Car Wash 101
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-836 -- More Projects »
Auto-reconditioning expert Prentice St. Clair demonstrates the best ways to clean problem spots on cars--from professional-grade products to homemade solutions.
- Wash your car with a car-wash shampoo rather than dishwashing detergent or regular soap. It won't remove the wax, and it lubricates as you wash. Just mix the shampoo and water (1 oz. per gallon) and place the solution in a bucket filled with water.
Use a lambs-wool wash mitt to wash and a synthetic chamois (figure A) to dry.Automotive leather cleaners and conditioners should be used to clean the leather in your car. If you don't have that, use a very mild solution of dishwashing detergent and water (just a couple of drops per gallon of water). Wipe briskly with a terrycloth towel.To clean the windows of your car, use an alcohol-based cleaner as opposed to an ammonia-based product. Glass cleaners with ammonia may damage the tint on a car window. Most home-cleaning products are ammonia based.Use a lint-free microfiber towel to dry the windows. The microfiber has hundreds more fibers per square inch than a terrycloth towel and therefore leaves fewer streaks. Clean the top first. Wet towel rather than the glass itself to avoid getting the solution on your paint. If you run out, you can use standard rubbing alcohol and water (1-10 ratio--1 part alcohol and 10 parts water).
Clean off bird droppings as soon as possible, as the acidic components in it can etch into the paint (figure B). Always carry a paper-towel roll in your car and simply dampen it with water and clean off. That method is good in a pinch, but the best way to clean off those stains is to carry a liquid spray wax and a microfiber towel.
To remove tar on your tire rim (figure C), use a bug-and-tar remover or adhesive remover (available at many supermarkets and discount stores) and a quick coating of spray wax once it is cleaned off.Clean chrome trim on bumpers and wheels with chrome polish and a nonstick kitchen sponge, presoaked scouring pad or steel wool. Wipe with a clean towel afterward.
Use detailers' clay (figure D) to remove any surface contamination or rough-feeling spots. Spray liquid wax on the clay, then apply to the spot, wiping away the excess with a standard terrycloth towel to smooth it over.
Guests Prentice St. Clair
Car-Cleaning Expert
PO Box 6155
San Diego, CA 92166-0155
Phone: 619-701-1100
E-mail:
prentice@detailinprogress.com
Website:
www.detailinprogress.com
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