Cars are riddled with germs, with the driver’s seat alone hosting a whopping 649 types of bacteria.
Knowing how to deep-clean your vehicle is essential for extending its lifespan and keeping you safe. But if you’re not confident with car-washing, you’re putting yourself at risk. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you want to clean your vehicle like a pro and need a nudge in the right direction.
Sounds like you? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to clean your car.
Gather Your Supplies
As you can imagine, you’ll need a range of cleaning tools. Aside from interior detailing brushes, grab surface cleaners, microfiber cloths, and a vacuum cleaner to tackle hard-to-reach places. And you mustn’t forget carpet cleaners to get out stubborn stains.
For the car’s exterior, get sponges, mild soap, and a bucket so you can get a good lather. Then, to complete the auto care job, finish with wax to protect the paint job.
Take Out and Clean the Floor Mats
One of the top cleaning tips is removing the floor mats so you can clean the floor. Shake each one out to remove food debris and run a vacuum cleaner over them for good measure. If they need a deep clean, check they’re machine washable, and chuck them into a regular cycle.
When you’ve vacuumed every footwell, apply a carpet cleaner as it seeps onto the surface. Note, the amount you need will vary between productions, so it’s wise to check the instruction manual.
Wipe Down Interior Windows
A key element of car care is the windows, especially the interior.
Use an auto glass cleaner for the passengers’ windows and windshield. Although it’s tempting to use an all-purpose cleaner, it can cause more problems. Instead, use products designed for glass, as it minimizes streaks and leaves the windows sparkling.
Simply spray the agent on one cloth before wiping down the windows. Then, get a dry microfiber cloth to dry it.
When you’ve done that, fill the wiper’s reservoir with fluid and wipe down the flaps with alcohol. If you notice any tears, replace the blades to ensure that they’re functioning to the best of their abilities.
Dust and Clean the Dashboard
Many motorists forget to clean the dashboard, but it’s often smudged and riddled with germs. You can prevent this by wiping down the dashboard with a damp microfiber cloth to remove grime.
Don’t forget to cover high-touch areas like the middle console, steering wheel, and door handles.
Clean the Seats
Vacuum and then use the right cleaning agent for the seats. For instance, you’ll need a specific one for leather and the same goes for suede. Make sure you follow the instructions to keep your seats looking pristine.
If you’ve got kids, make sure you clean their seats, too. In most cases, you can toss the covers in the washing machine and wipe down the plastic with anti-bacterial wipes.
Wash the Tires
An essential part of vehicle care is washing the tires. To get started, grab a bristled brush and scrub the entire surface area with a mix of dish soap and warm water.
If you notice any stubborn grime, leave the mixture on the grime and let it soak so that it softens up. After at least 30 minutes, repeat scrubbing and rinsing until it’s spotless. Pro tip: use a wheel brush to reach smaller sports for an extra deep clean.
Eliminate Stubborn Smells
Go the extra mile by deodorizing your vehicle. You can either hang an air freshener or create your own.
For instance, pour baking soda into a sealed container and add four drops of your favorite essential oil. The beauty is that you have full control over the fragrance and can change it whenever you please.
Scrub Down the Exterior
Ideally, you should clean your car on a cloudy day. Although direct sunlight seems like a good idea, the heat will dry the car between washing and cleaning. As a result, you’ll end up with watermarks.
Before you can remove the grime, hose down your vehicle with a pressure washer attachment.
This is far more effective at removing dirt with minimal effort. Then, lather up snow foam or traffic film remover because this helps loosen any stubborn grime.
When you’ve finished the first wash, hand wash the car with dedicated shampoo to protect the paintwork. Once you’re happy with the results, give your vehicle a rinse so that it removes the paint suds.
Many motorists don’t realize that the drying process is equally important.
Although microfiber cloths are great for cleaning, they may scratch the paintwork, especially if you’re using an old one. To be safe, choose chamois natural leather to dry off your car. If you have one handy, use a hairdryer to remove water droplets from hidden areas, such as around the door handles.
Lastly, detail the car’s bodywork before applying good-quality wax. The best method is to use a sponge to spread the product over the entire surface area. Wait for it to dry and then use a clean cloth to buff it until it gleams.
That’s How to Clean Your Car
Now that you know how to clean your car, it’s time to get scrubbing.
There are many useful tips to take on board, such as using the right cleaning agents and cleaning from top-to-bottom. Vehicle owners should also spend time cleaning the exterior and giving it plenty of time to dry for the best results. Happy cleaning!
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