Car Cleaning Hacks: How to detail your car like a pro

Posted on July 21, 2017 in Tips From The Pros

By Kate Bergeron, July 24th, 2017 No matter the season, keeping your car clean inside and out is essential. Here are five car cleaning tricks every car owner should know:

1) Use a portable vacuum

A quick wipe down or once over with your home vacuum doesn’t always do the trick, especially if you’ve have kids or pets in the car. Having a portable vacuum around can help you get into all the nooks and crannies where dirt, dust, and crumbs build up.

2) Get a touchless wash

Cleaning your car’s exterior on a regular basis helps extend the life of your paint and prevent rust. Car washes are super convenient, but the traditional wash can be too aggressive. Touchless washes give you the same cleaning power, without the harsh brushing and scraping. Most car washes also offer discounts on their slower days, like F.L. Robert’s $5 wash days, so be on the lookout for weekly specials near you.

3) Stop using Windex

Windex is great, but household window cleaners often leave unsightly streaks and spots behind. Sprays designed for car windows, like Stoner Invisible Glass Premium Cleaner, offer a clean, spot free, streak free shine to your windows. It’s used by both amateurs and pros alike and, at less that $5 a canister, it’s definitely worth a try. Remember to roll down your windows before you start wiping away so you can clean the very top. You can also rub down your windshield wipers with rubbing alcohol to remove grime and prevent a smeared windshield.

4) Clean AND Condition Leather Seats

Cleaning leather seats is important, but conditioning them is what makes them super soft. Conditioner also prevents seats from cracking and fading, so long as you maintain them. Leather Cleaner by Leather Honey is gentle enough for most furniture, apparel, shoes and car interiors, and their leather conditioner softens and moisturizes to promote flexibility, protect new leather and rejuvenate old leather. A little goes a long way, and one treatment lasts for 6 months! For faux leather and cloth seats, Windex can be used to wipe down and remove stains, respectively.

5) Get rid of scratches

Once your car’s exterior is cleaned, you may notice some scratches and swirls in the paint. If the blemishes are faint, a scratch remover like Meguiar's G17216 Ultimate Compound can be used to lightly buff the marks out. This will return your paint to it’s natural finish and prevent marks from causing more severe damage. And for all the things you can’t fix with a simple cleaning, V&F is here to help. From regular maintenance and tune-ups, to big repairs and replacements, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website to find out more, or to schedule an appointment.