Auto Detailing Tips From A Pro

We know in the world of maintenance, repair and operations, sometimes vehicle cleanliness can take a back seat. But no matter how busy your team and vehicles are, keeping vehicles looking good is an investment that makes sense.

Keeping things clean will help your vehicle last longer, improve efficiency and help keep your team happy and healthy.

Of course, there’s no shortage of businesses out there to do automotive cleaning and detailing. But whether you have one vehicle or dozens, keeping it in-house might save you time and money.

We got the scoop from one of our favorite detailers offering some tips of the trade:

• When cleaning a vehicle’s interior, start by spraying out the nooks and crannies with compressed air. (He recommends and uses Kimball Midwest’s Quick Change Blow Gun Kit! The long extension can get down between seats and cracks while the short extensions can blow out seats, dash, cup holders and more.)
  
  
• When cleaning glass, use two towels. The initial towel is used with glass cleaner to clean most of the dirt from glass. Then follow up with the second towel to buff off remaining residue and reduce streaking. A lint-free towel is best for the second towel.
  
  
• Microfiber towels can be cleaned in a washer using a gentle detergent then dried using no or low heat. Heat will degrade the fibers and lead to poor performance and shorter life.
  
  
• Be sure to use ammonia-free glass cleaner on tinted windows. Ammonia can dry out tint and lead to it fading and peeling.
  
  
• Some chemicals need time to dwell to break down and emulsify dirt, while others are sprayed and immediately wiped off. Certain chemicals can damage various finishes. Use proper dilutions. Be sure to read the labels so you know what to do.
  
  
• Work on cool surfaces. Hot surfaces or direct sunlight can cause chemicals to dry fast and/or stain surfaces.
  
  
• Whether working on the inside or outside of vehicles/equipment, work top to bottom. The lower surfaces will typically be the dirtiest and cleaning the top first will allow you to clean what falls at the end.
  
  
• Clean wheels and tires before paint.
  
  
• Keep microfibers separate. Don’t use a towel previously used on the interior or wheels on paint or you risk scratching the finish.
  
  
• Make sure to clean any surface before applying protectants. This will allow them to adhere best whether it’s paint, leather/vinyl or rubber.
  
  
• The key to keeping vehicles and equipment in great shape is preventative maintenance. This is true for paint, leather/vinyl or rubber to keep them from becoming faded or cracked. Ultraviolet rays are extremely harsh, and protectants contain UV inhibitors.
  
  
• Use designated carpet/fabric cleaners instead of all-purpose cleaners. Due to the incorrect pH levels, some cleaners can leave carpet in an alkaline state and when exposed to water will attract more dirt.

Kimball Midwest offers an extensive range of automotive detailing products that can keep your equipment and vehicles clean and looking new, from simply washing your vehicle to shining wheels and tires to wiping down metal and vinyl surfaces.

One of the latest products we’ve added to our line is Magnum Hi-Power Carpet Spotter. This aerosol gets out tough stains and spots from things like dirt, ink, grease, oil, mud, coffee, tea, soft drinks, urine, vomit and blood. The pinpoint spray concentrates the cleaner without excessive overspray.

If you would like assistance finding the right tools for your situation, ask your Kimball Midwest sales representative, or we would be glad to help you .