Deep cleaning your car, whether it’s small or large, can be a daunting task. From scrubbing the exterior paintwork to tackling the interior upholstery, it’s a substantial job. However, maintaining a clean car can enhance its resale value. Here’s a guide to our top tips for a thorough car cleaning, covering both interior and exterior.
Car Deep Cleaning Tools
To make deep cleaning your car easier, you’ll need a few essential tools and products:
A vacuum cleaner with an extension hose and hand-held attachments is ideal for reaching hard-to-access areas. Various cleaning products, such as polish, glass cleaner, antibacterial spray, and carpet cleaner (for cloth mats), are necessary for different surfaces. Microfiber cloths are excellent for cleaning as they are antibacterial and gentle on surfaces.
How to Deep Clean Your Car’s Interior
Start by decluttering the car. Remove everything and dispose of any trash.
Dust and Vacuum
Dust the car first, then vacuum to pick up all the dust particles. Vacuum the entire car to ensure a thorough clean.
Dashboard
Dashboards, typically made from leather or vinyl, should be vacuumed and dusted. After removing the dust, apply a cleaning product suitable for the material.
Air Vents
Cleaning air vents can be tedious due to their many parts, but it’s important to remove the dust regularly.
Door Panels
Door panels vary in material, including plastic, upholstery, or leather. Use cleaning products appropriate for each material to avoid damage.
How to Clean Rubber Floor Mats
Remove the mats from the car for a more effective clean. Shake them to remove loose dirt, then wash the top side with a pressure washer or hose. Use a sponge and soap to scrub away any remaining dirt, rinse off the soap, and ensure the mats are completely dry before putting them back in the car.
How to Clean Cloth Floor Mats
Cloth mats require more effort. Remove them from the car and vacuum both sides to remove loose dirt. For stubborn stains, use a carpet cleaner according to the product’s instructions. Let the mats dry thoroughly before replacing them to prevent a damp smell.
Clean the Interior Windows
Interior windows can accumulate sticky fingerprints and condensation marks. Use a glass or window cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove stains.
Deep Clean the Seats
Keeping the seats clean, free of stains, and sanitizing touch points like the steering wheel, door handles, and gear stick will help maintain the car’s resale value and hygiene.
Deep Cleaning the Car’s Exterior
Regularly deep cleaning your car’s exterior keeps the paint in good condition and prevents dirt from damaging the finish.
Start with the wheels. They often accumulate the most dirt due to their proximity to the road and brake dust. Use a specific alloy wheel cleaner to tackle this.
Rinse the car with a bucket of water, hose, or pressure washer. Begin at the top and work your way down to remove as much dirt as possible with just water.
Once the loose dirt is gone, clean the car using a bucket of warm water mixed with your chosen car shampoo. Use a non-scratch sponge and the cleaning solution to wash each section.
Rinse the car again. If stubborn dirt remains, repeat the cleaning process. Once satisfied with the cleanliness, rinse the car thoroughly.
Clean the windows with a high-quality glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free shine.
Deep Cleaning Details
If your car’s exterior looks clean and shiny, you can stop there. However, for an extra shine, consider waxing and polishing. If you discover any scratches or scuffs that were previously hidden by dirt, don’t worry. Remote Paint Repairs specialists offer high-quality, convenient, and cost-effective car body repairs to restore your vehicle’s appearance.