D.I.Y. Tips and Tricks

Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, and the way you wash it matters more than you think. Imagine this: The microfiber rag in your hand, throw it on the driveway at your home when it is saturated with water, then pick it up and inspect it, then start using that microfiber to wash your vehicle.  This is identical to what an automatic car wash will do.  Potentially hundreds of vehicles use the service prior to your vehicle.  All of the dirt, grime, sand, salt will then be transferred from previous vehicles to be manually brushed against your vehicle.  This leads to swirling, and over time could damage the paint enough to need replacement if the clear coat is damaged enough.  

The Hidden Hazards of Automatic Car Washes
• Micro-scratches & swirl marks – Brushes collect dirt from hundreds of vehicles every day, dragging that debris across your paint.
• Damaged trim & emblems – Aggressive brushes can wear down plastic trim, loosen badges, and dull exterior finishes.
• Poor cleaning quality – Dirt is often spread around instead of safely removed, leaving behind contaminants.
• Wax & coating degradation – Harsh chemicals can strip away waxes and reduce the lifespan of ceramic coatings.
• Missed areas – Wheels, wheel wells, grilles, and tight body lines are often left dirty.

The Preferred Method: A Professional Hand Wash

A proper hand wash uses safe techniques designed to protect your paint while delivering a deeper clean.  This can be either a touch-less wash with pH neutral soap without any fancy chemical additives for automatic washes. A two-bucket method at home, or a contact wash of your choice at home if not choosing a detailer.  Ensure high quality high Grams Per Square Meter microfiber towels are used to protect from scratches.

https://www.apformulators.com/blog/car-wash-safety-regulations-best-practices-and-considerations

Baby Powder

Sand has a way of hiding deep in your carpets and floor mats. Before vacuuming, lightly sprinkle baby powder over the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The powder helps absorb moisture and reduces static, making it easier for sand to release from carpet fibers. Brush the carpet with a stiff interior brush, then vacuum thoroughly. You can also use it on your skin prior to getting into your vehicle which will prevent bringing the beach home with you.

Best for:

• Beach trips
• Children’s car seats
• Floor mats and carpet

https://lifetips.alibaba.com/laundry-secrets/bring-baby-powder-to-the-beach-to-easily-remove-sand

White Vinegar for Water Spots & Light Interior Stains

A mixture of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water can help remove light water spots from glass and minor stains on hard interior surfaces. Spray the solution onto a microfiber towel instead of directly onto the surface, wipe gently, then dry with a clean towel.

Avoid using vinegar on:

• Leather seats
• Natural stone surfaces
• Touchscreen displays
• Freshly applied ceramic coatings unless approved by the coating manufacturer

https://www.thespruce.com/remove-stubborn-stains-with-vinegar-11760909

 A Hair Dryer or heat gun will help remove stickers

• Low heat can soften adhesive on stickers and decals.
• Keep it moving and don’t overheat paint, plastic, or trim.

Imagine sweat or water on a bandaid adhesive on your skin. It immediately loses its effectiveness where it is connected.

https://www.stickeryou.com/blog/post/how-to-remove-car-decals-a-step-by-step-guide

 Place ice against gum stuck to carpet or upholstery to harden it. Once hardened, carefully lift/scrape it away.   By hardening the gum it prevents spreading and allows for an easier pick up and removal.

https://www.carparts.com/blog/how-to-get-gum-off-your-car-8-simple-ways/

Pet hair can be extremely pesky, depending on the type of dog hair and the type of interior material your vehicle has.  One of the best ways to remove pet hair if you are trying to do it yourself is by using fabric softener.  Find a non-scented, excessive chemical free.  Mixing 1 parts fabric softener and 4-5 parts depending on bottle size of water.  The fabric softener acts to remove static from material to allow the pet hair to be easily removed.  Allow the diluted mix to sit on the surfaces for a little before attempting to vacuum so the fabric softener has time to work.

https://www.zerorez.com/spokane/blog/how-to-get-dog-hair-out-of-car-carpet

Hydrogen peroxide can be effective on fresh blood stains found on cloth upholstery or carpet, and also clothing (for all the Healthcare workers out there or for any reason blood may be on clothing)

1. Blot as much of the stain as possible—don’t rub.
2. Test hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area first to check for color changes.
3. Apply a small amount directly to the stain.
4. Allow it to bubble for a minute or two.
5. Blot with a clean microfiber towel.
6. Repeat if needed, then rinse lightly with water and blot dry.
7. This also works on clothing if you need to remove staining. Pour one capful of hydrogen peroxide into your washing machine and run on cold/hot or cold/cold

Do not use on:

• Leather
• Suede
• Alcantara
• Delicate fabrics without spot testing first

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-blood-stains/

Water spots are caused by hard water, irrigation, rain or any non purified water coming into contact with your vehicle and being allowed to evaporate on the service.  When this occurs the remaining mineral deposits (calcium/magnesium etc) are left on the surface and being to etch into the vehicle.  Using a 50/50 blend of white vinegar and water can help break down the deposits that begin to etch into the paint/glass.  For more extensive water spots that aren't removed with this tactic, it would require chemical/machine polish to remove them safely.

https://autogeekonline.net/threads/using-vinegar-to-remove-water-spots.50847/