Revive the Shine: Master the Art of Deep Cleaning
Whether you’re looking to sell your car or make it the pride of the neighborhood, a deep clean can rejuvenate its appearance and make it look as good as new. From making the windows gleam to leaving the carpets lint-free, there are several essential steps to cleaning your car. Read on to discover all the crucial dos and don’ts on how to deep clean a car.
The Basics
A list of car cleaning tips wouldn’t be complete without an inventory of all the essential products and equipment you’ll need to get the perfect finish.
A vacuum cleaner is the crux of a deep clean. Not only will it remove the build-up of dirt from your carpet and seats, but it can also rid your dashboard and vents of dust. If you don’t vacuum your car, the other products on this list will be nowhere near as effective. A thorough vacuum is the first step toward a spotless interior.
Depending on your seat's material, you’ll need either a leather conditioner or a fabric cleaner. These products can remove stains and protect the material from typical signs of aging and wear.
For the interior of your windows, you’ll need a quality glass cleaner. Car interior cleaning is pointless if you leave the windows streaky with dirt and product residue, so invest in a high-quality product that is made specifically for window washing. Not only will this make the windows gleam, but it also ensures that the driver has a clear view of the road and the surrounding environment.
To clean the car exterior, all you need is a bucket of soapy water and a sponge or mitt. With dedication and a strict cleaning order, this is all you need to get the perfect results.
Cleaning the Interior of Your Car
The first step to creating a beautiful interior is removing all the rubbish gathered in your footwell and trunk. Grab a trash bag and get rid of the wrappers, to-go cups, and plastic bottles that have built up. Removing all the non-essentials gives you the ideal canvas to work with.
Now, it’s time to vacuum. To do it right, you need to commit to cleaning every surface and reaching all the crevices between and under the seats. Remove the carpets to clean the footwells. By repeatedly brushing over the surfaces, you can tackle the build-up of dirt and ensure that even the most engrained grit and lint are gone.
With the appropriate product for the fabric of your seats, gently clean both the driver and passenger seats. Leather seats can crack and age prematurely if the wrong products are used, so double-check that the product is suitable for leather. If the seats are stained, consider steam cleaning them to get the best results.
The carpets are likely to be the most soiled part of the car. They are also the most susceptible to mold and mildew growth, so you must clean them properly. Vacuum them before applying carpet shampoo. Ensure that they have fully dried before putting them back inside your vehicle. Having clean carpets will rid your car of any unpleasant, lingering odors.
Apply the final touches by dusting the dashboard and steering wheel before cleaning the windows with a glass cleaner and microfibre mitt. A new air freshener can keep your car free of odors for weeks to come.
Cleaning the Exterior of Your Car
You should park your car in a shaded area before cleaning its exterior. Not only does this keep the car cool and prevent smears, but it also makes the experience more pleasant for you. People often forget to pre-soak their vehicles, which makes it much harder to remove the build-up of dirt and road debris. Hose down your car before applying any soap.
Now, equipped with a bucket of soapy water and a fresh sponge or mitt, clean your car from top to bottom. By wiping in horizontal lines, you can avoid creating swirl marks and leave your exterior streak-free.
Be sure to regularly rinse your sponge and use a different mitt for the rims and tires. If you repeatedly use the same mitt for the whole car, you run the risk of scratching the paint with grit that’s caught in the fabric.
After thoroughly rinsing your car, dry it with a chamois cloth and apply wax to the body of the car. This will protect the paint job until you next clean the exterior.
And, just like that, you have a beautiful car that you won’t want to stop driving.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to go to a car wash when you can achieve brilliant results yourself. By following these simple steps and using the right products, you can enjoy driving around in an immaculate, well-taken-care-of vehicle.
Learn about some of the top cleaning products.