Keeping a spotless car can be satisfying, but do you want to be able to do it as well as the pros?
Deep car cleaning might seem like it’s always just a little more precise when it’s done by a professional, but you can do a lot of the same work at home if you know the tricks and secrets.
Keep reading to learn just a few car detailing tips from the professionals.
1. Use More Than One Bucket
When most people are cleaning their cars, they use 1 big bucket of soapy water to clean everything and a hose to rinse. Does this sound familiar?
Consider this: When you’ve done a pass with your cloth, sponge or mitt, and it’s covered in car dirt, where does it go? Does it go back into that nice, clean, soapy water? Is that water still nice and clean?
You need a minimum of 2, potentially even 3 buckets for your cleaning. This might sound like overkill when you’re used to doing it the old-fashioned way, but you’ll notice the difference.
Clean soapy water in one. Dirty, rinsed water in the second. The third is for the dirtier parts of the car, like the tires.
2. Use Your Hands
Don’t just judge the cleanliness of your car by sight. Car detailing is all about the details; it’s in the name. Run your fingers over the surface of the most visible parts of your car to find areas where there are clearly stuck-on contaminates.
Getting rid of these can be tricky, so if you find a lot, you may want to go to a pro. You can also purchase a clay bar or scratch hiding compound if you’re confident in your DIY abilities.
3. Wax on, Wax Off
Karate Kid teaches us many lessons. One of them is the importance of waxing. Waxing doesn’t just make your car glossy, it also helps to protect it until your next big wash.
Investing in nice car wax and putting in the extra few minutes to really add that extra detail will save you time in the long run.
4. Clean Your Vents
Is your car smelling a little musty even after a thorough cleaning?
You can cover it up with air fresheners, or you can look for ways to remove the problem.
Sometimes the vents can get a little bit dirty on the inside. Moisture or debris can be trapped inside, causing a buildup, and eventually a smell.
A can of compressed air is a great way to help clean that out without having to take anything apart.
5. Don’t Forget the Wheels
Did you know that wheels have specific kinds of cleaning products to keep them looking shiny and fresh? Using soap is fine, but using the proper cleaner will make them look like new.
Be careful not to get the cleaner on the car itself, or onto the tires. It’s not meant for those surfaces.
Deep Car Cleaning Can Be a DIY Process
Cleaning your car at home might take a bit of time and elbow grease, but you’ll feel the satisfaction of a job well done. You’ll also be able to do it as often as you want and on short notice.
If you’re in need of a deep car cleaning and you don’t have the time to get to a professional, you can take some of their tricks in-between visits.
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