It’s no secret that car detailing is expensive if you get it done professionally. However, you can save that money and do it at home in about half a day. Car detailing is less about complicated equipment and more about following certain steps to get the best results. Let’s take a look at some secret tips from the professionals.
Rinse Your Car Before Washing
Most driveway car washes start with a bucket of soapy water, but this just pushes the surface grime into your paint finish. A professional detailer always starts by rinsing the car with clear water to remove as much surface grime and debris as possible before hitting it with soap.
Ditch the Sponge and Use the Right Soap
Another common DIY car wash method is to just squirt some dish soap in that bucket of water which gives similar results to if you were to get a car detailing. But dishwashing detergent is way too harsh for your car’s paint job. A car detailer uses specially formulated car wash soap. Detailers also do not use sponges, instead they use a microfiber car wash mitt. The difference is that sponges hold onto grit, whereas a microfiber mitt loses the grit when it’s rinsed.
Grab Two Buckets
Instead of just using one bucket for soapy water, get a second bucket for rinse water. After you wipe down an area of your car, submerge your dirty wash mitt in the rinse water bucket to get rid of the grime. Dunk it in the soapy water again to start washing. After washing one side of the car, dump out the rinse water and refill it with clean water.
Use a Microfiber Towel To Dry
Don’t use a chamois towel to dry your car and don’t let it air dry. Neither one will remove any grit that’s left over after rinsing. On the other hand, if you use a microfiber towel, it collects the leftover particles. Wet the towel in clean water to remove the grit, then wring it out and keep drying.
Remove Scratches Before Polishing
The polishing step with a dual-action polisher is what really separates DIY car washers from professional car detailers. Polishing with a dual-action polisher gets you that professional shine, but it doesn’t remove scratches. If you use a scratch-removal kit before polishing, you’ll get even more shine.
Use Synthetic Wax and Remove Wax Haze
Don’t use a traditional paste wax if you have a modern car. They don’t produce the factory wet look that you see on newer cars. Buy a quality synthetic wax and apply it in small sections on your car with an applicator sponge. Remove the unsightly wax haze after by wiping the entire car with a microfiber towel.
Start From the Top Inside
When it comes to the interior of your car, always start from the top. DIY detailers often start with cleaning the carpets, but the professionals start by cleaning the dash, seats, and vents. The carpet comes last. Don’t forget the detailing brush. Wiping your dash and vents isn’t usually enough to get all the grit out of the nooks and crannies. Similarly, vacuuming isn’t enough to remove dirt from carpets. Brushes make both easier.
Finally, use a matte dash protectant spray instead of a glossy one. The latter creates glare and attracts more dust.
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