Detailing
Cars take a beating every day. They work hard to get us where we want to go and serve as a place to provide a comfortable place to relax when cruising the highways and byways. Cars also transport pets to the vet, have a second job as cargo space for items like groceries, and fill in as a mobile restaurant. All the wear and tear can lead to a not-so-fresh-smelling or clean interior; plus, the build-up of dirt and dust lessens the life of the materials that make up the car’s interior.
When you want the interior of your car to be sparkling, fresh, and smelling like new, consider a few tips from the car detailing in Philadelphia experts.
Tips for Fresh Interiors
First, you will need a few products specifically for interior cleaning, such as:
- A soft-bristle brush to clean the upholstery.
- Microfiber mitt or cloth for cleaning.
- Interior cleaner for the dash and glass.
- An all-surface cleaner for areas such as the console.
- Carpet cleaner.
- Fabric protection product.
- Disinfecting wipes,
- Crevice cleaning tool.
- A car vacuum with attachments.
Getting Organized
Car organization is also important in maintaining a fresh and clean interior. This means emptying all the storage spaces and leaving only the necessary items.
Keep the glove box for important items, like car registration, insurance information, maps, flashlight, tire gauge, pen and paper, car escape tool, phone charger, small first-aid kit, sunglasses, and owner’s manual. Also, organize the console so that you only have the things you need.
The side pockets are convenient places to stash trash instead of tossing it out the window or on the floor of the car. Clear these areas as well and keep the pockets for useful items. They can also be used as an alternate location for a flashlight, car escape tool, tire gauge, and hand wipes.
Cleaning Tips
The interior is prone to issues that can benefit from a good cleaning. To make your car a pleasant experience to travel in, consider these useful tips that not only refresh but also protect areas of the interior.
- Remove all floor mats. Shake out the dirt and then vacuum each mat.
- Vacuum the entire interior, including the carpet, seat upholstery, and truck. Also, vacuum the cracks between the seats and any hard-to-reach areas to remove hidden dust and debris.
- Use the soft cloth and appropriate cleaning product to wipe down the dash, console, and non-material areas, such as the door panels and compartments.
- Use the appropriate product to clean the fabric seat upholstery material, the headliner, and the material on the side panels, if applicable. Once cleaned, a protective coating, such as Scotchguard or other interior automotive fabric protection, can be applied.
- Leather upholstery requires specific cleaning products. Apply the product with a soft cloth and thoroughly wipe all surfaces and crevices. Then, use a protective product to condition the leather.
- Use a crevice tool or a Q-Tip to clean between air conditioning vents to remove any buildup. Use the items to clean any other areas, such as knobs and buttons.
- The soft-bristled brush reaches corners, curves, and tight areas.
- If the car has wood trimming, wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner safe for the material.
- Clean all the windows with a glass cleaner.
- Clean the dash area and around the instruments.
- Wipe down the steering wheel.
- If the car has an ashtray, thoroughly clean it to remove any lingering odors.
Contact Our Expert Staff
If you have any questions about the best options, products, or techniques to clean your car’s interior, give us a call at Bernardi’s Detailing & Auto Body. We’ve got the solution for keeping your car looking its best. Count on us for car detailing in the Greater Philadelphia area.
