Taking your car to the local car wash can do an OK job of getting your car clean, but sometimes OK is just not enough. Taking it to a professional for detailing work may seem like the hassle-free option, but you can get the task done just the way you like it if you have the right tools and some technical know-how. DIY detailing job can be just as successful as a professional one in the end. Checkout these DIY car cleaning hacks that you can do without the help of professional cleaners.
1. Clean Your Air Vents with a Makeup Brush
Women can do their own car detailing work and they have the perfect tool to get the job done. A makeup brush is the perfect tool to take to those dusty air vents. A large, fluffy makeup brush, old or new, can remove dust from the vents with little effort. You want to ensure that the makeup brush is free of any makeup product before you begin cleaning. Give it a good wash to start off.
2. Squeegee Your Stubborn Pet Hair
Vacuuming doesn’t always do the trick when you are trying to remove pet hair from your car seats, for example. Since it’s not an option to leave your pet behind, you have to be willing to deal with the mess that it may make. It’s their nature. However, you can rest easy knowing that you can apply your squeegee hack when detailing your car. It a useful solution to your pet hair problem. Simply fill a spray bottle with plain water, mist the area of the seat/upholstery where the pet hair is located, then run the squeegee over the hair-infested spot. The squeegee will pull up all the pet hair easily and leave your seat looking hair-free. Be sure not to oversaturate the upholstery with the water.
3. Olive Oil is Awesome for Dashboard Car Detailing
Your dashboard is one of those surfaces that can attract dust, but you can get the sheen back in your dashboard without much hassle. Olive oil is a simple remedy that you can use in cleaning. The best way to go about cleaning your dashboard is applying a small drop of olive oil to a lint-free piece of coffee filter or cloth and gently wipe the surface. Avoid dropping any olive oil on your upholstery.
4. Get Rid of Bugs With Dryer Sheets
Bugs often find their way into your car, one way or another. They are unsightly and can end up in spaces that you’d rather not see them. They don’t always stay whole either, and when they break apart, it can become more difficult to get rid of all the parts when cleaning. You may want to hold onto your dryer sheets because they can help immensely. Dryer sheets possess antistatic properties that will help lift bug guts and other bits and pieces from your car. All you have to do is wet the dryer sheet, then rub the sheet over your car, removing the disgusting bugs. You can proceed to washing your car and not worry about bugs ‘sticking’ around.
5. Deep Clean Your Upholstery with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Car seats can trap dirt and get unpleasant stains, but those don’t have to stick around. No DIY car cleaning is complete without thoroughly cleaning your upholstery. A deep clean can involve the use of common household products such as baking soda and vinegar. Create vinegar mixture using ¼ cup baking soda and 1 cup water. This you will spray onto the stained surface and let sit for roughly ½ hr, before blotting. Follow up with the vinegar mixture that is made combining ¼ cup vinegar, a small of detergent, ½ gallon of warm water. Spray this mixture onto the upholstery and gently scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. Use a dry towel to eliminate the moisture.
Why Car Detailing is Necessary and Useful
Car detailing is a necessary and useful practice when it comes to car care. It helps to maintain your car market value if you are thinking about trading it in. If your car is in good condition it can impact sale price. It further helps to extend your car’s longevity, since proper maintenance can slow down the wear and tear. Improving safety is also a benefit of cleaning your car, since dust, for example can reduce headlight visibility. You are not only delivering a personalized service to your own car, but also creating added protection.
You can do your own detailing on your car. It doesn’t have to be a hassle either. With the right tools, you can work your magic. These are only a few of the DIY hacks that you can apply.