Learn more about these living fossils from millions of years ago
Who doesn't love a nice-smelling, shinny, clean car? While many of us leave it to the pros to do their magic, we can certainly achieve the same results by simply applying a few tricks of the trade. Have you ever wondered how car detailers manage to achieve that clean glossy look, or why the carpets always look so much cleaner when they do it? Well, there are quite a few things you can do to up your car cleaning game.
Click through the following gallery and learn the best tips and tricks to clean your car like a pro.
If your car has been under direct sunlight and it's hot, let it cool off. Washing the car while it's hot will make water evaporate faster, leaving water marks.
These can be corrosive, and sometimes just washing them with soap won't cut it. You can remove these by applying WD-40 on the area, letting it sit for a minute, and then wiping it off.
If you're having trouble with your windshield wipers getting rid of dead bugs, then try Coca-Cola. Soak a rag with Coke and wash the windshield. Then rinse it with fresh water.
One filled with soapy water and another one for rinsing water. The latter should be refilled with clean water when it gets dirty.
Don't apply soapy water directly onto the car before giving it a nice rinse with just water. This will help remove any dust and dirt before you start washing your car.
No, dish soap is not appropriate. It's just too harsh for your car paint. Buy a proper one from an auto shop.
Sponges hold on to dirt particles that can scratch your car. Use a microfiber car wash mitt instead.
Traditionally used chamois is not as effective in cleaning up any particles left after rinsing.
You can avoid streaks by drying the windows in different directions. Do the exterior in one direction and the interior in another (e.g. horizontal in one and vertical in another).
Polishing won't necessarily remove any scratches. Do so using a scratch removal kit, before you polish your car.
Make sure you treat your plastic trims before you wax and polish your car. Wax can stain these plastics, so apply a restoring product first, if you can, and avoid touching them when polishing.
This is the secret to making your car really shine. It will give it that ultra glossy look.
Again, the microfiber towel is your friend. Use circular motions to wipe off the wax.
This is often mistaken for a high-speed buffer, but this is a different tool. Unlike the buffers, these run at lower speeds and oscillate as they rotate.
A great way to check for dirt or abrasion in your car paint after it has been cleaned and waxed is to simply do it with your hand inside a plastic bag.
You should always start by cleaning the top and then move to the bottom. The dash first, then the seats, until you finally get to the carpet.
Use a brush to remove dust and dirt from all the places that are hard to reach on your dash and console. The trick is to use a vacuum cleaner at the same time: you vacuum as you brush.
Just vacuuming a carpet is not enough to clean it. You should scrub it with a stiff brush first.
Here's a hack for you: use a balloon. Yes, just rub it to create static electricity. This will help lift away pet fur.
Okay, you might not have a balloon at hand. But you can achieve similar results with a latex glove.
These will leave a glossy film that will attract even more dust! Instead, apply a non-silicone matte finish protectant.
The best way to do this is by using compressed air. Just blow some into your vents to get rid of any dirt.
Sprinkle the area with a bit of baking soda and water, and clean it with an old toothbrush. This will work great for crumbs or even dried-on liquids.
These are sometimes overlooked when we clean our windows, but these can accumulate dirt and grease over time.
These come lubricated when new, so they won't get dry and stick to the doors. But the lubricant tends to be wiped away when we clean our cars. A fix is to apply silicone spray on a rag and wipe the seals.
Save window cleaning for last. Otherwise any other products you apply on your dash, for instance, might get it dirty.
The products that make tires shiny usually contain silicone, and you don't want to risk getting to the paint before waxing.
See also: All you need to know about alloy wheels
Tips and tricks to clean your car like a pro
Car detailing secrets you need to know
LIFESTYLE Cars
Who doesn't love a nice-smelling, shinny, clean car? While many of us leave it to the pros to do their magic, we can certainly achieve the same results by simply applying a few tricks of the trade. Have you ever wondered how car detailers manage to achieve that clean glossy look, or why the carpets always look so much cleaner when they do it? Well, there are quite a few things you can do to up your car cleaning game.
Click through the following gallery and learn the best tips and tricks to clean your car like a pro.