A Professionals Guide to Cleaning Your Car

Are you tired of looking at a dull, dirty vehicle? Cleaning your car isn't just a chore—it's an essential part of vehicle maintenance. A well-maintained car not only looks good but can also enhance its resale value by up to 15%. In this guide, we're sharing expert tips to help you clean your car inside and out like a pro.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Car

Maintaining a clean car is about more than appearances. Regular cleaning can protect your paint job, preventing serious issues like rust and corrosion. Studies show that neglecting to clean your vehicle can result in significant maintenance costs in the long run. For example, the average cost to repaint a car can range from £2,500 to £5,000, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle.

Essential Tools and Supplies

For an effective car cleaning session, the right tools are key. Here’s a detailed list of supplies you'll need to get started:

Pre-Wash: Whether it's snow foam, all-purpose cleaner, or a citrus pre-wash, this stage is essential for removing traffic film and dirt from the paint before moving onto the contact wash.
Car shampoo: Choose a pH-balanced formula specifically designed for automotive paint. This helps preserve your wax protection. (I will have a separate post about what products I recommend.)
Microfiber towels and wash mitts: Opt for towels that are lint-free and highly absorbent. They are perfect for cleaning and drying without scratching. Grab a couple of wash mitts as well.
Soft-bristle brushes: Use these on paintwork in tough-to-reach places.
Wheel brush/wheel-specific wash mitt: A dedicated brush or mitt that will only be used on the wheels.
Glass cleaner: A dedicated automotive glass cleaner ensures a streak-free shine on all your windows.

Having these items on hand can streamline your cleaning process and elevate your results.

Step-by-Step Car Exterior Cleaning

1. Start with the wheels

Begin every wash by cleaning the wheels of your car. The wheels of your car will be one of the dirtiest areas of your car, so you will want to get these cleaned first as you don't want to splash dirt up the clean bodywork of your car. Start by spraying the wheels with a citrus pre-wash or snow foam to start breaking down any surface dirt. Once this has dwelled for a few minutes, rinse with your pressure washer or garden hose. Next, grab a bucket filled with a pH-neutral car shampoo and a wheel brush or wash mitt to clean the surface of the wheel and tire. Make sure to get into all the areas of the wheels. Some of the most commonly missed areas by DIYers are wheel arches, barrels, tires, and deep intricate details. Make sure you get into all these areas to ensure you rid the wheel of dirt and built-up brake dust. Finally, rinse off all the soap.

2. Pre wash

Perhaps the most important stage of cleaning your car is the pre-wash. Pre-washing your car ensures that you remove as much dirt and grime as possible before contact washing the car. Generally speaking, 80% of cleaning your car will be done during the pre-wash. Neglecting this stage could cause a host of damage to your car's paint during the contact wash, including swirls, marring, and scratches that will then have to be professionally removed or, in the worst case, resprayed.

Start by spraying the entire car with your chosen pre-wash. Allow this to dwell for the allotted time given on the product to break down dirt and grime on the surface of your car. Once you've allowed it to dwell, rinse with your pressure washer or hose to remove the product and dirt. Now the car is ready for the contact wash portion of the wash.

3. Contact wash

Using the two-bucket method, one bucket will have your pH-neutral shampoo and the other clean water for rinsing the mitt. Start at the top of the car and work the wash mitt in a straight line following the natural shape of the car. Don't apply too much pressure here, as any dirt picked up could be pressed into the paint as you clean and cause fine scratches and marks. I recommend you use two wash mitts during the contact wash. One mitt will only be used for the part above the door handle (less dirty areas) and the other for areas below the door handles (most dirty areas).

Wash your car one panel at a time, rinsing the wash mitt in the rinse bucket between panels and reloading with soap from the wash bucket. You can do this as many times as you need to ensure you've fully cleaned your car. Finish off by fully rinsing the car of all the soap and dirt.

4. Drying

To ensure that you don't get any dreaded water spots, it is essential that you dry the car as soon as you've finished washing. There are a few options that you can use to aid in drying the car.

Use a rinse aid (applied while the car is still wet) to add a small layer of protection to the car's paint and aid in drying.
Quick detailer spray is similar to the rinse aid but doesn't leave behind any protection.

If you choose any of the options above, it will greatly aid in drying the car.

Grab your microfiber drying towel and, again starting from the top of the car, work the towel with minimal pressure along the paint to soak up any water on the paintwork. Ensure you get into any small spaces where water might sit, as this will only run down the car later and cause watermarks.

