We always have plenty of excuses not to wash the car: bad weather; lack of time; the car is being used for dog walks/trips to the tip/ferrying kids. The list of excuses is endless! If you miss being in your car as much as you would like, why not make the most of the nice weather and maybe a little bit more time on your hands and treat it to a deep clean?
Professional car valeting services are fantastic, but if you are practicing social distancing, it may not be possible to treat yourself (and your car) to a full valet. This series gives you a step by step guide to getting your car cleaned to a professional finish without leaving your driveway.
- The pre-wash. What?! There’s a pre-wash?! You bet there is! Grime is abrasive and can scratch your paintwork if you rub it in with a sponge. So, before you bring in the big guns, give your car a good rinse with a hose to get off any loose mud and dust.
- Get working. Once you have got rid of the worst of the grub, you can roll up your sleeves and get hands on with some hot soapy water and a wash mitt. Unlike sponges, wash mitts don’t trap mud, so are less likely to scratch the paint. If you are going for the full, platinum valet service, invest in some car shampoo to help retain your vehicle’s colour and lustre.
- Work your way down. Start at the roof and work your way down, then pay special attention to your alloys. An alloy brush can help you to get into each crevice for a sparkling finish.
- Head to the front (and back). With the alloys done, it is time to pay attention to your bumpers and grills, front and back. Clean the licence plate and tackle your bumper and grill with a special brush to get to all those hard-to-reach dirt traps.
- Polish your lamps. Check your bulbs and give them a good polish; make a note if any of the lights seem cracked or damaged and remember to either replace them yourself or let your mechanic know next time you take your car for an MOT.
- Rinse. Even if you think you’ve done a great job, it’s important to rinse properly to avoid streaking when the vehicle dries out. Use a hose or pressure washer to give the car another going over; pay attention to under the wheel arches, the bumpers and alloys.
- Windscreen wipers. Give your windscreen wipers a good clean; if you don’t have cleaning solution, remove the blades and soak them in vinegar – perfect for getting rid of even the toughest grime!
- Dry it off. Use a shammy or microfibre cloth to dry the car – think Karate Kid and use smooth, circular motions for a perfect finish.
With your outside gleaming, it’s time to tackle the interior! To get an interior finish fit for royalty, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.