Car detailing is something that people pay a professional a hefty amount of money to do. However, getting that like-new car cleaning service is definitely possible to DIY. You don’t need any fancy equipment if you’re willing to just be patient and put in the work. If you’d like to know more about car repairs and panel beating be sure to check out NRC Group.
All About Car Detailing
Detailing is more than just vacuuming the seats off and shaking the mats out—it’s cleaning every nook and cranny. While it may seem like a chore at first, all you have to do is put on earphones, push play on your favorite playlist, and get to work.
Exterior Cleaning
The first step to a good detail is cleaning the outside of the vehicle. Start with the tires using a tire brush and a special tire cleaner for the tire and rims. Then, use a microfiber cloth with special car shampoo to wash your car from top to bottom. This can help avoid scratches to the paint job, which is especially important if you’ve just bought that new Ford for sale you had your eye on.
After washing, rinse and dry, then wax and seal the car. You can even buff the paintwork at the end for extra shine. Use glass cleaner for streak-less windows.
Interior Cleaning
Next comes the interior, which can take quite a bit of time. Some people even wash all the seats, ceiling and carpets. This is optional, but at the very least, you should spot-clean any stains or spills you come across.
Step 1: Remove Mats and Clean Up Trash
Take all of those dirty floor mats and anything else removable. Remove what trash you can by hand. Don’t forget to slide the seats forwards and backwards to get anything that has fallen under them.
Step 2: Brush and Vacuum
Use a soft brush to wipe away any dust and dirt. Start on the ceiling and work your way down. It’s important not to forget the details, like the air vents and dashboard. You may need a paintbrush or something small to clean all the crannies.
Then, carefully vacuum everything. A brush attachment can be helpful for the upholstery and dashboard. A smaller head may be needed to get the floor and nooks and crannies. Don’t forget to vacuum out the cupholders and seat pockets, as well as any spaces under the floor in the trunk.
The mats that you removed also need to be brushed and vacuumed, so don’t forget them! If you have time, you can even scrub them with some soap and water and hang them to dry. They’ll likely be done by the time you finish cleaning.
Step 3: Get the Stains
Use a special stain remover for upholstery to get any stains.
Step 4: Wipe It Down
Wipe down any plastic parts, like the dash, door components, and door handles. Use glass cleaner and wipe down the interior windows and mirrors. Wipe down metal parts, such as seat tracks and seatbelt hardware. If you are wiping down leather, use a special leather product and remember to condition it after.
Enjoy Your Like-New Ride
Once you’ve taken the time to complete everything in this article, you’ll have a car that looks almost brand new and a strong sense of accomplishment!