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While basic washing and waxing are essential to maintaining your vehicle, sometimes you need to get in there and give it a more thorough cleaning. A clean and well-maintained car is much more comfortable to drive, and it can get a higher resale price than a vehicle that has not been taken care of. Here are some detailing tips to get your used vehicle looking like new.
1. Use the Right Cloth
If you want the paint to stay looking like new, it’s important to use the right type of cloth. Don’t use an old rag you have around the house because it might have grit embedded in its fibers that can scratch or dull the paint. Always use a soft and nonabrasive material such as microfiber, sheepskin, or a natural sponge. You can also use a chamois or a microfiber towel to dry the exterior after washing it to get all the water drops off the paint. This will ensure there are no streaks or swirls left behind.
2. Use a Clay Bar
Clay bars are one of the best pro secrets. Clay bars will help you get all the stuck on grit and grime off the paint. You can find clay bars with different grades, ranging from very find to more aggressive grades. The finer the clay, the less chance you have a scratching the finish, and you always want to use a clay lubricant to keep the surface slippery. Always wash and dry the vehicle first, and then use the clay bar to remove any grit that’s left behind.
3. Cleaning the Interior
There are several techniques you can use to get in the hard to reach places if your vehicle. Once you get most of the grime out of the cup holders, put an old sock over the bottom of a travel cup. Spray it with cleaner, and then place it in the cup holder and twist. Use a wooden skewer to get rid of the paper and debris in the corners throughout the cabin, and then you can also use the skewer to pick debris out of the crevices in the door lips and carpeting.
4. Cleaning the Fabrics
Vacuum the carpets and cloth seats, and then spray them with a foaming aerosol cleaner. Once it starts to dry, use the vacuum to remove it. Use a car upholstery cleaner and an upholstery cleaning brush to release the deep, ground-in dirt from the seats. Once you loosen the dirt with the brush, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the dirty suds. Remember to use a clean microfiber cloth so you don’t put dirt back on the upholstery.
5. Cleaning the Wheels
Don’t forget the wheels and tires. Always use a product designed for the wheels that you have, and use two buckets. One for clean water and one for the soap and water mixture. Use a brush to agitate the dirt to remove it, and use the clean water to rinse it away.
A clean car is much nicer to drive in, and better for your passengers. Follow these detailing tips to get your used car looking like new.
Image via Pixabay.com
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