Has the spring time pollen, bugs and bird dropping left a film on your car? Now is a great time for a do-it-yourself car wash, but if you were considering buying a ShamWow to aid in your cleaning, think again. The ShamWow is basically a cloth that works like a towel or sponge. Their ad claims it can hold 12 times its weight in liquid. Consumer Reports tested the ShamWow and we weren’t wowed. Check out our video to see our results.

You don’t need to buy expensive products for a good car wash. Here are some basic tips.

When cleaning, use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder for a car’s paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb's-wool mitt.

After cleaning, don’t let the car air dry as it will leave watermarks. And don't use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint.

For drying, use a chamois (natural or synthetic) or soft terry towels. If you choose towels, you may need several. It's best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel or chamois over the paint.

For more information on car cleaning and car care, see our guide to car maintenance.

--—Liza Barth