Top 15 Car Detailing Secrets

Ever wondered how professional Valeters and Detailers are able to make cars look so shiny, and keep them that way for longer? Then read on…

If you enjoy taking care of your car but are often left disappointed with the results, then you’ll certainly feel the benefit of our top 15 car detailing secrets. We thought we would create this blog to offer you guys hints on how to get the most from your washing, waxing and polishing efforts.

Learning how to detail your car to a professional standard isn’t just a matter of vanity, it’s a smart way to maintain your car’s value, and make sure you get the best possible price when it comes to selling it on. You will need to remember that detailing your car to this level will still require practice and years of experience, which is why our team produces such high quality work. However, this blog should help you with the tips you need to get started on this path, correctly. 

1. Dry glass surfaces in two directions

When cleaning and drying your car’s windows, you’ll almost certainly come across an annoying streak on either the outside or the inside of the glass. To make the process easier, get in the habit of drying the exterior glass in one direction and the interior in another (horizontal and vertical for instance).

By making the effort to dry the glass this way, you’ll know whether the streak is on the outside or inside of the car by the direction it’s facing so you can deal with the problem quickly without causing any more streaks and blemishes.

2. Don’t forget to clean the very top of the windows

One simple tip that can help you avoid unwanted smears is to wind down the windows and clean the topmost portion of the glass. Excess product can build up in the window jamb, and could result in streaking, dripping and other marks. By winding the windows down slightly, you can make sure every inch of the car receives a professional clean, so that all dirt, debris and excess product is removed.

3. Clean your vehicle every fortnight

To keep the paintwork looking great, we recommend to give it a wash, at max, every fortnight. As well as removing dirt, it will help to reduce unwanted abrasion and prevent the onset of rust. Some people think washing a car this regularly will remove the protective coating from its paintwork, but this isn’t always the case. Using the wrong thing, like washing up liquid, will damage the paint, and washing it regularly but never waxing it will also leave it exposed to damage. You could use a two in one shampoo and wax to help protect as you wash.

4. Use a Micro Fibre Towel to Dry the Paintwork 

If you let your car air dry after you’ve cleaned it, water marks will develop on the surface and these are often more difficult to remove than dirt and road dust.

To dry your car effectively, make sure you use a soft microfibre towel (not an older style chamois leathers as these can mark paintwork) to carefully remove any and all water droplets from the paintwork. Always start at the top of the car and work your way down each panel to remove excess water and leave the paintwork looking clean and clear.

5. Remove swirl marks with polish, not wax

Swirl marks are super fine scratches that appear on the surface of your car’s paint, and can be caused by using the wrong kind of cloth or sponge, or using one that’s dirty. Some people might tell you that covering the car in wax will remove the marks, but this isn’t the case. Instead, the best way to remove swirl marks is with a quality car polish, a dual action polisher and some diligence.

6. Rinse your sponge regularly during cleaning

To reduce the risk of swirl marks in the future, make sure you rinse your sponge (or cloth) regularly during washing, preferably in a separate bucket. Dirt particles on the sponge can easily cause damage to the paint, so try to get the sponge or cloth as clean as possible before bringing it back to the paintwork.

7. Apply wax with a buffer — don’t remove it with one

A buffer is a great way to get professional results, but it’s important to know how to use one properly. Often, people make the mistake of removing wax and polish with a buffer, but this can lead to an uneven finish and swirls in the clear coat.

Instead, you should apply wax with a power buffer, before removing with a soft, dry cloth. By covering the buffer pad in wax, you’ll prevent the machine from burning the paint layer and end up with a thin and evenly distributed coat of wax.

8. Invest in a dual action polisher

Polishing is one of the most important jobs when it comes to professionally detailing your car, so it pays to invest in the right equipment to get the best possible results.

We’d definitely recommend buying a dual action polisher, which will easily handle any polishing jobs you throw at it. Perfect for ironing out areas of abrasion, and removing layers of old wax, these motorised polishers will ensure your car always has a smooth, even finish for a lasting just-bought shine.

9. Use static electricity on carpets

Carpet fibres trap dust, dirt and grit, making it very difficult to remove them when it comes to vacuuming. There’s nothing more annoying than scrubbing your car’s carpets with a vacuum brush, only to find the bits are just as ingrained as they were previously, if not more so.

One tip to easily remove these stubborn bits is to use static electricity to draw the bits upwards and out of the fibres, making them easier to remove with a hoover. You can do this using a latex glove, and gently rubbing your hand across the surface of the carpet. The friction will generate static, and pull the bits upwards for easier removal.

10. Brush the carpet first

Another great tip to get rid of annoying bits is to brush the carpet with a stiff nylon brush. This will agitate the carpet fibres, making it easier to remove the bits with a vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to rub too hard, however, as this could damage the upholstery and lead to fraying

11. Use compressed air to deodorise your vents

If your car no longer has that new car scent, and you’ve tried a range of air freshening products without success, use a can of compressed air to give the vents a quick blast. Dust, dirt and moisture can build up on the inside of air vents, causing stale odours to circulate through the cabin whenever they’re in use. Compressed air will remove the offending muck, grime and bacteria, giving your car a fresher, more neutral smell.

12. Invest in quality car cleaning products and tools

When it comes to cleaning your car, it pays to have the right tools, products and equipment. As well as these hard-working care products, we’d also recommend buying a good quality car sponge or microfibre cloth, a wheel brush and a pressure washer to make a proper job of cleaning the car each and every time.

13. Always wash your car when the bodywork is cool and out of direct sunlight – water evaporates faster on hot cars which can leave water marks.

14. Always dress your tyres last as tyre dressings often contain silicone, which you don’t want on bodywork when you wax it.

15. When washing a car, remember to clean the inner door, boot, and bonnet shuts as dirt and water can gather there and then dribble out over clean exterior bodywork.