While you can’t completely avoid normal wear and tear on your car, regular cleaning and detailing will help keep it looking like new and improve your resale value. Luckily, auto detailing is a project that’s fairly easy for you to do yourself. Here are 10 pro tips to help you get started:
- Brush Out the Air Vents with Ease
Your air vents collect dust and debris, but the spaces are so small that it can be hard to clean them. Use a long-bristled paintbrush, a fluffy makeup brush or a foam painting sponge to clean them out with ease. - Deep Clean Your Upholstery
Vacuum your floors and carpet upholstery, then use a portable carpet cleaning machine to clean out embedded dirt and grime. - Don’t Forget to Slide Out the Seats
When cleaning your car floors, don’t forget to slide the seats all the way forward and all the way back. You’ll be amazed at how much junk collects under them! - Use a Brush to Loosen Dirt
Professional detailers use a stiff brush to loosen dirt and grime from vehicle floors before vacuuming. This is far more effective than vacuuming alone. - Clean the Nooks and Crannies
To get into deep grooves, use a thin cloth and a pointy screwdriver. You can also use a toothbrush and cleaner to scrub those hard-to-reach areas. - Rinse Your Car Before You Wash it
Before you wash your car, make sure to spray it down with the hose. This will remove caked-on dirt and help you avoid accidentally grinding it into your paint. - Choose the Right Soap
Many DIY detailers make the mistake of using dish soap to wash their cars. Unfortunately, dish soap is far too harsh and can damage your paint by stripping it of important oils. A quality car wash soap will give you a better clean and help extend the life of your paint. - Skip the Sponge
A regular sponge can hold dirt and debris in the holes, making it difficult to get a thorough clean. Instead, use a microfiber wash mitt. When you rinse the mitt, the dirt will come right off, giving you a much better result. - Dry with a Microfiber Towel
While most people who wash their own cars use a chamois to dry it, this is not actually the best option. A chamois cloth can grind in any dirt particles that were left behind and scratch your paint. A microfiber towel will collect the dirt and can easily be rinsed and reused. - Clean the Windows
Many people clean their windows while they’re closed and end up with a line of dirt and grime at the top. To prevent this, roll the windows halfway down and clean them top to bottom.
By following these DIY car detailing tips, you can keep your car sparkling clean without having to pay somebody else to detail it. For more expert car care tips, check out these blog posts: