We know some of you are all about DIY and are looking to gain a few tips for at-home car detailing this summer. Maintaining a pristine exterior and interior makes the driving experience better and can increase your vehicle’s longevity, keeping it looking and running well. So, whether you are a car enthusiast, a bit of a perfectionist about your ride, or just feeling nostalgic about washing your parents’ car, here is our best at-home detailing tips and a step-by-step process to maximize shine.
Strengthen Your Exterior Wash
Start by washing the exterior of your vehicle using two buckets, one with clean water and the other with your favorite car wash shampoo. If you are looking for added protection, you can use Grit Guard in each bucket; this will help eliminate the risk of transferring dirt back into the paint. Use a mitt to avoid scratching the vehicle paint. Start by dunking your mitt into the soapy car wash solution and lathering the vehicle. Then rinse the mitt thoroughly in clean water before dipping it back into the soap and repeating. If you’re planning to seal and wax your vehicle, this is when you can strip off old wax using Spray-On Pre-Wax Cleaner products.
After it’s thoroughly washed, it’s time to dry your ride. We recommend using a blower to avoid touching the paint and reducing the chances of scratches and swirls. If a blower is unavailable, dry the vehicle using two microfiber towels: one for the initial drying and the other to take care of anything left.
Upgrade Your Wash By Cleaning Your Engine Bay
Prep the engine bay
Living in Michigan, with all four seasons, unwanted contaminants can get caught in the engine hood. Start by popping the hood and removing any trapped debris, making sure to also check the grille or vent. You can use compressed air or a simple hand brush to remove it.
Next, prepare the engine for getting wet by covering all sensors, the distributor, spark plug openings, and electrical devices that may have the potential for water accumulation, causing a shortage. We recommend using plastic bags and securing them with tape or rubber bands for an at-home detail. No need to make it waterproof, just protected enough to keep most water from getting in.
Let’s Degrease the Engine Bay
Start your engine and let it warm up to loosen the current grease buildup on and in the engine compartment. The temperature should be at a level where you can hold your hand to the engine without saying, “Ouch.”
Once your engine is warmed up, you can apply an engine degreaser. We recommend staying away from harsh petroleum-based cleaners when cleaning the engine. While they quickly cut through grease and grime, they also deteriorate rubber and vinyl components. McKee’s 37 Engine Degreaser is an environmentally safe alternative to petroleum-based cleaners, along with citrus or water-based cleaners.
Start from the lower area when applying engine degreaser and work your way up. Be careful when applying since engine degreaser will remove the wax from your car’s painted surfaces. If you get degreaser overspray on the fenders, you’ll have to re-wax these areas.
Let it soak and wash it off
Let the degreaser sit for 3–5 minutes so it can break down grime, but make sure not to let it dry. For heavy grease, you can use a soft to medium-bristle brush to agitate the grease and help break up the grime before and during rinsing.
When you are ready to remove the degreaser, hose down the entire engine compartment and surrounding surfaces with water. After rinsing, allow the engine to sit for a few minutes to let the heat begin the drying process, and then use a towel to wipe down all accessible parts. After most of the water is gone, remove the plastic bags, start your engine, and let it run for a few minutes.
Use Clay After Washing
Take your wash to the next level by removing stubborn contaminants like road tar and tree sap with a clay bar after washing and drying your vehicle. Use a lubricant like Wonder Lube to moisten the vehicle’s surface and prevent scratches. Once the surface is lubricated, apply slight pressure and run the clay across the surface until smooth. Reapply lube and continue section by section, making sure to do windows, headlamps, tail lamps, and door jambs. After finishing, wipe and remove any remaining residue. For further cleaning, use post-clay spirits or wash your vehicle again.
Protect Your Work
Once you’ve finished washing and claying your vehicle, if you have an LED detailer’s lamp and an orbital buffer, you can inspect and polish the vehicle’s paint. This step is not a must-do, but a great addition if you’re a car enthusiast trying to achieve the showroom shine at home.
We recommend adding a protective coating to protect your hard work. You can layer on a traditional carnauba wax for a glossy finish, or go with a polymer paint sealant for longer-lasting protection. For any overachievers out there, you can do both! If you choose to do both, make sure to apply the sealant first, then a layer of carnauba on top after 12 hours of curing time. For weekend driving or show cars, carnauba alone works great, but for daily drivers, a sealant offers longer-lasting protection.
A Crystal Clean Shine
This list is just the start when it comes to detailing. A meticulous deep clean takes more than an afternoon, but trust us when we say the results are worth it. Whether you’re getting your ride ready for a car show or just want more than an average car wash, your car will look and run better after our step-by-step guide.
Not up for the DIY route? Crystal Clean has you covered. From full-service detailing to add-ons like paint correction and protective coatings, we’ll help your vehicle look its absolute best.
Your Trip Just Got Better
Going on a trip this summer? Well, we just made your trip that much better with convenient detailing. Your car is essential for work, getting the kids to practice, and making those trips to Lake Michigan. We get it, that’s why we created Fly ‘n’ Shine, where you can get your vehicle detailed without ever having to go without it.
Next time you travel, book a Fly ‘n’ Shine where we pick up your vehicle from short-term parking at Gerald R. Ford Airport and provide a complete detailing service while you are gone. Then, we park your cleaned vehicle back in short-term parking within 30 minutes of your flight’s arrival. Now you have no excuse! Make your trip better with a newly detailed vehicle.
