Side-by-sides (SXS) are built for adventure, often leading you through muddy trails and rugged terrain. After a long day of off-road fun, your vehicle can be caked with mud, dirt, and grime, which, if left unattended, could damage the paint, cause rust, or clog essential components. Proper cleaning will not only keep your ride looking great but also prolong its life. Here's the best way to clean your side-by-side using effective methods, tools, and products like Fast Cherry Off-Road Wash to make the job easier and faster.

Step 1: Prep Your Side-by-Side

Before diving into cleaning, prep your side-by-side to make the process smoother.

• Find the Right Spot: Start by parking your vehicle in an area where the runoff won’t harm your lawn or the environment. If possible, use a driveway or a designated washing spot.
• Remove Large Debris: Take a few minutes to remove any large chunks of mud or leaves stuck in the wheels, undercarriage, or around the tires with your hands or a plastic scraper. This will make the washing process more efficient.
• Cover Sensitive Components: Cover the intake, exhaust, and any exposed electrical parts with plastic or tape to protect them from water damage. You don’t want moisture getting into the wrong places.

Step 2: Pre-Rinse

The next step is to give your side-by-side a good rinse to loosen the mud and dirt.

• Use a Pressure Washer: A pressure washer is the most effective tool for cleaning side-by-sides, especially for stubborn mud. Start with a wide-angle nozzle (25 or 40 degrees) to avoid causing damage to sensitive surfaces.
• Spray Thoroughly: Begin from the top of your side-by-side and work your way down. Pay close attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and hard-to-reach spots where mud tends to accumulate.

Step 3: Apply Fast Cherry Off-Road Wash

Now that the majority of the loose dirt is rinsed away, it’s time to get into the deep cleaning.

• Mix the Solution: Using Fast Cherry Off-Road Wash, mix the recommended dilution (often around 1-2 ounces per gallon) in a foam cannon or a bucket. The cherry-scented formula works great on tough dirt while being safe on a variety of surfaces like metal, plastic, and rubber.
• Foam or Apply by Hand: Using your foam cannon, spray the entire vehicle with the wash solution. The thick foam will cling to the mud, grime, and grease, breaking it down without needing to scrub harshly. Alternatively, you can apply the solution using a soft sponge or brush.
• Let It Sit: Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, giving it time to break down the dirt. Avoid letting the soap dry on the surface.

Step 4: Scrub Where Necessary

While Fast Cherry Off-Road Wash will do most of the heavy lifting, some areas may still need a bit of scrubbing.

• Use a Soft-Bristle Brush: For areas with stubborn grime, use a soft-bristle brush or a detailing brush for smaller, hard-to-reach areas. Focus on spots like the wheels, skid plates, and fenders where mud tends to bake onto the surface.
• Scrub Gently: Be careful not to scrub too hard on plastic or painted surfaces to avoid scratches. The soap will have softened the dirt, so a light scrub should do the trick.

Step 5: Rinse Again

Once you've scrubbed off the tough spots, it's time to rinse everything off.

• Rinse with Pressure Washer: Using your pressure washer, give the vehicle a thorough rinse. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring that all soap and dirt are rinsed off.
• Check for Missed Spots: As you rinse, check for any areas you may have missed and give them an extra pass if needed.

Step 6: Dry and Inspect

To avoid water spots and corrosion, it’s essential to dry your side-by-side after rinsing.

• Use a Microfiber Towel: Dry your vehicle with a microfiber towel or an air blower, focusing on drying around seams, crevices, and bolts.
• Inspect for Damage: While drying, inspect your side-by-side for any scratches, dents, or worn parts that might need repair after your off-road adventure.

Step 7: Finish with a Protectant

To maintain your side-by-side and make future cleaning easier, apply a protectant to the surface.

• Apply a Plastic or Metal Protectant: Spray-on protectants for plastic, metal, or rubber surfaces can help repel water and mud during your next ride, keeping your side-by-side cleaner for longer. Plus, it gives the surfaces a nice shine.