13 Car Cleaning Tips And Tricks To Help You Clean Your Car Better

Cleaning your car can be a huge hassle especially if you are not experienced in doing it. That’s why many people opt for car cleaning services, which can cost a dent in their pockets. Cleaning your car brings many challenges with all the different parts to manually clean and other parts that are really delicate to move around. But don’t fret, we at Motor Matcher are here to help you with these 13 cleaning tips and tricks that sure will make your car cleaning experience turn into a fun and money saving activity.

Car cleaning tip no. 1

Use the right soap for your car.

Using the right suds can make a huge difference. Do not use simple dishwashers to clean your car’s exterior. Yes, it may be an alternative since dishwashing soaps can really remove the grease, but it also removes the important oils right out of the paint’s finish. Using it repeatedly can shorten the life of the car’s paint job. Instead, invest in a car cleaner formulated for vehicles. By investing in a product that can clean and prevent damage to your car is better than damaging your car yourself (without knowing that you are doing it) and having to redo that paint job.

Car cleaning tip no. 2

Pluck the finish.

Whenever you drive your car, it becomes a dartboard for all the crud and dirt in the air. Even if your car has a clear coat finish that deflects most of the crud, dust and dirt will stick on it. Washing removes the dust and dirt but clay-barring is the only way to pluck out the embedded stuff. Cut out palm-size pieces of the clay, flatten it and rub it over the paint with back and forth motion. Repeat the process again until it turns grey and replace it with a new one until all the dirt come off.

Car cleaning tip no. 3

Polish the finish

People often assume that waxing and polishing are the same thing. However, they have completely different car detailing functions. Waxing is a process in which the exterior of a car is coated in order to protect the paint. It adds more shine and protects the finish from the elements. Polishing, however, is what is done after a wax to ensure that the vehicle has that glossy finish. Polishing removes small surface imperfections and scratches and buffs the finish to shine. Do not forget to polish your car. Be responsible enough to take extra care for your car. The pros would always polish their cars so why don’t you too?

Apply a dollop of polish to the pad and wipe the pad across a 2 x 2-ft. area. Run the polisher at a slow speed to spread the compound over the entire area for the best car cleaner. Then boost the speed and let the polisher do the work for you.

Car cleaning tip no. 4

Get a Mirror Finish with Synthetic Wax

Synthetic car wax is also known as a paint sealant. It's made from synthetic polymers that bond with paint to provide an artificial layer of protection. Several car owners and detailing professionals prefer this type of 'car wax' as it's much more durable and easier to apply. By maintaining a coat of wax on your car's paint it will prevent fading, discolouring, and oxidation which are common effects of sun damage. A coat of wax will also give your car a mirror like finish and make it shine. Apply the wax to the foam applicator and rub it into the finish with a swirling motion. Then wipe off the haze with a microfiber towel. Swap in a clean towel as soon as the first one loads up.

Car cleaning tip no. 5

Vacuum Up the Dust

Don’t shampoo your carpet. It will just get dirty again as time goes by and it will get harder to clean every time. Instead try to use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust. Try to suck the dust from the top going down to prevent cleaning the bottom again if the reverse method is used. Vacuum the headliner, dash, console, door panels, seats, and then the carpet. Catch all the dust and crud in your car’s interior by using your vacuum cleaner.

Car cleaning tip no. 6

Perfume the Interior

Neutralise the smell of your car by using aerosol can. Lightly spray the inside of your car, the seats, door panels and carpet then turn the fan to high and switch the system to recirculate mode. Find the intake opening by holding a tissue near the blower motor. Then spray the mist into the opening. Leave the windows closed for at least one hour. Your vehicle will smell like baby powder for a while, but that’ll go away. You can also change your car’s air filter once this is done.

Car cleaning tip no. 7

Clean the Leather

Buy a leather-cleaning kit and use it as soon as possible when an accident happens. Cleaning a spillage from leather as fast as possible can increase the chance of a complete cleanup. If you wait, lipstick, ink and dye transfers from clothing (and plastic shopping bags) can set permanently in as little as 24 hours. Pre-treat the leather with a conditioner before you start the stain removal process. Wipe the ink lifter directly on the pretreated leather and rub it in. Let it sit for 30 seconds and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then apply leather cleaner and the leather protection cream.

Car cleaning tip no. 8

BTS (Behind the Seat) Cleaning

You’ll be surprised by what you find behind the seats. Vacuum the seats, remove the mats and vacuum the carpet. Use a brush attachment for the dash and door panels. Don’t forget to clean out and vacuum those handy door pockets (another source of buried treasure). Spray a light coat of cleaning solution on the seat and wipe away dirty suds with a microfiber towel. Repeat until the seat is clean and do another round of vacuuming again.

Car cleaning tip no. 9

Deep-Clean Carpet and Upholstery

Use a carpet cleaning machine to get the deep dirt that settles into the fibers of the carpet. It sprays the carpet with a solution of water and cleaner and then sucks the dirt and grime into a reservoir. A machine like this pays for itself after just a few uses.

Car cleaning tip no. 10

Scrape Off Stickers

The high-quality stickers will pull off if you can get under a corner and carefully pull them free at a 90-degree angle. Others will leave a sticky residue and require a bit more attention. Cover your dash with an old towel and dab on a degreaser like Goo Gone. Then scrape and wipe it off.

Car cleaning tip no. 11

Wash the Windows, Including the Top Edges

Don’t overlook the tops of windows when cleaning. They contain lines of grime that will damage your car over time. Take some time to clean it with some elbow grease and use a high-quality window cleaner of your choice.

Car cleaning tip no. 12

Brush out the Air Vents

The air intakes are on the exterior of the car around the windshield cowling. Use an inexpensive artist brush to sweep the dust and use furniture polish to completely clean the air vents. Brush away dead leaves or any other accumulated debris using the brush. Spray inside the vents with a sanitising enzymatic cleaner.

Car cleaning tip no. 13

Clean Nooks and Crannies

Detailing means just that—finding and dealing with all the trim lines and recesses that a quick once-over cleaning job miss. Wrap a cloth around an old, worn screwdriver (without sharp edges) and spray all-purpose cleaner on the cloth. Move it gently along the trim lines to pick up the gunk. Keep refreshing the surface of the cloth. Go around all the buttons and controls as well. Follow up with a rejuvenator.

There you go! With these tips, you’ll have your car ready for the road trips and outdoor driving soon.

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