Do-it-yourself (DIY) auto detailing is an effective way to ensure the maintenance, cleanliness, and longevity of your vehicle without the need to hire an outside service. Whether it’s a new luxury car or a used compact car, everyone can benefit from understanding auto detailing steps and the processes involved to produce excellent results. Auto detailing does more than just make your vehicle look good; it also preserves its interior and exterior features. By using proper and timely cleaning methods, vehicle owners can take necessary steps for preventing damage to their vehicle’s paint and interior fabrics. Auto detailing steps may be divided into two categories: dry and wet. It is recommended to perform interior dry and then wet cleaning tasks, followed by exterior wet and then dry cleaning tasks. Always check your owner’s manuals for recommendations regarding cleaning methods and safe cleaning products.

Dust Removal

Interior dust removal is the first step in auto detailing. Whether showing your car professionally or simply removing dust for your day-to-day travels, a duster is a handy tool to keep your car in top shape. Choose a soft, merino wool duster, and give the handle a quick spin between your palms, as this fluffs up the duster and removes any debris, fibers, or dust that may be on the duster. When ready, gently wipe the dust away from all interior areas. Don’t neglect areas such as glove compartment boxes, doors, visors, steering wheel columns, and dashboard fixtures.

Vacuuming

While a duster is a great way to remove light dust, vacuuming is the preferred method for heavy dust or built-up debris. Always pay attention to large debris and excess dirt that collects on floor pads or in the car’s areas that are easily accessible and trampled on. You may want to sweep away large debris before vacuuming. There are industrial-strength car vacuums that contain various extensions, nozzles, hoses, tips, and brushes, enabling users to remove dust and debris from small areas. Look for car vacuums with a turbo attachment, as these apply more centralized power, making them the perfect choice for removing built-up debris. Many car vacuums are small and compact, making them easy to store in a vehicle’s trunk and easily accessible. Use an appropriate nozzle to remove debris from car seats, floors, door handles, door pockets, dashboards, trunks, and corners. Car vacuums vary in power, performance, and design. Choose one that best fits your needs.

Shampooing

Car seats and upholstery should be deep-cleaned and then conditioned with an appropriate car cleaner/shampoo. Deep-cleaning your vehicle’s upholstery removes dirt and debris that can build up and become difficult to remove over time. By maintaining your car’s upholstery and carpets, you can help prevent your vehicle’s overall depreciation. It isn’t enough to vacuum your car seats; they need to be shampooed as well. Use a professional-strength carpet and upholstery shampoo-cleaning machine that has two-way vacuum power. The shampooer emits hot water mixed with an appropriate cleaning system, then sucks up the dirty water. Keep in mind that it may take up to 24 hours for your shampooed interior to become thoroughly dry.

Leather Cleaning/Conditioning

Those who have leather upholstery will want to ensure that the material is thoroughly cleaned and conditioned. Choose an appropriate leather cleaner/conditioner, apply it with a microfiber towel, and rub it into the leather to clean. Leather cleaners foam when applied and rubbed in. After the foaming process, use a clean, dry microfiber towel and wipe away the cleaning solution. Make certain not to let the leather condition or cleaner dry on the surface. Wipe it away as soon as it lathers. Always remove dirt and debris from leather seats, especially in the nooks and creases, as these have an abrasive effect over time and will cause the leather to deteriorate.

Windows

Not only do dirty car windows and windshields look bad, but they are a safety hazard. Windows and windshields often attract dirt and debris, such as bug and water stains. Clean the interior of windows and windshields first, and then, when detailing the exterior of the car, do the outside windows. Never spray windshield or window cleaner directly on the glass, as it will spray, mist, or drip on to the dashboard or other interiors, potentially causing discoloration and stains. Remove large items on the windshield, such as GPS or radar devices, before cleaning the glass. Look for window cleaners that are ammonia-free and safe for tinted windows, if applicable. Spray the cleaner directly onto a microfiber towel, and apply the towel directly to the glass. Use a second, dry microfiber towel to polish and buff the glass.

