Every car owner would want a squeaky clean and shining car. There's something within us that feels an inner satisfaction when we are driving a clean car. However, the thing that hinders us in bringing them to a professional car wash is the cost.
I have searched the web to find the best way to clean our valued ride by ourselves. I have seen this 27 car cleaning tip and tricks that you may follow and thus save money and still enjoy our prized motor.
1. CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR CAR
Some cars may have been maintained well that you only need some washing and waxing. However, some average vehicle may require more cleaning and polishing.
2. GATHER THE CLEANING MATERIALS
In some quickie car cleaning shops, they use big brushes that may do more harm than good. Get the proper chamois, a microfiber cloth, shampoo, sponge, two buckets and pressure host.
3.FIND TIME TO READ THE LABEL
For each brand that you may find in the market, there is also a suitable wax or shampoo that you can use for a particular car finish. Some wax may be harsh for the finish of your car. Some chrome paste may be too acidic to an aluminum mag that may corrode its finish. Since some chemicals may be abrasive, care must be observed.
4. SETS OF CLEANING CLOTH
Use chamois or microfiber cloths for cleaning. Have separate sets for washing the exterior, windows, and interior. Wash each after every use.
5.WASH IN THE SHADE
Better wash in a shady place to avoid water markings as your car may dry fast under the sun.
6.CLOSE THE DOORS AND WINDOWS
You don't want to end up with soggy seats and wet dashboard.
7.START WASHING THE EXTERIOR
After closing all the doors and windows, use the hose and rinse off the dust and clumps of dirt around the vehicle.
8.FILL THE BUCKET WITH CAR SHAMPOO
Avoid using detergent soap as this may contain harsh ingredients. It may also dry rubber and its fittings. There are good car shampoo in the market today.
9.APPLY THE WATER SOLUTION
Soak the sponge thoroughly and apply the water solution in a big circular movement. Avoid the rubbing motion.
10.TOP TO BOTTOM
Start from the top of the vehicle then work your way down. Save the tire for last as it is the dirtiest
11. HOSE TO RINSE OFF
Now start using the hose or the bucket of clean water to rinse off the soap or shampoo residue. Be sure to wash all soap so as not to leave any markings when it dries.
12. NOW THE TIRES
In cleaning the tires, be sure that it is cool to the touch. Hose down pieces of dirt on the wheels and rims.
13. SCRUB TIRES WITH CLEANING SOLUTION
Scrub the edge of the rims with a rag or sponge. Paying attention to the grease that has accumulated on the metal surface. You may use a toothbrush for those hard to reach areas.
14. AGAIN TOP TO BOTTOM
Now rinse with clean water from top to bottom. Avoid leaving an excess residue that may cause etching on certain metals
15.USE DRY CLOTH
After all the soap residue are all washed off, start wiping the vehicle with a clean cloth as fast as you can because you don't want to leave any streak markings on your car. You may use a dual action polisher utilizing some conditioning oils as this gives the maximum gloss. This process is especially useful on dark colored cars. Then you can apply the car wax that is suitable for your vehicle. You can use car wax that lasts for three months or even six months. There is also a nano type car wax that penetrates deep into cuts and swirls. You can choose from many varieties when it comes to car waxes.
16.ANOTHER DRY CLEAN CLOTH FOR THE TIRES
Use a different dry clean cloth for the tires since you have used some tire solution on it. Be sure to keep them separately from the cloth you used for dying the body. You don't want to destroy unnecessarily the beautiful surface of your car. Otherwise, it will cost you again repainting job!
17.CLEAN THE WINDOWS
Use glass cleaner and spray the windows. Avoid using spray with alcohol as this may strip the glass coatings. There is good glass cleaner that allows the mirror to remain bright and clean even in the rain.
18.MICROFIBER CLOTH
Wipe in the horizontal then vertical pattern. Do this repeatedly until you get the right effect that you desire.
19.OLD NEWSPAPER
In the absence of microfiber cloth, you may use old newspaper. Crumple a sheet and wet it to make it damp. Now wipe it in a circular motion until it dries. You repeat this procedure several times.
20.INTERIOR WINDOWS
Spray the towel first with the cleaning solution then wipe it. Roll down the window halfway to access the top portion of the glass.
21.CLEANING THE INTERIOR
You will be needing the following:
Vacuum cleaner
Lint-free cloths
Paper towel
22.TAKE OUT THE FLOOR MATS
Remove the mats and vacuum them separately
23.VACUUM THE INTERIORS
Use the appropriate attachments, vacuum seat crevices, door pockets and carpet areas.
24.CLEANING THE DASHBOARD
With the use of cleaning solution, wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, and the console.
25.CLEAN THE SEATS
You can use a mixture of hot water, soap, and borax to clean cloth seat cover. A toothbrush can be used to clean the seams. A lint roller can be useful too.
26.CAR SMELL
A bad smelling car is a turn-off. Usually, it's because someone spilled some drink or left some food crumbs on the seat. You can either hand wash it or place it in the washing machine. However, be careful to check with the manufacturer on how to clean them properly.
27.SWEET SMELLING CAR
A sweet smelling car gives one that feeling that you will not get anywhere. You can get a variety of scents in the car shop. My favorite is orange and lemon.
Now after washing your car, you may still see some swirls an scratches in your paint. Alternatively, even some bumps due to tree sap that was not removed during your washing. You need a further step then. Use a clay bar to remove those stubborn contaminants. With the use of detailer as a lubricant, use the flattened clay bar across the car's surface, and that will smoothen the bumpy surface and restore the paint shiny surface.
To remove the scratches, you can use a rubbing compound. With the use of a clean cloth, place a small amount of rubbing compound and in a circular motion, rub gently the surface where there is a scratch mark. Do it one surface at a time without rushing. It may take a second or even third application.
You can keep the dry cloth at the back trunk so that they are handy whenever you need some minor touch up.
So there you are. I hope this article gave you some ideas to clean your car without costing you much and yet you end up with a detailed finish like a pro!
References:
www.cleanipedia.com
www.goodhousekeeping.com
https://dawn-dish.comhttps://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how to
No comments:
Post a Comment