Why go to a car wash when you can do it better yourself? Getting your car looking brand new again is a rewarding task and you'll get to reap the benefits every time you get in. It's also not that difficult as long as you have a handful of the require tools. That's why we have compiled a list of 10 steps for super cleaning your car yourself & the 10 products you'll need, so you can make your car look better than ever!
1. Remove Trash and Personal Items
First thing you'll want to do is remove any trash and items currently in your vehicle. If you want your car looking brand new, having the entire interior empty before you get into the nooks and crannies is key.
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2. Vacuum the Interior
Next up, vacuum the entire car thoroughly. Make sure that everything including the floor mats, seats, and carpets are vacuumed to remove all the excess dirt.
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3. Clean the Dashboard and Console
Clean your dashboard and center console with a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution. There are a ton of buttons and knobs so be delicate when scraping away grime.
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4. Wash the Windows
Make sure to clean both the inside and outsides of your windows. Use lint-free cloth and proper window cleaning solutions to avoid stains. If you roll down the windows you'll have an easier time reaching the window tops, typically the dirtiest part.
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5. Wash the Exterior
Wash your car with proper soap starting at the bottom and working your way up. This will make it a lot easier to tell which parts still need to be cleaned.
6. Clean the Wheels and Tires
Get right up into the wheels with a brush to clean the intricate parts. There is typically a bunch of a dust in the wheel components so be diligent.
7. Condition the Leather
Cars with leather seats need to be properly conditioned with leather cleaning products to avoid cracks and keep them fresh. The last thing you want is a musky leather smell and stains leaking through the cracks.
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8. Dry the Car
Dry the car as quickly as possible after it has been cleaned. This will help prevent any chance for streaks or stains, and keep your car looking brand new.
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9. Apply Wax or Sealant
For another level of care, throw on a coat of wax to improve the overall shine of the car. It will also make the paint more durable, protected from mother nature.
10. Freshen the Interior
Lastly, either spray or add an air freshener to bring in that fresh new car smell. Enjoy having your car looking brand new once again!
1. Car Wash Soap (Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash)
Cars use a special soap that will make the paint look brand new, while avoiding any stripping. Don’t use regular dish shop for example, the chemicals will destroy any sealants you may have had protecting your car.
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2. Microfiber Cloths (Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Mitt)
Grab a bunch of microfiber cloths. They are ideal for cleaning many of the cars components and are delicate enough for the most intricate parts such as knobs or buttons.
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3. Glass Cleaner (Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner)
Getting proper glass cleaner is key to making sure your windows will be spotless. If your car has tinted windows, double check the glass cleaner is tint safe so it won’t rub any of it off.
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4. Tire Cleaner (Armor All Extreme Wheel Tire Cleaner)
Tire cleaner is heavy duty stuff that will remove even the toughest, grimiest dirt. The proper cleaner is the only way you’re going to be able to get the tires looking brand new.
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5. Interior Cleaner (Armor All Original Protectant)
The cleaner you use for the interior of your car will change based on whether you car uses plastic, vinyl, or leather. You will most likely need multiple, just make sure to use the right ones for the right parts. Using the wrong cleaner can cause lasting damages.
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6. Leather Conditioner (Lexol Leather Conditioner)
Leather seats need a proper leather conditioner to ensure it remains in good quality. The conditioner will help avoid any cracks and keep the seats looking as shiny as ever.
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7. Upholstery Cleaner (Armor All Carpet Upholstery Cleaner)
Upholstery cleaner is essential for many seat fabrics and carpets. It’s ideal for removing the tough dirt stains, while avoiding any discoloration.
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8. Wheel Brush (Speed Master Wheel Brush)
A wheel brush is super helping for getting to all the hard to reach places on your tires. In a perfect world you would taking the tires off the car for an easier clean or splurge on a pressure washer, but a brush will do the trick.
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9. Wax or Sealant (Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax)
Car wax will keep your car safe from mother nature. The extra layer of protection will keep your car’s paint looking shiny, while also prolonging its life.
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10. Vacuum Cleaner (Bissell AutoMate Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum)
A vacuum cleaner, specially with the various attachments for the hard to each places, is essential. It will speed up the whole cleaning process and is really the only way to get your car looking truly brand new again.
