by B. Leslie Baird
Car detailing may be done by a dealership before the new owner picks up the vehicle. It is also commonly done on used cars before they are sold. Many vehicle owners like to have their cars detailed on a regular basis to keep them in like-new condition. Properly detailing a car is not a difficult procedure and the results can be impressive.
Detailing can involve a quick process of cleaning on the interior of a car or it can include an extensive procedure on the exterior and interior. Begin the job by gathering all the necessary cleaning supplies and choose a day that is suitable for working outside. The work can be done inside a garage if one is available.
Proper detailing supplies can be gathered in an empty five-gallon bucket to help the job go smoothly. Supplies include window cleaner, paper towels or old newspaper and a supply of clean rags. Upholstery cleaner, an upholstery brush or stiff bristled brush, a leather and vinyl protector, and a fabric refreshing spray should also be included. A wet-dry vacuum and a separate container with warm soapy water will complete the supplies for an interior detailing.
Begin by removing all personal items and trash from inside the vehicle. Remove the floor mats and shake any loose dirt from them. If the floor mats are rubber, they can be scrubbed with soapy water and allowed to dry. If they are carpet mats, vacuum them thoroughly and apply cleaner to any spots. Next, vacuum the entire inside of the vehicle including the seats and between the seats.
Windows and mirrors should be cleaned with a quality glass cleaner. Wiping mirrors and windows with old newspaper provides the cleanest shine without towel residue. Do not forget to clean the instrument panel surfaces and door handles as well. As a final touch, cotton swabs can be used to remove any debris stuck in tight spaces.
If the vehicle’s seats are a cloth material, upholstery cleaner can be used to treat any spots. Vinyl or leather seats can be cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. Ensure that the cleaner does not leave the seats slippery. The dashboard, door panels and center console should also be cleaned with the vinyl cleaner and buffed with clean dry rags.
Finishing the seat and carpet cleaning with a light spray of fabric refresher should remove almost all odors. If the interior still does not smell fresh, specialfogging air fresheners are available. Adding a regular car air freshener can help keep the interior odor free and add a personal touch to the vehicle.
Exterior detailing can be a more complex procedure and care must be taken to ensure that the correct products are used to avoid damaging the vehicle’s paint and chrome surfaces. Cars should be washed and waxed in the shade to prevent soapy water or wax from drying too quickly. Micro fiber wash mitts will help reduce fine swirl scratches in the paint surface. Proper detailing of the interior also includes washing the tires and hubcaps and finishing the tires with a tire cleaner - protectant.
