce less brake dust?
Often, yes. EVs use regenerative braking, so the friction brakes are frequently used less than on a comparable gas car. But "less" isn't "none": EV wheels still collect brake dust and road grime, and the cars are heavy. Regular, gentle washing keeps buildup from becoming a big job.
How to clean EV and Tesla wheels with shampoo
- Make sure the wheels are cool – never clean hot wheels.
- Rinse each wheel to remove loose dirt.
- Foam the wheel with the cordless foam sprayer or use your 7WASH shampoo solution from the bucket.
- Agitate with a separate mitt or brush – never the one you use on paint.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Finish the tire sidewalls with 7WASH Tire Dressing Extra Shiny: a non-drip gel for a deep black finish with UV protection. Apply with the sponge to the sidewall only – never to the tread.
Many EV wheels have aero covers or intricate designs. Washing them often with shampoo and a soft tool is the simplest way to keep them clean – and it means one less bottle on the shelf.
Can you wash an EV in a car wash?
Generally, yes – electric cars are built to be driven in the rain and washed. But follow your vehicle manufacturer's guidance:
- Use car wash mode if your car has one, especially for conveyor washes.
- Check the manual for any warnings about automatic brushes, roof racks or aero covers.
- Make sure the charge port door is closed.
A hand wash gives you the most control over what touches your paint, which is why the 7WASH kits are built around hand washing and foam pre-washing.
Washing the EV charging port: what to do
People often search for "washing EV charging port". The simple rule: keep the charge port door closed while washing, and don't aim water, foam or any cleaning product into the port. If the area around the port door is dusty, wipe the outside of the door gently with a damp microfiber cloth. For anything inside the port, follow your vehicle manual.
How to clean a Tesla glass roof, windows and touchscreen
7WASH Glass Cleaner removes fingerprints, grease, insect residue and road grime without streaks. Its description lists windshields, side windows, mirrors and displays, interior and exterior glass, and says it's safe for tinted windows.
- Work on cool glass in the shade.
- For the touchscreen and inside glass, spray onto a 7WASH Premium Microfiber Cloth – not directly onto the surface.
- Wipe evenly, then finish with a second clean, dry cloth.
The cloth is extra soft, lint-free and designed for paint, glass, displays and coated finishes. Keep separate cloths for glass and paint.
How to clean an EV interior
7WASH Interior Cleaner is a versatile cleaner for plastic, fabric, leather and vinyl. It removes dirt, dust and grease, leaves no residue and no artificial shine, and works on dashboards, door panels, center consoles, seats and carpets.
- Spray onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto the surface, wipe evenly and dry with a clean cloth.
- Many EVs use synthetic leather. As with any material, test on a hidden spot first and follow your manufacturer's care instructions.
- For unpainted plastic and rubber trim and seals, 7WASH 3D-Protector refreshes color and protects against UV radiation and drying, with a natural, non-greasy finish.
Want the whole cabin covered? The 7WASH Interior Cleaning Kit combines interior cleaner, glass cleaner, air freshener and a 40 × 40 cm microfiber cloth.
Waterless touch-ups between washes
For light dust and fingerprints, 7WASH Wash & Wax Waterless cleans, adds gloss and leaves light protection in one step – no rinsing. It's suitable for paint, glass, plastic and smooth surfaces. Important: it's designed for lightly soiled vehicles only. Heavy dirt, sand or mud must come off with a proper wash first.
EV cleaning checklist
- Shade, cool panels, charge port closed, car wash mode on
- Rinse → foam → hand wash top to bottom → rinse → dry
- Wheels with shampoo and a separate mitt – no wheel cleaner needed
- Glass and screens: spray onto the cloth, buff with a second cloth
- Interior: test synthetic leather first
- Optional: Hydro Slick for protection, Wash & Wax Waterless for light touch-ups
Get everything in one box with the 7WASH Complete Car Care Kit or the 7WASH Essential Car Care Kit.
FAQ: cleaning electric cars
How do you wash an electric car?
The same way you'd carefully wash any car: rinse, foam, hand wash with a gentle shampoo, rinse and dry. The EV-specific parts are keeping the charge port closed, using car wash mode if available, and taking care with glass roofs and screens.
Can you wash an EV in an automatic car wash?
Usually yes, but follow your owner's manual and use car wash mode if your car has one. Hand washing gives you the most control.
Is it safe to get the charging port wet?
Keep the charge port door closed while washing and don't spray water or products into it. Follow your vehicle manual for anything beyond that.
Do I need a wheel cleaner for Tesla or EV wheels?
Not for regular washing. Use car shampoo, a separate mitt or brush and cool wheels. That's why the 7WASH kit doesn't include a wheel cleaner – 7WASH calls it the only car care kit in the world that leaves one out.
Do EVs produce less brake dust?
Often, because regenerative braking means the friction brakes are used less. But EV wheels still get brake dust and road grime and should be washed regularly.
How do I clean a Tesla touchscreen?
Spray 7WASH Glass Cleaner onto a soft microfiber cloth – never directly onto the screen – wipe gently, then buff with a dry cloth. Follow your vehicle manual.
Is 7WASH made for Tesla?
No. 7WASH is a general car care range for cars, motorcycles and e-bikes. It isn't made, approved or endorsed by Tesla.
Please read the safety information on each product page before use.
Tesla is a trademark of Tesla, Inc. It is used here only to describe vehicles. 7WASH is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Tesla, Inc.