How to do DIY car detailing!
These are great DIY tips for car detailing while saving you money. Another way to save money? Using CarAdvise to book car maintenance at trusted shops near you! Without further ado, let’s learn ways we can detail our car’s completely DIY!
1. Begin at the Top
It’s common practice to start from the bottom while cleaning the car. However, that means as you move up, junk from the top will drop to the bottom. That’ll require further cleaning. Hence, clean from top to bottom.
2. Suck Up Dust as You Go
Make sure to vacuum the dash and headliner. You should also sweep the dust out of the cracks with a detailing brush.
3. De-stink the Interior
Buy an aerosol can of non-smoke spray to eliminate any bad odors in your car.
4. Clean the Leather
Clean up any spills immediately. Pre-treat the leather with a conditioner prior to cleaning.
5. Lubricate Trunk Hinges, Hood Hinges, Window Tracks, Door Weatherstripping, and Gas Tank Door
Overall, this lubrication will keep your car running in peak condition and you can do it all yourself!
6. Rinse Before Washing
Before you start with soapy water, rinse it off with some water. This will loosen the dust and road grit before you wipe it down with soap.
7. Brush Out the Air Vents
People rarely clean the air vents in the car, however, they do trap a lot of dust and need to be dusted to ensure the highest air quality you and your passengers breathe.
8. Deep-Clean the Carpet and Upholstery
Use a carpet cleaner to get the deep dirt in the fibers.
9. Replace the Carpeting
Preformed carpets for your car can cost as little as $200. Invest in them when your carpeting is beyond help. It will give your car an elevated and luxurious feel.
10. Fix the Torn Leather
Use a leather/vinyl repair kit and take the time to repair your leather correctly. If you don’t you may have to entirely replace them down the line. The ripping will only get bigger as you ignore it.
11. Scrape off Stickers
Use a degreaser and a fresh razor blade to scrape off bumper stickers and decals.
12. Get Rid of Minor Paint Scratches
Use 3000-grit sandpaper, polishing compound, and polishing pads. Use a dual action polisher to remove small paint scratches.
13. Fix Paint Chips
Repair small paint chips as soon as you can before they become larger.
14. Plastic and Vinyl Colorant
Several light coats of colorant can really brighten up the car.
15. Refinish Wheels
Repainting and finishing your wheels can give the car a new sheen.
16. Splurge on Soap
Spend a little on good soap. Don’t be the person who uses dishwashing soap.
17. Microfiber Mitt Over Sponge
Microfiber mitts get rid of the grit, but also don’t trap it in pores as sponges do.
18. Clean Out the Junk Under the Seats
Slide your seats forward and clean the junk underneath. A lot of stuff gets lost down there.
19. Apply Protective Film
Buy a protective film for your cars exterior online for about $120 and apply it yourself. This reduces paint chip damage.
20. Graphite Up the Door Locks
Dry graphite powder will keep the door lock mechanism working for a long time.
21. Get Rid of Squeaky Doors
Squirt squeaky hinges with WD-40 to eliminate corrosion and that squeaky noise.
22. Get a Dual-Action Polisher
Don’t confuse these with high-speed buffers since they operate at higher speeds. Polishing before a wax makes all the difference.
23. Replace Wiper Blades
If your wiper blades streak when you press the washer button, they need replacing. Go for a branded replacement. Their UV protection lasts longer. It’s super easy to do yourself.