5. Protection and enhancement

Protecting and enhancing your car is a vital stage in maintaining your hard work. There are a number of different options for you to choose from, and it can be a little overwhelming.

Protecting and enhancing your car will leave it with that shine that everyone wants but also make it easier to clean the next time around. A standard polish applied by hand won't remove many scratches but will give the car a much-needed shine. A paste wax applied by hand will offer a few months of protection if maintained regularly. Alternatively, you could opt for a longer-lasting spray sealant; some have a life of up to 6-9 months. There are specialist waxes out there that offer 12 months of protection, and then there is a professional ceramic coating which will offer protection from 1 year up to 5 years.

All of these options have their pros and cons, and if you are in any doubt, then contact a local detailer like myself who can talk to you about the best options for your car and provide you with a safe and long-lasting application.

Step-by-Step Car Interior Cleaning

1. Remove All Items

Clear out trash and personal items from your vehicle before you begin cleaning. This allows you to focus on deep cleaning and prevents distractions.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

Using a vacuum cleaner with various attachments is an effective way to thoroughly clean the interior of your vehicle. Attachments like crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and extension wands allow you to target different surfaces and reach inaccessible areas precisely. When vacuuming the seats, ensure you clean not just the visible parts but also the crevices and seams where debris tends to accumulate. Focus on the floor mats as well, using the appropriate attachment to remove dirt, dust, and debris trapped in the fibers. Remember to clean under the seats too, as these areas often gather dirt and crumbs over time. By paying attention to these commonly overlooked spots, you can achieve a complete cleaning that leaves your vehicle looking and feeling fresh and well-cared for.

3. Clean Upholstery and Windows

When it comes to caring for fabric seats in your vehicle, it's essential to use an upholstery cleaner that is specifically formulated to target stains effectively. This type of cleaner is designed to penetrate the fabric fibers, lifting dirt and grime to leave your seats looking fresh and clean. Regularly treating your fabric seats with an upholstery cleaner not only helps to remove existing stains but also prevents them from becoming deeply embedded, prolonging the life of your seats.

On the other hand, if your vehicle has leather seats, it's crucial to select a specialized cleaner and conditioner. Leather seats require gentle care to maintain their texture and prevent cracking or drying out. A quality leather cleaner will effectively remove dirt and oils without damaging the material, while a conditioner helps to keep the leather supple and looking its best.

When it comes to cleaning your windows, using a glass cleaner is key to achieving a streak-free finish. By spraying the cleaner directly onto the glass surface and wiping it away with a microfiber towel, you can ensure maximum clarity and visibility both inside and outside your vehicle. Regularly cleaning your windows not only improves visibility for safer driving but also enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle.

4. Dust and Wipe Surfaces

When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle's interior, it's essential to pay attention to the details. Start by dusting all surfaces using a soft microfiber cloth to remove any accumulated dirt and debris. This step not only enhances the overall appearance of your car but also helps in creating a healthier environment inside the vehicle.

Next, focus on cleaning specific areas like the dashboard, center console, and door panels. These areas are frequently touched and can accumulate grime over time.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining these interior surfaces not only prolongs the lifespan of your vehicle but also contributes to a more enjoyable and hygienic driving environment. So, take the time to dust and clean these areas regularly to keep your car looking and feeling fresh.

5. Final Touches

Apply protectant to vinyl and plastic surfaces, which guards against sun damage. Lastly, an air freshener can leave a lasting, pleasant scent in your car.

Pro Tips for a Professional Finish

Work in the Shade: Cleaning in direct sunlight can cause wax and cleaners to dry too quickly, leading to streaks.
Use the Two-Bucket Method: By having one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing, you can minimize dirt transfer back to your car.
Don’t Ignore the Wheels: Spend time getting your wheels clean. Dedicated wheel cleaners can enhance the overall appearance of your car.
Create a Regular Schedule: Make a habit of cleaning your car. For instance, if you drive frequently or commute long distances, consider a wash every two weeks.

Keep Your Car Looking Its Best

Cleaning your car may seem like a chore, but it pays off in both appearance and longevity. With these tips, you can maintain a vehicle you're proud to drive.

Your car reflects your pride of ownership. So gather your tools, follow this guide, and treat your car to the clean it deserves. Regular cleaning elevates its look and can significantly boost your vehicle's value. Enjoy your shiny car!