Auto detailing is an in-depth cleaning process that includes interior, exterior, and engine cleaning. Detailing is typically performed on high-end cars and show automobiles although any thorough car cleaning can be considered detailing. Car detailing is not strictly performed by professional detailing services; amateurs and car owners also perform car detailing for personal satisfaction or profit. Car detailing goes far beyond a simple car wash and vacuuming.
Interior Detailing
Inside the car, everything from the headliner to the floor mats will be thoroughly cleaned. Interior detailing includes window washing, carpet cleaning, and stain removal. Car detailers use specialized cleaning agents to treat all types of interior surfaces from plastic to leather. Plastic components, such as the control panel and dashboard, should be treated with a plastic polish designed to produce shine and protect against UV damage. Vinyl and leather seats should be treated with a gentle cleanser followed by a protective, stain-shield coating. Carpet cleaning is one of the most important detailing tasks inside the car. First, carpets should be vacuumed, then stain removal products, such as diluted Woolite or 303, can be applied. Professional detailers use carpet extractors with heated water to dissolve and remove ground in dirt and stains from carpeting.
Exterior Detailing
On the outside of the vehicle, the most important task is to remove environmental contaminants and pollutants, such as tar, pine sap, road salt, and bugs. All vehicles can be cleaned with a mild cleaning fluid and soft bristle car washing brush. Professional detailers use purified water, grit filters, air blowers, and other devices to prevent water spots and damage from microscopic dirt. Exterior detailing also including polishing chrome components and cleaning the wheels and tires. After removing contaminants and cleaning the vehicle, a clay bar treatment can be performed, or the project can be completed with a final coating of carnauba wax. For best results, allow the carnauba wax to bond for two to three hours before buffing with a microfiber cloth. For heavy dirt accumulations, a clay bar treatment can be performed after the initial washing. The revolutionary resin clay was invented in Japan in the early 1990s. To date, no product removes tar, tree sap, paint overspray, and road dirt so effectively.
Car Detailing Tools and Supplies
• Bucket
• Buffer
• Car washing mitt
• Car washing fluid
• Car wax
• Carpet brushes
• Carpet extractor
• Circular polisher
• Extension cord
• Microfiber towels
• Soft washing brush
• Sponges
• Wax applicators
• Wheel brushes (various sizes)
• Wheel and tire cleaner
Car Detailing Goals
The purpose of auto detailing is to clean, shine, and protect. Waxes are equally important for protection as well as providing an attractive, shiny finish. The goal of auto detailing is to make every car look like new. Car collectors use auto detailing services to protect their investment as well as the quality of the vehicle and its components. For restoration or routine maintenance, auto detailing cleans and protects all parts of the vehicle inside and out.
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Additional Information:
- How to Clean Car Carpet?
- How to Clean a Car Engine?
- How to Clean Car Carpets?
- How to Clean a Car Interior?
- How to Clean Car Interior?
