Get Your Baby to Sparkle
We all want our cars to shine, but we don’t all want to spring for professional detailing. What if we told you that you didn’t need to? With the right tools, you can give your vehicle the scrub it deserves!
1. Get the Right Materials
You won’t get anywhere without the right tools, so stock up on microfiber cloths and proper cleaners. Remember that it’s all about the kind of car you have—leather seats need different supplies than cloth ones!
2. Start on the Outside
When cleaning a car, it’s best to start with the exterior. The last thing you want is a spic-and-span interior ruined by all the muck you rinse off later. Whether you patch up minor paint scratches or gently scrub your bumper, keep to the outside first.
3. Clean Water First
You wouldn’t soap your skin without a little water first—the same applies to your car. Professional detailers first rinse the exterior with water to remove any debris that could otherwise scratch the paint. Getting rid of loose gunk protects your vehicle come soap time.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
4. Scrub the Wheels
Technically, you can hose down your wheels and call it a day. But if you’re looking for a professional deep clean, take a brush and gently scrub the grime off your hubcaps. Wheel cleaners and brushes help get the job done without any scratching.
5. Soap the Exterior
Household detergents are a big no-no for cars, so invest in car wash soaps instead. Grab your mitt, grab your brush, and fill a bucket with soap and water. After that, it’s as simple as working top to bottom. Remember to rinse your mitt thoroughly and refill the bucket so you’re not washing with dirty water.
6. Smack Those Mats
Now that you’ve taken care of the exterior, it’s time to tackle the nitty gritty. First things first—pull out those mats and give them a good shake outside. You’ll knock loose any debris and can hose them down for a thorough cleaning.
7. Vacuum the Crevices
You’d be surprised just how much grime collects beneath the floor mats and between car seats. Now’s the time to really get in there. Use attachments to remove any crumbs and small debris, especially between the seats and console.
8. Get Under the Seats
Speaking of car seats, detailed cleaning entails more than surface-level stains. Move seats forward to ensure you get every crumb. If you’re lucky, you might even find some loose change down there!
9. Wipe the Windows
Car windows are just like house windows: susceptible to stains. A glass cleaner and microfiber cloth wipe away smudges and fingerprints, so don't ignore them. You can also use a touch of rubbing alcohol to remove grease.
José Roberto Orpinelli Junior on Pexels
10. Dust the Console
People treat car consoles like a junk drawer, but it’s time to end the cycle. Pop it open to clear out any trash and then use a small, soft brush to sweep away dust that may be in the cracks.
11. Tackle the Dashboard
With so many knobs, touch screens, and air vents, make sure you clean your dashboard properly. Microfiber cloths work wonders, though you might want to bring two—one to gently wipe the dash with solution and another dry cloth to eliminate streaks.
12. Clean Out Cupholders
Cupholders start with coffee…then slowly devolve into a place for candy tins, receipts, and other trash. No more! Toss out any garbage and swipe a rag through the holder. You can use professional cleaners or mild soap and water.
13. Brush the Air Vents
Fine tools are your friends—and your vents’ friends. For everyday cleaning, soft bristles gently wipe away gunk without causing damage. However, you can also use compressed air to deep clean.
14. Get Rid of Odors
Don’t ignore the power of deodorizers. Try baking soda, vinegar, or activated charcoal for any lingering bad smells. On the other hand, if you only need a simple air freshener, vent plugins can turn your car into a meadow.
15. Don’t Miss the Details
If you want to clean like the pros, you need to think like the pros. Everything from getting in between buttons to patching up small paint scratches can make your car shine like new again.
16. Disinfect the Wheel
The average steering wheel can collect up to 700 different kinds of bacteria—nearly ten times that of the average toilet seat. Spritz cleaner onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the wheel! It’s also a good idea to keep disinfecting wipes in your glove box.
17. Collect Dust as You Clean
A good rule of thumb is to vacuum dust as you go. For example, vacuum (or use a microfiber cloth) dust from vents as you find it. That way, you don’t shake a bunch of debris onto your freshly vacuumed floors.
ninofficialphotography on Pixabay
18. Wax On, Wax Off
Now that our cleaning’s done, it’s time to break out the wax. Many motorists skip this step or leave it to the actual pros, but there’s nothing stopping you from doing it at home. You’ll need to polish your car first, wax it, and then let everything set before she sparkles.
19. Stop Dirt in Its Tracks
Not everyone wants seat protectors or steering wheel covers, but they make a big difference. The good news is that you won’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for them either; it’s simple protection to make your life easier!
20. Maintain a Schedule
A big part of cleaning is your schedule. Pencil in time to clean every two weeks or so—a gentle wipe or simple vacuuming stops bigger problems forming in the future.
