Have you been through a car wash or auto detail lately? Plenty of shops offer car wash, exterior detailing, or interior detailing, but why is car detailing so much more time-consuming than a car wash? The truth is, auto detailing is a bit more complicated than a car wash, but with the right UE Autotech products, you can learn how to detail a car at home. Truly, there is a certain satisfaction that comes with DIY auto detailing, so let’s get started!

WHAT IS CAR DETAILING?

It can be confusing when people use the terms “car detailing” and “car washing” interchangeably, but there are major differences between the two. There are similarities between auto detailing and car washing, but auto detailing goes much deeper than simply cleaning your car inside and out.

When considering auto detailing, one starts with car washing and vacuuming. Then, using more specialized tools and car detailing supplies, auto detailers give your car a much deeper cleaning. This might even include removing parts of the car to get into cracks and crevices that have never seen the light of day.

Finally, once a highly detailed cleaning has been achieved, car detailers will apply UE Autotech's specialized products to enhance your car’s appearance and protect it from future dirt and damage. As a result, a detailed car can look and smell like a new car, even if it’s aged over a decade!

HOW TO DETAIL A CAR AT HOME

To detail a car at home, you’ll need several car-specific tools and UE Autotech car detailing supplies, as well as a few things you might have at home. The first time, especially, you might need to set aside a few hours. If your car is only a couple of years old and has been regularly washed and vacuumed, a full car detail might only take an hour or two. On the other hand, if your car is older and hasn’t seen a vacuum in years, auto detailing the first time could take a whole day.

WHY SHOULD I DETAIL MY CAR AT HOME?

At this point, you might think, “Why to bother auto detailing myself when I can pay an auto detailer to do it for me?” It might be tempting if your car is going to need a whole day of auto detailing, and the initial investment might seem daunting, but it pays for itself by the second time you detail your car. Also, consider these other benefits of car detailing at home.

• You’ll save money because you provide the labour. You don’t have to buy all these supplies every single time, just whatever you run out of.
• You’ll save time in the long run because a clean car is easier to keep clean, even with unintended spills and pet accidents.
• You’ll gain a new appreciation for what it takes to keep a clean car.
• Finally, your car will last longer. Auto detailing is just as much about long-term protection from the elements as it is about looking great and smelling clean.

Professional auto detailing and DIY car detailing follow pretty much the same steps for a showroom finish, though the tools and UE Autotech's supplies may vary. Interior detailing will require opening doors and getting in and out of the car often, which will likely dirty the outside of the car. Therefore, many auto detailers start by detailing the interior of the car. When, once the inside is clean and protected, they close the doors and windows and focus on exterior detailing.

INTERIOR DETAILING PRODUCTS AND STEPS

Now, let’s go through some of the steps, useful car detailing tools, and car cleaning products you’ll need to get professional-looking auto detailing at home. We’ve even included tips from car detailing professionals.

• Start by taking out the trash. A small trash bag can come in handy here, as well as latex or nitrile gloves. Pick up old napkins, food wrappers, car parts, loose coins, and anything else that’s too big for the vacuum cleaner to pick up. Don’t forget to check the glove box, console boxes, door cubbies, cup holders, and change bins.
• Remove all floor mats and clean these separately. Use a UE Elite Foaming Cleaner and UE Elite Car Wash Shampoo, to clean rubber mats. Upholstery cleaners, such as All Purpose Cleaner & Dashboard Polish for Dashboard, and a stiff brush or steam cleaner can be used on carpeted floor mats. Once cleaned, hang the mats to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out as much water from carpeted mats to accelerate drying.

REMOVE UNPLEASANT ODORS

Use a dry UE microfiber duster to dust all interior surfaces, starting from the top down. The dash, instrument cluster, centre console, and door panels are a good start, but there’s more. Don’t forget the headliner, interior panels, rear deck, windows, and seats. Use compressed air, from an air compressor or electronics duster, to blow dust out of small crevices. 

Pro Tip: Use a soft long-bristle artist’s paintbrush or UE Foaming Cleaner for Interior or Ac Cleaner, such as air conditioning vents cleaning.

• At this point, take a break and think about how your car smells. If you notice heavy food or drink smells or musty smells, treat it with UE Autotech's Multipurpose Disinfectant First, remove the cabin filter and put the fan on high speed in recirculation mode with the AC off. Then, set off the can and close the doors and windows for 15 to 20 minutes. This will circulate the deodorizer throughout the whole cabin for a long-lasting clean and fresh scent. UE Autotech Multipurpose Disinfectant can be used in problem areas also, like the trunk, cargo area, or air vents. Finally, install a new cabin filter.

REFRESH YOUR UPHOLSTERY

• Next, clean the hard surfaces in your car, like plastic and vinyl dash and console pieces. If your interior is relatively clean, then you won’t need a strong cleaner. UE Autotech Multipurpose Foaming Cleaner Spray & Wipe Interior Detailer is a convenient way to quick-clean and protects hard surfaces in your car. For stubborn grime or stains, use the same product.

Pro Tip: Wipe with UE microfiber cloth, then use the cloth to clean the surface. This prevents overspray and drips.