Car Detailing Made Simple - 16 Useful Tips and Tricks
In comparison to external detailing, typical interior detailing utilizes many more materials and addresses far more complex issues (aside from significant paint correction, of course). Interior detailing, from our experience, requires more time and diligence than conventional exterior detailing.
Although it requires more work hours and equipment to complete, some operators charge less for á la carte interior detailing. Before settling on pricing, compare the time to complete interior detail with an outside detail to see which one takes longer.
Detailing your vehicle is not just a matter of vanity; It’s also a smart move to keep your car’s value high and get the most money for it when you decide to sell it. To help you get started, here are some pointers on car detailing:
1. Dry the glass in two ways
While cleaning and drying your car’s windows, you’ll almost certainly stumble across an unsightly smear. Make it a habit to dry the outside one way and the inside another way to speed up this process (horizontal and vertical, for instance).
In this way, you will see whether the streak is on the outside or inside of the window. You will be able to deal with it quickly and without generating any new streaks or blemishes.
2. Don't forget to wipe the windows' tops
Winding down the windows to wiping the highest part of the glass is a simple technique that may help you prevent unsightly stains. Excess products may accumulate in the window jamb, causing smearing, leaking, and other blemishes. You should ensure that every inch of the vehicle gets a professional clean by winding down the windows removing any dirt, debris, and different product.
3. Apply shampoo every two weeks
Give the paintwork a good wash every two weeks or so to keep it looking excellent. It will assist in minimizing undesired abrasion and prevent the development of rust as well as remove dirt. The protective coating on the paint of certain cars may be removed by washing them regularly, although this is not always true. Dishwashing soap may damage paint if misused, and cleaning it often without waxing exposes it to further damage.
4. Dry the paintwork with a towel or chamois
Watermarks may appear on the surface if you let your vehicle air dry after cleaning it, and In many cases, they’re more challenging to get rid of than regular dirt and road grime.
To dry your car thoroughly, use a soft microfiber towel or chamois to remove any water droplets from the paintwork carefully. Remove excess water by working your way down each car panel, starting at the top and ensuring the paintwork looks clean and clear.
5. Use polish instead of wax to remove swirl marks
Wrinkles in your car’s paint are caused by microscopic scratches called swirl marks. Using a dirty cloth or sponge results in them being created incorrectly. It’s a common misconception that waxing your car would remove any visible marks, but this is not entirely true. Instead, a good vehicle polish is the best method to eliminate swirl marks.
6. Rinse your sponge after each cleaning session
Rinse your sponge (or cloth) often throughout the washing procedure, preferably in a separate bucket, to prevent swirl marks in the future. To avoid damaging the paint, make sure the sponge or cloth is as clean as possible before reusing it.
7. Treat your trim before applying wax
The care and maintenance of black plastic trim differ from that of the rest of the bodywork. Before waxing and polishing the surrounding metalwork, we suggest treating the plastic trim with a black restorative solution to keep it looking its best.
8. Use a power buffer to apply wax, not to remove it
With the proper knowledge, a power buffer may be a powerful tool for getting professional-looking results. When removing wax and polish, many people make the mistake of using a pad, which may lead to an uneven finish and swirl marks in the clear coat.
Instead, apply wax with a power buffer and wipe it away with a soft, dry towel afterward. To prevent the machine from scorching your paint, wax the buffer pad before using it. The result will be a thin and uniformly dispersed film of wax.
9. Use a plastic bag to inspect the surface
Before putting a fresh coat of wax to the paint, ensure all dirt and abrasion have been removed. But how can you do it without leaving a trail of obnoxious fingerprints on your newly cleaned and polished car
One of the simplest ways to detect spots of filth and abrasion is to rub your fingers over the car’s surface using a regular plastic carrier bag.
10. It’s all about the type of cloth
Exterior cleaning has always been done using sponges. However, that is no longer the case. Soft, microfibre towels are now the norm, making it more straightforward to wash the paintwork without risking damage or scraping.
Microfibre cloths have less friction and are more efficient when it comes to cleaning and rinsing. To prevent scratching. Separate your washing and drying clothes and take off any labels or tags.
11. Invest in a dual-action polisher
Polishing is a quintessential step to exterior detailing. Therefore, investing in the appropriate tools can help you get the most satisfactory results.
We recommend using a dual-action polisher capable of handling whatever polishing job you give it. These motorized polishers are perfect for removing old wax and smoothing out abrasions on your car’s surface, giving it that just-bought shine that lasts for a long time.
12. Static electricity may be used
Carpet fibers retain dust, grime, and debris when it comes to vacuuming, making it tough to remove them. Nothing is more aggravating than cleaning your car’s carpets and upholstery with a vacuum brush only to discover the pieces are just as entrenched — if not more so — than they were before.
Static charge may be used to lift the fragments out of the fibers and out of the way; making it easier to vacuum them out is one way to remove these recalcitrant particles quickly. You may accomplish this by lightly stroking your palm over the surface using a rubber glove. The friction will create static, which will draw the particles higher and making removal a breeze.
13. Start by brushing the carpet
Another excellent method to get rid of bothersome particles is to brush the carpet with a firm nylon brush. The agitation of the carpet fibers will make vacuuming up the debris easier. However, avoid rubbing too hard to avoid damaging the upholstery and fraying it.
There are instances when you need to pull the dirt out of the carpet fibres rather than just spraying a foamy solution on it and vacuuming it up. A carpet extractor comes in handy in this situation.
These machines may be heated or not, but the basic principle is the same: water is sprayed onto the carpet and then sucked back into the machine. If you have to cope with dirty carpets that simply won’t come clean with your present method, they are excellent to have.
14. Deodorize your vents using compressed air
If your car no longer has that new car fragrance and you’ve tried several air freshening treatments without success, use a can of compressed air to give the vents a quick burst. Stale odors permeate a vehicle when the dust, dirt, and moisture accumulate inside the air vents. Compressed air will eliminate dirt, grime, and germs, leaving your car smelling cleaner and more neutral.
15. Invest in high-quality vehicle cleaning supplies and equipment
When it comes to washing your car, having the right supplies, tools, and equipment pays off. This shampoo is appropriate for any paintwork finish. We recommend finishing with a wax if you’ve got the time.
In addition to these hardworking cleaning tools, we suggest investing in a high-quality vehicle sponge, chamois, or microfibre cloth, wheel brush, and pressure washer to ensure a thorough clean every time.
16. Brushes for Interior Detailing
Detailing brushes are great for cleaning the dusty and dirty radios, but they’re also great for cleaning buttons, seats, and any other part of your vehicle that’s difficult to clean with a towel. The advantage of detailing using inside brushes is that the bristles are very soft, making it simpler to apply cleansers to specific places.
Depending on the amount of agitation required, they are available in the synthetic and boar hair. For accessing hard-to-reach places, some feature longer hairs and longer handles. These may be used both dry and wet to dust and remove the stuck-on contaminants from leather seats.
They have a similar appearance to cosmetics brushes and are a must-have for interior detailing professionals.
Our Recommendation
As a car owner, only you know what is best for your car. If you can afford to get a car detailing, we highly recommend you do. It will make your car look amazing inside and out. Not only that, your car’s surface will continue to be protected from UV rays, dirt and debris over the next few months. If you’re on a budget or just need a quick clean then a car wash is the obvious choice. Just be aware that scratches can potentially occur even with an automatic car wash. We hope this article was helpful for you to make a decision towards how to clean your car. At PAD we offer top of the line car detailing service. If you’re interested in getting your car detailed you can view our services HERE. Check out our other blog articles to get updates and learn more about car detailing.