| Detailing
Check List
Anyone
can go outside and spruce up their car with a hose,
bucket, a few towels and a bottle of wax. However, the
difference between a clean car and a head-turning Shiny
Ride is the attention that goes in to the detail. This
checklist is designed to remind you of all the places
where dust, dirt and other debris hide. Whether you are
a Classic Car Owner
or just enjoys a clean car , this list will help
you to elevate the overall quality of your detailing.
The suggestions for each item on the list are general
and are not meant to be a "how to"
explanation.
If there are any
spots or steps that we have missed, please tell us. If
you send us new
information, we will gladly give you credit for
the addition!
Exterior Details
Windows: Many
people clean the majority of the window but neglect the
edges. This becomes evident as you roll down the window.
Make sure you let the car dry fully and then roll down
the window a bit. You will be amazed how much better it
looks.
Crevices
between panels:
One of the most neglected areas is the accumulation of
wax in the spaces between panels. You can eradicate this
by running a small piece of cloth in between the cracks
or using a very fine toothbrush. You can even use a
high-power air gun in some circumstances.
Wheel wells:
A great deal of dirt can accumulate along your wheel
wells. Many cars have chrome wells that look great if
polished. Do not clean your wheel wells with the same
rag/sponge/brush that you use to clean the main body of
the car. Use a separate towel or wash mitt.
License plate:
This is an often-forgotten location. If you look
closely, you will probably see an incredible amount bug
and tar residue. A good tar remover usually does the
trick.
Plastic and
rubber trim:
Plastic and rubber can become dull and fade. Although
most attempts to alleviate this are temporary, it can
really make a difference.
Spoilers: Clean
and treat!
Chrome:
Few things are as impressive as beautiful chrome...
Emblems:
These are magnets for dust and wax residue. Start out
with a detailer's brush you can even try a q-tip or a
high-power air gun.
Antennae:
Not only should you clean the antennae itself, but you
should pay extra attention to the area where the
antennae meets the paint. This area is notorious for
being missed by buffers or accumulating wax residue.
Door
handles/locks:
The locks should definitely be detailed with a small
brush Do not use a polish or wax on the locks. The door
handles, and the panels below them, tend to get very
dirty for obvious reasons.
Windshield wipers:
More important than the actual wipers themselves is the
well beneath them. You will often find leaves, twigs and
other debris in this area.
Gas door and
cap:
Spills at the pump and dirty hands contribute to a
potentially damaging situation. Use a separate towel to
clean this area!
Headlight
buckets:
Clean this area after you are certain the vehicle has
dried fully or blow it out using compress air. Many
times, you will clean here only to have a rush of water
ruin your work as the car is moved.
Valance and
rocker panels:
Once again, use a separate towel to clean these areas.
You will be amazed at the dirt and grime that you pick
up. A good bug/tar remover will do wonders for you. If
you'd like to lower the frustration next time around,
apply a quick coat of synthetic wax.
Wheels:
The attention paid to wheels can make or break your
detail job.
Grill: Wait
until the car has dried fully or blow it out using
compress air prior to cleaning here.
Mirrors:
Generally, you will have to deal with significant bug
accumulation on the rear side. The mirrors should be
cleaned only after the car has fully dried or blow it
out using compress air. A great deal of water can be
stored behind the mirror, contributing to significant
frustration at times.
Interior Details
As a rule, you
should vacuum twice. It is very difficult to detail the
interior if the floor and upholstery is dirty. Also, at
the end, even if you were careful, there is bound to be
a few particles that need to be vacuum up. After the
first use of the vacuum, you should go over the interior
with compress air . This is the best way to loosen dust
and debris in hard-to-reach places. After you spray the
interior, leave the vehicle and give the dust time to
settle.
Windows: Interior
windows, by virtue of the small space in which you have
to maneuver, are very difficult to clean properly. The
difficulty is compounded if a smoker has been in the
vehicle. Make sure you are careful around the rear-view
mirror.
Vents: Brushes,
q-tips and pressurized air work best.
Ashtrays:
Don't forget vacuum! and wipe
Mats:
Vacuum, clean and treat them. If they are especially
dirty, you may consider beating them a bit.
Rugs and
upholstery:
Vacuum, clean and treat them.
Stereo,
instruments, etc..:
Dust and fingerprints are the main culprits here.
Cleaning these areas properly takes patience. If you
were able to blow away dust with pressurized air first,
your task will be easier. Always wipe down these areas
with a dry cloth/towel at the end to prevent streaking.
Vinyl: Clean
and treat.
Leather: Clean
and treat.
Steering wheel:
Accumulated
dirt and grease from hands must be removed. Be careful
not to rub too hard or use harsh cleaners. Also, do not
treat with anything slippery.
Glove box: Vacuum
and damp
wipe
Side pockets:
Often, a vacuum is needed here followed by a wipe with a
damp cloth.
Door jambs:
These are havens for grease. Clean them regularly and
apply spray wax .
Interior
molding:
Clean and treat. Pay special attention to molding near
entrance.
Door handle:
Clean to remove fingerprints.
Arm rests: Pay special attention
to anywhere your arm may rest. This includes the
fold-down rest, the door rest, and the top of the door. |