Exterior

Washing your vehicle’s exterior is paramount to maintaining its condition. Cars are exposed to numerous elements each day, and even something seemingly trivial like bird droppings has the potential to cause devastating damage to a vehicle’s exterior paint. Maintaining the exterior of a vehicle often involves dusting, washing, drying, buffing, and waxing. While dusting is an effective way of dealing with light debris, it is ineffective at removing large stains, bird droppings, mud, and grime. Knowing the most effective methods for washing your car’s exterior can help preserve its longevity and maintain its appearance. Always check your owner’s manual for any chemical products to avoid or that are recommended. Some car owners prefer the two-bucket method, where they use one bucket for soaping and washing and a second bucket for rinsing; others may prefer pressure-washing their vehicle. Always ensure that your vehicle can withstand pressure-washing, as this method may not be suitable for older vehicles with noticeable body damage.

Tires

Tires, rims, and wheel wells must be cleaned and checked for damage on a regular basis. The tires are one of the most important features of any car, and they must be kept in optimum condition. By using proper cleaning methods, vehicle owners can keep their tires looking new, which helps maintain the car’s value. Always replace damaged tires immediately, and keep your set clean, free of debris, and looking their best. Older tires may have stress marks or discoloration and can trap dirt and debris. Use an all-purpose tire cleaner, microfiber rags, and a brush designed for cleaning. You can also use cotton swabs in order to remove dirt from small areas within the wheel well. Always spray the tire with water before applying cleaner. Work the cleaner in, and pay close attention to the crevice in the rim. Dry the tire with a clean, microfiber cloth after washing.

• How to Clean Your Car Interior: Popular Mechanics discusses the proper methods for interior car cleaning.
• Top 11 Secrets of Auto Detailers: CNN provides auto detailing tips in this report.
• Finally, a Vacuum Cleaner That’s Built Into a Car: Time looks at vacuums built into cars and how they simplify the auto detailing process.
• Wash Your Car Like a Pro: MSN Autos provides these tips and resources for those wanting to ensure they use the best car-washing methods and techniques.
• Car-Cleaning Tips: AOL Autos offers these car-cleaning tips that will ensure that your ride sparkles and shines.
• 13 Weird Tricks to Clean Your Car: Readers’ Digest provides this list of interesting car-cleaning tips that include soda and hair conditioner.
• How to Wash and Wax Your Car: Edmunds provides this guide to successful washing and waxing a car.
• 21 Detailing Tips From the Pros: Hemmings looks at these professional auto detailing tips anyone can use for their vehicles.
• Wash Your Car to Keep Rust Away: The New York Times offers this advice on protecting your car by cleaning it.
• Car-Cleaning Tips: HGTV provides these tips to help consumers detail their cars.
• Detail Your Car Yourself: Better Homes and Gardens offers these methods for cleaning the interior and exterior of a car.
• Car Cleaning Tips From a Pro (PDF): Car Talk shares steps for a thorough car cleaning.
• The Perfect Car Wash: Ask Men shares these tips for giving your car the perfect car wash.
• How to Polish Your Car Like a Pro: This article from Car and Driver shows how to polish and wax a car like a professional.
• The Ultimate Car-Cleaning Guide: Biola University provides this guide that contains car- cleaning tips.
• Suggested Remedies for Removing Odors from a Car’s Interior (PDF): This document shares tips for using household items to removing odors from a car’s interior.
• Car Care Exterior Tips: Samarins shares these photos and tips for cleaning, repairing, and caring for a car’s exterior.
• Flat Finish: How You Should Tend to Matte Automotive Paint: Automobile Magazine offers tips for car owners whose automobiles have matte paint and shares how to protect it.
• The Details on Detailing: Hot Rod provides tips, tricks, and photos to show do-it-yourself detailing.