Cleaning Checklist - Your Must Clean Places

There is nothing like driving around in a freshly cleaned car, the interior is clean, it smells awesome and the paint work is sparkling in the 5 seconds of sun that came out. Staying on top of the car cleaning is yet another job on your to do list but one when it's done we promise is worth it!

So, we have the top cleaning jobs to make your car sparkle and make your journey that little bit better!

Exterior Cleaning

Paintwork

Your cars paintwork can sometimes take a beating, summer brings bugs, winter brings snow/ice/rain and the salt from road gritting and all year round brings loose road chippings sent by the road gremlins to chip your paintwork and leaving it exposed to the elements. Use a good quality car shampoo to help loosen dirt, grime and road residue. Make sure to cover all the areas of the car’s exterior, roof, doors, windows, boot etc. Using a microfibre mitt over a sponge makes it easier on not only you but it’s also gentler on your car’s exterior than a sponge.

Don't be tempted to reach under your kitchen sink and take out the dish soap, not only is it not up to the job but it can also strip away wax layers on your paintwork, stick with a trusted brand made for cars.

When you start build up the foam, lather up as much foam as possible, then change out the bucket for plain water and another mitt to rinse away the soap with all the grime and dirt.

Once clean use a big microfibre towel to dry it off and stop any water marks from lingering, keeping your car shining on the morning commute!

👉🏻If you have a buildup of muck or grit it’s a good idea to hose the car down first, loosen the buildup and reduce the risk of stone caught up in in from scratching your car. It also helps to minimise the spread of this over more of your car.

Windows

Once you have removed the build up with the body wash move on to a glass cleaner that will remove any further dirt on them and bring them back to a sparkling finish, don't forget the insides. Fingerprints and just general build up, especially on windscreens, can hamper your field of vision and make it harder to see out when the winter sun is low. Clean windows will demist quicker too. Just make sure it’s designed to leave your windows streak free!

Wheels

Brake dust, road grim, muck, leaves, the list goes on. You can buy a special bristle wand and special tools that will clean your wheels removing dirt caught in the wheel itself. Just like the paintwork build up the foam, remove from the wheel and wheel arches as much as you can, use a hose to loosen and remove the dirt and then clean away any left over. Clean your wheels thoroughly after. Shine those hubcaps with a soft microfibre towel and bring them back to a sparkling finish.

Lights

Make sure your headlights are clean and clear, not only for appearance but it's an import part of road safety, keeping your view illuminated but also helps stop you from dazzling other drivers. Headlights, taillights, fogs and indicators should be included in the main wash to remove dirt and then after cleaned with a soft cloth.

Mirrors

A simple mix of vinegar and water or a store-bought glass cleaner can remove and grime that has built up and hampers your view of the road. Don't forget your rear-view mirror inside.

Bumpers and Grilles

Modern grilles with intricate designs can make the ideal home for all types of dirt. Loosen any bugs, road residue etc and wash with the paintwork. Bring your grille back to it's showroom shine with a soft towel after.

Windscreen Wiper

We can sometimes forget about these. And when we do remember it’s often when it's lashing rain and you are stuck on the motorway smearing rain across your window. Replace them a few times a year but when you are washing your car, clean the blade with a cloth to take off any accumulation of dirt that has built up on them, this leaves them swiping the rain away cleanly when you use them.

*Don't forget to check for leaves under your windscreen, clear out what you see and then pop the bonnet to remove ones that have worked their way down there.

Interior Cleaning

Dashboard

There are lots of different products to clean your dash, some offer a gloss finish, other a matt finish. Pick the one that you are most happy with, some like the gloss effect while others aren't too keen on the reflection it leaves onto the windscreen.

Clear away any dust and dirt before applying and clean thoroughly with the dash cleaner. Make sure to clean out the grooves on any dials and buttons. 👉🏻A small dry paint brush can be a great way of cleaning dust and dirt out small areas and from your vents too.

Seats and Covers

Hoover away any crumbs, hair or dirt. For spills and stains use a solution designed for that area, carpet cleaner may be too harsh for the seat fabric and always, always spot test before you use all over. For bigger stains brush in the cleaner and leave to sit according to instructions before washing away. Some of the spot cleaners that you can buy in electronic stores can be great for really deep cleaning car seats, but be mindful, in winter your seats can be damp for a while so it’s ideal to do if it’s only you in the car for a day or two or when your car won't be used. But this will give a really deep clean to remove worn in dirt, dust and remove food stains etc.

Carpets

Your car mats, especially the drivers one can become dirty quickly. Remove stones, leaves and dirt by shaking it out, away from your car! Hoover the mats out of the car on a flat surface. Replace the drivers mat that is worn or has a hole, this can hamper your driving if your foot gets caught.

Hoover out the carpets inside the car and wash any stains. Spray with some fabric freshener to leave a nice clean smell and neutralise any odours.

Seat Belts

Dirt can get caught up in the buckle and belt but also in the clip. This can stop the belt from engaging properly. Clean out any dirt and wash the belt with a mild detergent to remove dirt and stains. It is also a good way for you to inspect the belt to make sure none of them are showing signs of wear and tear.

For middle seat belt clips hoover out the groove in the seat to remove any debris that might have found its way down there. This is always one place that if you have kids gets gummed up with bits of food or small toys!

Summary

Not only can a clean car be a joy to drive it can also boost your trade in value. It shows a well maintained vehicle and its also ready for the dealership to show to other customers. But it is a chore and one that can take ages and in Ireland we don't often get the weather to do this outside and stay dry. So if you really want to do it, whip out the buckets and towels but there is something to be said for every once in a while treating yourself to a valet. Search some options but like most recommendations, word of mouth is the best form of information. Ask family and friends or if you are in getting a service ask your local garage who they would recommend.

Happy cleaning! 🪣🧽🫧