14 DIY car detailing tricks that will certainly save money
Cars play a central role in everyday life. Often, people depend on their vehicles for more than basic transportation. Whether it’s moving furniture, pulling a trailer or the key to running a successful business, a car is largely recognized as an essential item. Although some will turn to professional detailers in the name of keeping a vehicle in its best condition, this can be a time-consuming process with a large financial impact.
Detailing a car doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Understanding the strategies that make detailing an effective process can help vehicle owners save both time and money. Skip waiting on a professional appointment and learn how to extend the life of a vehicle through simple cleaning techniques that can be done at home. A combination of quality products and knowledgeable approaches makes detailing a car an easy task that can result in significant savings.
1. Don’t overlook window details It’s often the hidden features of car windows that make grime and dust difficult to eliminate. To maintain a streak-free shine that lasts longer, roll down windows and wipe down the top edge of the glass during the cleaning process. This is a simple strategy for eliminating buildup that catches as the window locks into place at the top of the door.
2. Invest in microfiber cloths Paper towels may seem convenient, but the lint they leave behind on car windows and surfaces makes for additional cleaning that can be costly. Instead, invest in quality microfiber cloths that are machine washable and won’t leave behind lint residue. Softer on paint and surfaces, these towels will extend the life of leather and synthetic materials on the car's interior.
3. Trust the power buffer There’s no need to attempt to buff out minor exterior scratches by hand. Although it may seem like a more cost-efficient path, investing in a quality power buffer takes the excessive time and energy out of the process while providing longer-lasting results. Topped off with paint-protective pads, power buffers can work wax and buffing solutions into smaller scratches that may not be visible at first glance. The more resistant the exterior of the vehicle is to dust, grime and dirt, the less money will be spent on professional repairs or touchups in the future.
4. Brush carpet before fabric treatments Leaving interior carpet stains for too long can inevitably lead to expensive fabric replacements. Instead, take time to brush out interior fabrics prior to using stain treatments. A brush-over will ensure that dust and particles prone to absorbing liquids more quickly are removed before a problematic area is treated.
5. Use air pressure for radio systems A small hand-held air pressurizer is a necessity when it comes to car detailing. Although most people swipe over the surface of car radios with cleaning wipes, vents easily allow for dust particles to enter. Over time, dust can build up and cause a radio to malfunction. To avoid radio replacement, simply blast a short but direct stream of pressurized air through the system during regular cleaning. It’s a simple way to keep dust particles out of car electronics and money in the bank.
6. Pre-treat rims Extensive time on the road leads to a natural buildup of pollen, dirt and grime on rims. Tough to scrub and deteriorating surfaces if left unattended, it’s important to pretreat rims prior to taking a vehicle through a car wash or washing by hand. Available as spray-on solutions, treatments can be applied a few minutes before washing allowing particles to be broken down and easily removed by wiping.
7. Avoid all-purpose cleaners on mirrors Just because an all-purpose cleaner claims to work on every surface doesn’t make it applicable to car detailing. Those same solutions that easily pick up grime on home countertops can leave small scratches that wear down the surface of car mirrors over time. Instead, stock up on a specialized glass cleaner specific for car interiors. These products are more likely to leave a streak-free shine and work as a buffer against future small scratches that may occur.
8. Plastic bag paint check A car’s exterior paint may look sparkling new, but there’s no way to know if home detailing has been successful without finishing off the process with a plastic bag. A well-known trick in the detailing world, simply place a hand inside a plastic bag and run it gently over surfaces. Static electricity between the bag and paint works to pick up small particles of dirt, revealing just how much is left to clean and pinpointing problematic areas.
9. Directional glass cleaning matters It may seem too simple to be true, but merely adjusting glass cleaning techniques can be the difference between foggy residue and a streak-free shine. Instead of wiping glass horizontally or vertically, move cleaning solution in a circular motion to ensure a clean finish.
10. Keep separate dusters for exterior and interior cleaning A microfiber head duster is the ideal product for dealing with dust that collects on the exterior and interior of a car over time. When it comes to true detailing, experts keep separate brushes on hand for both areas of the car. A larger duster makes for more efficient collection on the body of the car whereas a smaller, more flexible head will allow the brush to reach difficult nooks and crannies on the interior of the vehicle.
11. Remember to attend to windshield wipers A sparkling clean windshield can quickly be returned to a streaked mess with one twist of the windshield wipers. This problem is easily fixed with a quick wipe with soap and water. As an added barrier between glass and grime, place a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and run it over each windshield wiper. Quick- drying, rubbing alcohol will prevent dirt and pollen buildup, keeping the windshield cleaner for longer.
12. Pick products with subtle scent Purchase cleaning wipes for the interior of the vehicle that come slightly scented. Although it’s impossible to retain a new car smell forever, using products that are gently scented with pine or lemon is reminiscent of a new car aroma without being overpowering. Regularly cleaning with these products will keep the car smelling fresh, eliminating the need to spend money on air fresheners.
13. Leave the traditional vacuum at home Vacuums that are efficient in the home generally don’t suffice when it comes to detailing a car. Made to cover larger surfaces, it can be tough to find a hose cap that reaches all the necessary areas. Instead, invest in a small hand-held vacuum flexible enough to reach spaces in the car’s interior and trunk. Efficiently removing these hidden particles will significantly extend the life of interior fabrics and remove potential moisture buildup.
14. Stick with a two-bucket washing system Detailing the exterior of a car efficiently comes down to a two-bucket system. Keeping soap and clean water separate reduces the likelihood of mixing soiled water into clean buckets, ultimately moving grit and grime to other areas of the car. Unfortunately, this type of residue can also potentially scratch paint and delicate surfaces. For a guaranteed shine, use anti-grit bucket grates that keep clean water on top and allow debris to become trapped in the bucket, far from the surface of the car.
