Tips for Detailing Your Own Car

Although most of us love the look of a freshly detailed care, the high price tag makes this service impractical for those of us trying to tighten our belts as the economy continues to weaken. However, forgoing professionals does not mean that you must forgo a clean car. Here are some tips for making your car look like it has been professionally detailed using things that you probably already have around the house.

First, make sure that you take the rugs out and shake them. If it is a warm day, use your garden hose to rinse them off and leave them to dry in the sun. The only caveat is that, if the day is windy, you may need to do a bit more vacuuming after the rugs dry in case anything blows onto them. If your car has new mats, consider replacing or covering them with plastic mats, which are easier to clean. You will also likely improve the resale value of your car if the mats look new.

Next, make sure you vacuum out your car. If you can, use a brush extension to get the grit out of the car. If there is still a lot of dirt in the car, try this simple trick: get a clean and thin cloth, like an old tee shirt, soak it in water, and then ring it out. Use your hand to fit the rag tightly over the top of your hose extension and then run the extension along the dusty parts. The bit of water in the cloth, combined with the friction, will pick up more dust and small particles. Just make sure that you change the part of the cloth covering the hose frequently, and that you don’t let the rag get sucked down the house, where it might damage the vacuum.

If you still see dirty spots on the upholstery or carpet, consider using Folex, a product designed to pick up stains in fabric. Simply spray it on the spot, rub it gently with your fingers for a few seconds, and then press the area gently with a clean dry cloth. If you don’t want to run out and get Folex, try the same technique with a solution of two parts water and one part vinegar.

Next, use an old sock or rag dampened in the same solution to clean the dust and dirt from your instrument panels, doors, or anywhere else it may have piled up.Now is also a good time to clean out the ashtray if you use it, and any drink holders or other places where something sticky might have spilled. An old toothbrush is a great way to scrub at places too small for your fingers. Wrap the toothbrush in a damp cloth and use it to gently clean the dust from your car vents. Then, follow up with a light coating of petroleum jelly on the dashboard and doors to enhance shine and protect the plastic. Be careful not to get the jelly on your windows or on the instrument dial.

Next, take a few minutes to clean the windows and mirrors. You can use Windex or a similar product if your have it, but a vinegar solution and newsprint work just as well. Or, if you plan to wash the outside of the car, make sure that you have a chamois or towels to dry the windows to prevent streaking. Make sure that you clean both sides of the windows and then sit inside the car to check for streaking. This is also a great time to check your windshield washing fluid, oil, and windshield wipers to see if anything needs a refill or replacement. If you notice pine needles or other debris in the wiper wells, clear them out.

If you want to be especially thorough, clean the molding along the doors as well. Find a pencil or another small and sharp object, wrap it in a damp cloth and run it gently along the molding to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use this tool to clean the creases around your gearshift if it isn’t covered in hard plastic. If you notice any spots where the molding is pulling away from the car, a bit of Gorilla Glue or a similar product will easily fix it.

Next, check the tires, Make sure that there aren’t any nails or debris embedded in them. If you plan to wash the outside of the car, make sure that you wash inside the wheel wells, where debris are often caught. This is also a great time to check tire pressure. If you aren’t sure what the pressure should be, your owner’s manual should tell you. Also, check the tread on the tires; if the tread is less than a quarter of an inch high, make plans to replace the tires.

Finally, freshen up the car with an air freshener. You can use a commercially made one, or you can simply wet a piece of cardboard with a favorite perfume or essential oil, punch a couple of holes in it and tie it on the rear view mirror with a piece of string or a twist tie.

A homemade car detailing can make add a bit of luxury and comfort as you try to cut back on spending. It can also be a great gift for the special people in your life, who will appreciate the time and attention you put into doing a really thorough job.