For car enthusiasts, there’s really nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your car sparkle as if it just rolled out of the showroom. Thing is, it can be an expensive way to put a smile on your face.

If you want to do some car detailing but don’t want to pay for a professional service, you can do it yourself with a little elbow grease and the right supplies. Find out how with this guide to car detailing.

Interior

Before you get started, remove any loose items from the car and put them away. This includes things like trash, laundry, and coats.

Then vacuum the floor and seats thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in your vehicle. Next, wipe down the dashboard and door panels with a damp rag or a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints.

Finally, clean all of your windows inside and out—including your mirrors—with window cleaner spray to ensure they’re free of streaks and smudges before buffing them dry with an old towel or cloth rag.

Exterior

Before you start, it’s important to gather the right tools. You’ll need;

  • A bucket and sponge
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Wax and polish

First off, get any loose dirt or debris off with ease using a detailing clay bar. This step ensures that any surface contaminants will not scratch or damage your paint during future washes.

Next up: wash down both sides of your vehicle with dish soap or car shampoo and then dry off each panel thoroughly using our microfiber drying towel so as not to leave water spots behind on its bodywork.

Clean the Tires and Rims

In addition to the glass, the tires and rims are another area of your car that can look dirty. You can either use a brush and soap or a tire cleaner spray to clean them. If you’re looking for something more protective, try using a tire shine or dressing instead.

Dry Time

At this point, your car should look clean as new! Now all that’s left is drying it off.

The easiest way is by using a chamois and towel combo: simply rub the chamois against the towel until most of the water has been absorbed by both items, then wipe down your car one final time using only the towel (which should be dry).

When a car is this clean, imperfections you didn’t know about might appear. Things like repairing hail damage and buffing out scuffs are something to speak to a professional about.

Polish and Wax

Now that your car’s exterior is clean, it’s time to polish and wax it. You want a wax specifically designed for use on car paint. The best way to apply this is with a cloth—not a paint pad or other abrasive material.

Wipe down the entire surface of your vehicle, including all of its crevices and edges. Once you’ve finished, leave your vehicle out in direct sunlight for about 10 minutes so that it can cure before putting any more layers of protective coating on it.

You Don’t Have to Leave Car Detailing to the Professionals

You can get into car detailing yourself if you know what to do and how to do it.

Hopefully, this guide has inspired you to do just that! You can also ask a friend who knows how to clean their car. If the task seems like too much for you, then there’s always the option of hiring a professional detailer.

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