Car Detailing for the Ordinary Auto Owner

For most ordinary people, washing the car at the local drive thru wash and a quick zoom of the vacuum suffices as “car detailing.” However, the real concept of car detailing goes much further. To the car enthusiasts and those that want a very clean car, detailing entails much more than just a quick weekly wash. The complete detailing of a car comprises the normal wash but also many additives that combine to remove deep down dirt and bring that car back to a shine. And it’s not just the exterior of the vehicle that gets the serious scrub, the interior receives the same exhaustive treatment so that the owners will have a spotless ride around town. 

Exterior Cleaning

In describing the procedures involved in the exterior cleansing, these are the typical steps:

1. Give the auto a good douse with the hose to loosen dirt. Then follow with a good scrub using auto washing soap (not dish soap) and use a chenille sponge (not an old hand cloth). These products can be obtained at most big box retailers or an auto parts store. Once scrubbed and rinsed, give it a good drying with a microfiber cloth (again, not an old towel).
   
   
2. Next, move on to the door jambs. The area on the door jamb as well as the area that is part of the door frame can collect quite a bit of dirt, so these need a good wiping. Use a microfiber towel that is damp. 
3. The next step involves using a clay bar. This type of product resembles a large bar of soap but is usually gray and made of a clay product. Following package directions, rub this bar on a small area of the exterior, then wipe clean. Again, use a microfiber cloth. 
4. Polishing should be the next step. This type of product is not a wax  A polish, made of a mild abrasive material, will remove the outermost, fine layer of the topcoat of the car. The process of removing that outer layer will remove the remaining scratches and prep the car for the wax. 
5. Finally, the last step is the waxing. Using a car wax produced by a known manufacturer, apply the wax using a soft sponge (or the one provided with the product). Let dry according to directions and then rub all wax off with microfiber cloths. 

Interior Cleaning

Now moving to the interior, start by removing extraneous items that do not belong in a car. Items such as coffee cups, clothes, shoes, newspapers, and food wrappers should be tossed. Continue removing items such as car mats and car seats. 

Luckily, the interior can be much less labor-intensive than the exterior. 

1. Vacuum the entire interior. Taking the hose of the vacuum, bend down and get under those seats and in between the seat and the center console. 
2. Using an old hand towel, use a product made for cleaning the interior of a car. These are usually leather-based cleaning products. Wipe every surface of the interior. This includes the dash, center console, seats, eyeglass case holders, area above the dash. If desired, use a corner of the towel to wipe the A/C vents as these do collect quite a bit of dust. 
3. Next, wash the car mats with an old towel and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. 

Detailing a car adds a sense of pride in ownership, but most importantly, it improves the overall appearance, value, and aids in having a car serve for many mile to come.