CAR CLEANING – EXTERIOR

Here are some tips to help you get started cleaning the outside of your car.

Before You Begin

• Choose a shaded or indoor area that is relatively dust free

• Close all doors and windows

• Use proper vehicle cleaning soap to lather the vehicle

• Use steel wool to scrub exterior windows

• Rinse off as much dirt as possible by hosing down the entire vehicle from top to bottom first

Washing Vehicle

• Lather a clean sponge (terry cloth) in soapy water

• Gently wipe vehicle with sponge to loosen dirt

• Start by cleaning the:

• roof, windshield, hood, rear window and trunk • right/left side (top then bottom) • back and front bumper • wheels and undercarriage

• Rinse each section completely before moving to next section

• Give the vehicle one final rinse (mist) with the hose

• Wet and ring out the chamois cloth (shammy) or towel and dry the vehicle thoroughly (start at the roof and work your way down)

• Give any metal or chrome an extra rubdown (after vehicle is dry) with steel wool to get rid of water spots

Wax

• Wax your vehicle in a shaded area to prevent damage to finish

• Look for vehicle wax which contains imported vegetable wax, which is safe for your vehicle’s finish

• Mask off all parts that should not be waxed (textured moldings, bumper parts, etc...)

• Three forms of wax: liquid, paste and spray (liquid wax is easier, doesn’t last as long as paste products)

• Choose wax with a high Carnauba content

• Spray waxes are very thin to be of any real use

• Apply a single application of wax (too much results in hard to remove residue)

• A damp rectangular kitchen sponge makes a good applicator

• Apply second application on the nose and hood

• Remove residue using only a very soft cloth (microfiber towels)

• Use orbital buffer to speed up application process

• Wax vehicle every two– three months (water should be bead on the car)

Tires

• Pre-rinse the tires with water

• Scrub the tires briskly with car soap and soft brush

• Rinse the tires with water

• Dry the tires with a soft towel.

• Spray on a tire dressing to protect tires

Tips

• Avoid the sun and trees (sap and leaves)

• Use proper vehicle wash soap (household items may ruin vehicle’s finish)

• After driving in salty conditions, wash your vehicle to prevent corrosion, fading and rust

• Detail your vehicle once a year

• Immediately rinse gasoline, oil, anti-freeze, transmission fluid and windshield solvent spills off your finish, but do not wipe

• Be sure to wash the inside bottom edge of doors, lift gate, hood and trunk to eliminate the trapped dirt and moisture that can cause premature rusting