A clean car simply feels better to drive, particularly if it’s a vintage vehicle you want to show off on the street. Keeping your vehicle spotless and gleaming isn’t just about aesthetics, however. Preserving your car improves its performance, extends its life, and keeps its resale value high. Occasionally, perform a deep cleaning on your vehicle, going above and beyond driving it through the car wash or giving it a quick scrub and soak in your driveway. Here’s what you need to know about deep cleaning cars.
Deep Cleaning Steps
Gather Tools and Products
When you prepare to clean, take a gentle yet thorough approach. Gather your cleaning tools and products:
- High-end car shampoo and detergent
- Several microfiber cloths
- Portable vacuum
- Brushes with plastic and metal bristles
- Cleaners for the tires, upholstery, and the engine
Pressure washers and steam cleaners are worthwhile investments, but be sure you understand how they work to avoid damaging your vehicle.
Exterior Wash and Wax
Thoroughly wash the vehicle’s exterior with a gentle automotive soap. Don’t just concentrate on the body, though! Pay attention to the wheels, undercarriage, and other parts that get dirty from the road. After the washing, rinse your vehicle thoroughly with fresh water, then apply wax to the exterior’s paint to protect it and leave a shiny finish.
Interior Detailing
Vacuum the vehicle, removing every speck of dust, debris, garbage, and detritus from the seats, floor, carpet, floor mats, and dashboard. Use upholstery cleaner on the seats as well as cleaners for the dashboard, console, and back shelf. Finally, vacuum out and wipe down the air vents.
Clean Windows and Mirrors
Use streak-free glass cleaner to ensure clear visibility on both sides of the windows and across the rearview mirror. Get in the corners and collect as much of the sprayed-on cleaner as possible to eliminate pools and streaks.
Address Stubborn Stains
Encountering extra tough stains? Use stain removers designed for automotive use. Test a small, hidden spot to ensure the remover doesn’t stain or fade the fabric or surface.
Under the Hood?
Deep cleaning a vintage vehicle might be a job left to a professional, but if you feel confident in your skills, here are a few steps to follow. When degreasing an M141A1 Willys Jeep, for example, start with individual parts before installing or re-installing them. Otherwise, vacuum and brush out the engine bay to remove loose dust and dirt. Apply a degreaser to messy parts, then use a brush to clear it out. Finally, a steam cleaner or pressure washer can keep the engine and bay clean; just be careful with high-pressure water in the engine bay!
Now you know more about deep cleaning cars! Spend your time taking care of your vehicle, and it will take even better care of you and your passengers!
