Car Cleaning 101: Clean your Car

Cleaning your car is not only a great way to improve its look, but it is also an important maintenance task. A clean interior and exterior help prevent scratched paint, faded upholstery, cracked leather and other damage. Compare the best exterior and interior cleaning products and find out the best ways to clean your car today.

What Is the Best Way To Clean Your Car?

You’ve probably seen neighbours take the time to wash, wax and polish their vehicle. These steps aren’t just for classic cars or sports cars but are significant steps for any car. Follow this four-step process to enjoy quality car interior cleaning and exterior cleaning.

Rinse off your vehicle before you start wiping or washing. A standard garden hose will work, but a power washer can be a better option for caked-on dirt. Once it’s wet, wash it thoroughly with automotive wash and a microfiber cloth or mitt. Microfiber prevents small pieces of grit from scratching the paint on your vehicle.

Pay particular attention to areas where sap, dead insects or bird droppings may cling to your vehicle. Consider using a speciality cleaning solution to scrub these stubborn stains to restore your vehicle’s exterior shine.

Polishing is a great way to restore the beauty of your vehicle. Polishing not only protects the beautiful shine of a new car but can also make your old vehicle look years younger. Whether you hand-polish or use a speciality polishing tool, be sure to work a section at a time to avoid the polish from drying on your vehicle.

Finally, a layer of wax is the ultimate protection to seal your car. Wax prevents UV rays, water and contaminants from affecting your paint, so it’s a significant investment in the look and value of your vehicle.

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What Can Household Cleaners Be Used To Wash a Car?

Not everyone has a garage stocked with car shampoo, polish and wax. While these specialized products are best for removing debris and protecting your vehicle, there are a few household substitutes you can use in a pinch.

Consider using rubbing alcohol to remove sap, bird droppings or other stubborn stains. Use a die-free cloth and place and dab some rubbing alcohol on it. Carefully scrub the affected area to wash away the stains.

Vinegar is a natural cleaner and deodorizer, so you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean your upholstery. Mix three parts vinegar and one-part water and lightly spray it on your upholstery.

Baking soda is a great way to remove battery corrosion—mix baking soda and water as a corrosion cleaning solution. Be sure to remove the negative and positive battery cables from your battery before attempting to clean any corrosion. You can dip the cables into the baking soda solution and use a wire brush to scrub your battery terminals. Be sure to dry the area before reconnecting your battery fully.

Stop by your local auto parts store today to learn more about car maintenance and cleaning tips. Pick up the right wash, wax and polish products to restore your ride or prevent rust and faded paint from reducing the value of your vehicle.

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