Introduction: Car Detailing 101
Introduction:
Many people know how to wash a car, but not necessarily do a great job. These instructions will help guide anyone further in-depth on washing their cars.
~Approx. time: 2hrs
Made by:
Brandon Hurley
Georgie Garcia
Tyler Kraus
Adil Ezzahir
Step 1: Gather Supplies
- Pressure washer
- Hose
- Trash Bag
- Window cleaner
- Tire Shine
- Vacuum
- Sponge
- Rag
- Leather Conditioning Wipes
- Microfiber Cloth
- Conditioner/Car Wax
- Degreaser
- Bucket
Step 2: Park the Vehicle
- Park the car in a big area
- Open all doors
- Remove floor mats
- Remove unnecessary items from vehicle (i.e trash, clothes, cups)
Step 3: Interior Cleaning
- Fill half of your bucket with water
- Place a microfiber cloth in the bucket
- Get a dry microfiber ready as well
- Using the wet microfiber cloth wipe all door trims and dash
- Don't forget to wipe the console and steering wheel as well!
- After wiping with wet cloth, use the dry one to dry
- Dump the old water in the bucket out
Step 4: Seats
Fill ½ bucket with clean water
- If leather seats
- Rinse same wet microfiber cloth and reuse to wipe the seats
- Use clean dry cloth to dry the seats
- If cloth seats
- Use vacuum to clean seats
Step 5: Clean Windows
- Grab glass cleaner
- Grab a clean microfiber cloth
- Spray window with glass cleaner
- Wipe in the same direction till window in completely dry
*Repeat steps for remaining windows*
Step 6: Clean Exterior Trims
- While the doors in the car are open use a rag to wipe clean all the trims
- Open the trunk and wipe that trim down as well
Step 7: Clean the Engine Cover
- Open the hood of the vehicle (*Caution*: Engine must be cold to the touch.)
- Use an old rag and wipe the engine covers
- Clean the windshield canal as well
Step 8: Vacuum Floor Boards
- Get the vacuum plugged in and powered on (Note: Extension cord might be required for this step)
- Vacuum all of the dirt from the entire floor board
- Tip: Roll the seats backwards to get extra room for the hard to reach areas
- Vacuum the floor mats as well
- If the floor mats are rubber:
- Use the hose to get dirt from within the cracks
- Let air dry once all dirt is gone
- If the floor mats are rubber:
Step 9: Rims
Prepping for Rims:
- Fill the bucket halfway with clean water
- Add 1 cup of car wax/conditioner shampoo
- Place rag and scrub brush in bucket
Ready for the Rims:
- Spray tire (*Caution*: Do not get on rims)
- Use the scrub brush to scrub the tire and remove all the dirt
- Use the rag to wipe the rim
- Use the pressure extender to rinse tire and rim
*Repeat these steps for all tires*
Step 10: Exterior Wash
Prepping for Exterior Wash:
- Fill the bucket halfway with clean water
- Add 1 cup of soap
- Place the sponge in the bucket
Exterior Wash:
- Wet entire vehicle
- Use the sponge to wipe car in clock wise motion
- Note: Starting with the side that is not in direct sunlight if applicable
- Rise each side with the water when done with that particular side
Step 11: Dry Vehicle
Prepping for Drying Vehicle:
- Grab shammy
- Open all doors
Drying Vehicle:
- Dry the wet trims from the open doors
- Close door and proceed to dry the vehicle from the top to bottom
- Check to make sure you missed no spots
Step 12: Optional Add Ons
- Apply tire shine on the tires
- Note: Check to make sure they are dry first
- Using the auto glass cleaner on the outside of the windows
- Place a car scent of your choice on the rear view mirror