Car Cleaning and Detailing

As every Minnesotan knows, the exterior of our vehicles tends to get pretty dirty.

In the winter, road salt and snow get caked on vehicles for months on end, and in the spring and summer, vehicles are magnets for bugs, tree sap, pollen, mud and other contaminants.

At the same time, vehicle interiors suffer from dirt, dust, moisture, spills, food, and vinyl vapors that cause wear and tear, create unpleasant odors, and leave stains and deposits on interior surfaces and glass. Over time, both the outside and inside of a car can deteriorate from exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun.

The only way to combat the dirt and grime is regular cleaning and detailing, which makes a vehicle more attractive, extends its service life, and preserves more of its original value when it comes time to sell or trade. AAA recommends washing a car every one to three weeks and waxing it two to four times a year, depending on vehicle use, road conditions and weather.

What is the difference between basic car cleaning and detailing?

Basic car cleaning consists of exterior washing and waxing, interior vacuuming and dusting, glass cleaning, and applying various protective products.

Detailing—performed by professionals and skilled DIYers—takes cleaning to a higher level. The exterior may undergo several levels of paint treatment and protection, the interior carpets and upholstery are shampooed, and every surface throughout the car is cleaned and treated with products that restore a “like-new” appearance.

It doesn’t matter how you decide to tackle the job—with proper care, it is possible to keep a vehicle looking at least as good as the day it rolled off the assembly line, and sometimes
even better.

5 Essential Car Cleaning Products

If you’re looking to keep your car clean and are committed to doing it yourself, you’ll need the right tools for the job. Here are five essential cleaning products that can help keep your car looking great this summer.

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner can remove light to moderate grease and tar, dirt, and stains on both exterior and interior surfaces.

Car Wash Soap

A good car wash soap is specially formulated to protect your vehicle’s paint while removing grease, grime and dirt.

Polish

If your paint is looking dull, a polish—plus a little elbow grease—can remove fading and fine scratches to restore your vehicle’s luster.

Wash Mitt

A wash mitt will help in the cleaning process and reduce the chance of leaving spirals of micro scratches on your vehicle.

Wax

A protective wax will create a barrier that shields your vehicle’s paint from the elements.