Do’s and Don’ts of Detailing Your Car

Saying goodbye to the Dog Days of Summer is never easy. After road trips, beach adventures, and everything in between, your vehicle may need a little extra love. Detailing your vehicle can seem like a daunting task, but read on to learn some basic do’s and don’ts that will help to get your upholstery back in tip top shape as we head into Fall.

Do:

Start at the top.

While you may want to jump right into vacuuming those dirty carpets, start at the top like your dashboard, and work your way down to the floor. This way, any dirt or debris that fall during cleaning won’t end up back on your freshly cleaned carpets.

Use the correct towels and other cleaning tools.

Ditch the sponge when cleaning your vehicle. Sponges can hold dirt and grit and won’t give you that fresh from the dealer feel. Instead, opt for microfiber towels or hand mitts. Using these will prevent scratches on your exterior paint and streaks on your windows. You can even use paint brushes or small makeup brushes to get those hard to reach areas!

Use a two-bucket system.

Not all water is equal! One bucket for your soap mixture and one for rinsing with clean water. The dirty water can begin to wear on your vehicles exterior and interior, and ultimately, shorten the life of both the paint’s finish and the plastic and vinyl in the interior.

Don’t:

Use the wrong cleaners.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners and dish soap. These products are formulated with harsh chemicals that can damage paintwork and finish. Instead, invest in a quality car shampoo.

Forget the nooks and crannies.

As stated above, there are plenty of household items that can help you get into those hard-to-reach corners of your interior. Paint, make-up or tooth brushes are perfect for air vents. Car-cleaning putty can make cleaning the area around your gear shifter and cup holders a breeze.

Do not spray cleaning products directly on the interior.

This could potentially damage plastics and sensitive electronics. Instead, spray all products on a towel or brush first and then apply for best results.

If you’ve been dreaming about getting that new car smell back, we have all the products and tools you’ll need to do a good quality detailing yourself. Or, our service team here at [store] is ready and happy to professionally detail your vehicle for you. Give our service department a call or use our online service scheduler to book your appointment today!