Auto Detailing

Your vehicle is one of the largest investments that you will make in your lifetime; it should be taken care of and protected. Just as important as keeping your car's exterior clean, having a clean interior is an essential part of up keep and preventive maintenance. A filthy interior not only smells and looks bad, but it can also create or contribute to operational and electrical problems.

Dirty air vents can spread dust and other allergens throughout the vehicle not helping the allergies and making you more vulnerable to getting sick. Filmy windows and mirrors can obscure your view of the road. Dirt and grime can work their way inside cracks and buttons causing them to no longer be operational.

Detailing is just as the name implies--it is strenuous and meticulous cleaning, going beyond simply dusting the dash and picking up large loose debris. While many people take their cars to professional detailers, often paying more than excess of $150, it can be done by yourself given the right knowledge and supplies. Interior cleaning consist of removing trash, vacuuming, cleaning, protecting and dressing to give that final professional look.

Your are probably reading this right now because you are tired of spending thousands of dollars a year to keep your vehicle looking  immaculate or maybe you want to start a detailing business, no matter the reason I will show you how to properly  clean and detail the interior and exterior of your vehicle. You must remember the reason the cost is so high to have a professional detailer detail your car is because it really is tedious work. You must go above and beyond the average car wash paying attention to the slightest detail in order to get the look that you so much desire.

Steps to properly cleaning and detailing your vehicles interior

Remove Trash:

First remove all trash, small and large, you don't want to have anything lodged into your vacuum damaging it.

Vacuuming:

First, you will need a vacuum with an extension hose and several attachments. I always like to work from top to bottom, so that way all the dirt and dust particles fall down. You don't want dirt and dust falling on your already cleaned seats and floors causing an even bigger mess. Vacuum all the areas including under the seats and in the trunk, removing all floor mats, so you can vacuum all areas. Also, don't forget to vacuum the floor mats.

Use the crevice tool to get into all of the hard to reach areas like between and under the seats, visors, etc... You can also use an air compressor to help blow dirt out of areas that the vacuum nozzle cannot reach or fit. Use the floor brush when vacuuming the carpet. Move the seats forward or backward to reach areas under the seat. If the flooring needs a good cleaning, I would recommend removing the seats to have complete access.

Cleaning:

You may purchase cleaners at your local hardware store that will allow you to get the look you desire. I reccommend products by Meguiar's, Automagic etc...

Carpet Cleaning - I always use a hot water extractor to get the carpets as clean as possible. I understand not everyone has or can afford a hot water extractor. All you need is a wet and dry vac, a scrub brush and a pre spot cleaner. Then spray the cleaner directly on the area to be cleaned and allow it to penetrate the carpet. Next you want to agitate the spot using the scrub brush.

This will break up the dirt particles and after scrubing the carpet you should vacuum the spot sucking up all the dirt that you have loosened. Next just pat the area with a dry towel.  Be sure to test your cleaner in an an area not seen to make sure there is no discoloring etc...

Vinyl & Leather - Wipe down all the vinyl and leather with your choice of cleaner, I recommend #43 Clear Difference by Automagic. You may also use saddle soap, or another mild leather soap on a damp cloth and rub it softly onto all leather areas.

Cloth upholstery -  If you’re not using a steam cleaner, use a spray-on upholstery cleaner and work it in with a soft brush and let it dry, according to directions.

Glass & Windsheild -  Use glass cleaner to wash the inside of windows. Spray the cleaner directly on the cloth to avoid streaking. Note: If you have tinted windows do not use cleaner with amonia, this will cause your tint to become discolored, crack or bubble.

Hard surfaces - Purchase an interior cleaner to get the remaining dirt on your dashboard, rubber door moldings and interior trim. Again, spray the cleaner directly on a clean cloth. Then clean tight areas such as air vents, panel seams, and radio buttons with a dampened soft toothbrush or a cotton swab. 

Conditioning - After cleaning and allowing to dry, leather can be treated with conditioner. This is very important to help restore the leather and to keep it from cracking and fading.

Re-vacuuming - You should vacuum one final time to remove any access dirt and dust that has came loose during the cleaning process.

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