The snow is finally starting to melt on the roads and the flowers are getting ready to bloom. Yes, spring is finally here. Before you get ready to take an adventurous spring road trip, you will first need to get rid of all of the dirt and grime that your car has accumulated during the harsh winter months. Here is a look at everything you need to know to successfully detail your car to get it back to its clean and pristine condition.
Before You Get Started
You should gather all of the supplies that you will need before you start to detail your car. This will allow you to save time and prevent you from having to stop in the middle of the cleaning process. '
Some of the things that you will need could include:
- Gloves
- Upholstery Cleaner
- Window Cleaner
- Soft Cloth Towel or Microfiber Cloth
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Trash Bag
If it has been a while since you have last cleaned your car, you may want to also wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose if you have a dust allergy.
Additionally, you will want to make sure that the upholstery cleaner that you choose is safe to use on your seats and other surfaces. For example, if you have leather seats, make sure that the label on the cleaner clearly states that it is safe to use on leather.
How to Detail Your Car Like a Professional
There are many advantages to detailing your car and keeping the interior clean. Having a clean vehicle can help preserve the interior components and prevent the plastic, vinyl, and other materials from fading. Cleaning out the dust and pollen regularly can also help to keep allergy sufferers healthy. If you want to keep your vehicle in pristine condition and protect your investment, here is what you can do to make it look like you had your car cleaned by a professional detailer.
1. Clean the Dash and Console
Because dust and dirt will fall down towards the ground during the cleaning process, it is best to start from the top of the vehicle and work your way down to the bottom.
Start by grabbing your vacuum cleaner and attaching the smallest attachment tip that you have. Vacuum over the entire dash, making sure that you pay special attention to the air vents.
Next, take your microfiber cloth and rub it over all of the surfaces. The microfiber cloth will attract any dust particles that were left behind by the vacuum.
Lastly, you can use any type of cleaner spray that you prefer. Just make sure that the spray is specifically made to use on the interior of vehicles and that it will not harm your upholstery. You should also spray and wipe down the console at this time.
2. Remove the Trash from the Interior
This may go without saying, but one of the main steps that need to be taken in order to get your car clean is to remove the trash from the cabin. Slip on your pair of gloves and grab your trash bag. Start by removing trash from the front row and make sure that you check underneath the seats and in between the seats and the console. If you have children that frequently ride in your car, you will also want to pay special attention to the back seat and check for any crayons or food crumbs that might have made their way into the crevices of the seats.
At this time you will also need to remove the floor mats from your car. This is also a good time to go ahead and clean your floor mats. If your floor mats are made out of rubber or plastic, you can use a gentle soap and spray them off with a water hose. If the floor mats are covered in carpet, you can vacuum the surface and spot clean as needed.
3. Vacuum the Seats and Floors
Now that all of the removable objects have been taken out of the interior, it is time to vacuum the entire cabin. Start with the seats and make sure to run the vacuum in between the seats. Next, vacuum the floorboards. Don't forget to run the vacuum underneath the seats.
4. Clean the Seatbelts
During this time, you can also clean the seatbelts. Crumbs and dirt tend to accumulate around the buckle. So when you are vacuuming, pull out the seat belt buckle as far as you can and vacuum around it.
5. Remove Any Unwanted Odors From Your Vehicle
Food, cigarette smoke, and mold are the most common causes of bad smells in a car. An air freshener will just mask the smell. In order to eliminate the smell, you will need to remove the source.
There are several carpet cleaners and other products that guarantee to remove odours from your vehicle. However, if you are looking for a home remedy, some things that you may want to try could include sprinkling baking soda onto your carpets, leaving it on there for about 10 to 20 minutes, and then vacuuming it up. If that does not work, you can also try to clean the interior with vinegar. Vinegar has a harsh smell, but it is powerful enough to eliminate most odours from your vehicle.
Need Help Detailing Your Car?
It can be a lot of work to detail your car by yourself. If you would like to save time and also have your car professionally cleaned, feel free to contact us today. Our service department has years of experience and knows what it takes to keep your car in pristine condition.
