How to Detail Your Own Car

Whether you are tired of staring at your sandy floor mats or are getting ready to sell your vehicle, you can get your car detailed without dropping a few hundred dollars. Stock up on some basic cleaning supplies and roll up your sleeves to tackle this DIY chore. Expect to spend two to four hours on a thorough detail inside and out.

A good detail will lift layers of dirt and grime. Expect to go back over areas you cleaned earlier, as you will notice spots and smudges you left behind.

Tackle the Clutter, Carpets, and Mats

First, get rid of all the trash, old receipts, and empty coffee cups. Use a soft brush and even some Q-tips to get the crumbs out of the cracks in your seats and console and sweep it all onto the floor. Take your floor mats out and shake them to get rid of the loose dirt. Give them a scrub and set them out to dry.

Deploy the vacuum! Use a crevice tool to get down the sides and under your seats. Switch to the brush and work it through the carpeting and cloth upholstery. Use a foaming carpet cleaner to lift stains and ground-in dirt.

Scrub Your Seats

Select a cleaner that is designed for vinyl, cloth, or leather to match your upholstery. Work the liquid into your seat using a microfiber cloth–it will pick up dirt without grinding it into the surface. If you have perforated seats with heat or ventilation, spray the cleaner on a soft brush and work the brush in a circular pattern. Wipe up excess moisture using the microfiber and turn on your seats to thoroughly dry.

Wipe and Wash Your Dash and Doors

Invest in a bottle of cleaner designed for car interiors, as it includes a UV protectant that will prevent fading and bleaching. Employ some elbow grease to remove black scuffs and built-up dirt on running boards and door handles. Run your brush and cloth over every nook and cranny. Pull out the silicone liner in the door pocket and give it a wash in the sink.

Streak-free Windows and Mirrors

Always buy an ammonia-free glass cleaner. While the ammonia does a great job at cleaning glass, it off-gasses and will harm the dash, seals, and metallic trim found throughout your car. Both Meguiar’s and 3M produce a quality cleaner that leaves no spots or streaks while protecting the other surfaces.

Make Your Wheels and Tires Shine

You need separate wheel and tire cleaners. Do the wheels first by thoroughly soaking the wheel and letting them sit. This breaks down grease and road grime. Get out a wire brush to remove the dirt. Now you get to use a metal polish to make them shine.

Washing the tires is also a two-step process using first a cleaner and then applying a protectant. Some protectants come with a high-gloss finish. Now you are ready to give the exterior of your car a proper wash and wax.

Congratulations! You have detailed your own car. If you live in the Huntington Beach area and are prepared to trade it in, bring it down to the Beach Boulevard of Cars, where you can find the perfect new ride at one of our dozen dealerships. We look forward to seeing you soon.