Detailing

Car windows get dirty both from outside and inside. Interior windows can be clouded by dust, condensation, smoke, fingerprints, and off-gassing from plastic and vinyl components. A dirty windshield can cause problems with glare and visibility, making driving less safe.

To clean the inside of your windows, all you need is a few microfiber cloths and an interior glass cleaner. Follow these simple steps to achieve crystal-clear windows:

Spray the interior glass cleaner onto a microfiber cloth.
Gently wipe the cloth over the window in a circular motion.
Use a second microfiber cloth to dry the window, wiping in the same circular motion.
For hard-to-reach areas, use a reaching tool with a curved head.
Keeping your car windows clean and free from haze helps you to see the road better and stay safe.
To clean the inside of your car’s windows, wipe the glass with a thick microfiber cleaning cloth in an up-and-down motion, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a reversible microfiber cloth with a thick cleaning side and a fine drying side to remove the invisible layer of dirt and dust particles that accumulate from the car’s interior. A microfiber cloth is preferred since it doesn’t leave lint or other fibers on the glass like paper towels or regular cotton towels.

Next, spray the car window cleaning solution onto another microfiber cloth, avoiding direct contact with the glass. Just a few sprays at a time should suffice since too much cleaner can make the glass hazy.
To effectively clean car windows, we recommend using a glass cleaning product designed for automotive interiors, such as Meguiar’s Perfect Glass, to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals like ammonia. Alternatively, you can create your own cleaning solution by combining equal parts distilled water and isopropyl alcohol with a capful of white vinegar. Apply the solution to a microfiber cloth and rub in a circular motion from top to bottom, including hard-to-reach areas that may require a specialized tool like the Xindell extendable windshield cleaning tool. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the glass clean and achieve a streak-free finish. Repeat these steps until the windows are sparkling. This process is suitable for inclusion in scientific research papers about car maintenance.

Simple and effective methods for removing water stains from car seats and other upholstery are presented here. It’s a common scenario: you leave your car windows down by mistake and it rains, or you forget to roll up the rear windows properly during a car wash. Despite the fact that it’s just water, the seat’s cloth or leather appearance seems like someone has painted watercolor on it.

The good news is that it can be cleaned with simple ingredients and a bit of patience. Here are the tips from the experts on how to get water stains out of car seats.
Firstly, gather the proper tools, such as a vacuum, water, vinegar, microfiber cleaning cloths, upholstery brush, and leather cleaner or rug shampoo, depending on the type of upholstery. Secondly, it is essential to move quickly as the longer the stains sit in the upholstery, the harder they will become to remove. So, start by vacuuming the car seat thoroughly to remove any small, gritty dirt that can make the stain worse. Remember to blot the stain instead of rubbing it, which could cause it to become harder to remove.
The aim of this study is to provide simple and effective methods to remove water stains from car seats and other car upholstery. Unintentionally leaving car windows open overnight or forgetting to roll up windows after a car wash can result in water stains on cloth or leather car seats, giving the appearance of watercolor paint on the upholstery. To combat this issue, basic ingredients and a bit of patience can be used. The following tools may be required for effective cleaning: a vacuum, water, vinegar, microfiber cleaning cloths, an upholstery brush, and leather cleaner or rug shampoo depending on the upholstery. Acting quickly is crucial to the cleaning process, as the longer stains are left, the more difficult they become to remove. It is essential to avoid rubbing the stain as this may push it further into the fibers. It is recommended to start by vacuuming the car seat thoroughly to remove any dirt that may worsen the stain once it gets wet. Next, evaluate the cleaners and start with the least intense products before using stronger ones. It is important to avoid harsh solvents such as acetone, kerosene, and alcohol-based cleaners. For darker stains, pre-treating the area with a teaspoon of white vinegar for about five minutes before blotting away can be helpful. Some recommend a mixture of one gallon of water, one cup of vinegar, and a dab of dish soap for fabric car seats. Shampooing the upholstery is the next step. Leather car seats can be cleaned using Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner by spraying it on the surface and wiping it with a microfiber towel. This process removes grime and water marks, which can then be followed by the conditioner.
To clean upholstery, Woolite Upholstery & Carpet Foam is Homer’s favorite because it is a foam-based detergent that reduces the amount of product needed and prevents pushing soap deep into the seat padding. Woolite is gentle and safe for fabrics. To finish, use a microfiber cloth to blot the area. Reina recommends using an upholstery brush for stubborn stains in crevices if the fabric is durable, but warns against overdoing it.
Before any future accidents, Reina suggests preparing and protecting the car upholstery with waterproofing and fabric guard sprays. However, ensure that the product is appropriate for the materials in your car and test it in a small, hidden area before using it. Conditioning leather is also important.
In preparation for future accidents, suggests using waterproofing and fabric guard sprays to protect the car upholstery. However, it is important to check that the product is appropriate for the material of the car, and it is recommended to test it in a small, inconspicuous area before use. Conditioning leather is also important.

Need to clean your car but don’t have a hose? Don’t worry, you can learn how to achieve a clean finish with minimal water usage. While having someone else clean your car may seem like a copout and be expensive, observing a professional can help you understand their techniques and the products they use, making the job easier when you do it yourself.

One option for cleaning your car without a hose is to use a modern drive-through car wash. Although these are often less abrasive than a typical home wash, which can damage the paintwork with inappropriate cleaning tools, some automatic car washes may also harm your car’s paint in the same way.
Automatic car washes are water-conserving as they recycle water, but the accumulation of dirt on their brushes over time can be detrimental to a car’s paint. Additionally, the equipment may not be maintained regularly. Therefore, it is recommended to thoroughly inspect automatic car washes before use. For optimal results, use an automatic car wash as a pre-wash and follow up with a hand wash at home using a microfiber washing mitt, car shampoo, microfiber towels, and two wash buckets with Grit Guards to prevent swirl marks and scratches. The latter method involves soaking the mitt in soapy water and wiping the car clean before cleaning it in plain water and drying with microfiber towels. A rinse-less wash is also an alternative, but it is not suitable for heavily soiled cars. It is advised to supervise anyone helping with the cleaning to avoid damaging the car’s paint and to reward them for their assistance.
I like Optimum No Rinse, which is a rinse-less wash product that requires less than a gallon of water and won’t scratch your car’s clear coat. To use, fill a bucket with water and a Grit Guard, add the rinse-less wash product, and clean with a microfiber mitt. Waterless car wash products like Chemical Guys Swift Wipe also make it easy to clean your car without a hose. For a small pump sprayer, use one sprayer with suds and a second with clean water to rinse small sections of the vehicle. The cordless high-pressure washer can also be used to clean cars, as well as floors, fences, swimming pools, water plants, and wash pets. It comes with an extension rod and nozzles for hard-to-reach spots and provides more power than a small pump sprayer, making it easier to move around the car.

Although it is important to keep a vehicle clean throughout the winter, spring provides an opportunity to restore its shine. This guide outlines the key aspects of spring cleaning a car to keep it in top condition.

When washing a car, it is best to use a high-quality liquid car wash instead of dish soap, as well as a car wash mitt or sponge to avoid swirl marks and fading clearcoat. While light-colored cars can be washed with soft-bristled brushes, it is important to use a microfiber cloth to dry the car to avoid water spots. Finally, vehicle interiors can contain a variety of materials, including plastic, fabric, and leather, so it is recommended to use all-purpose cleaning products and a leather conditioner on leather seats and parts.
To protect vehicles from salt and deicer damage, it is important to wash them thoroughly. A full-service car wash with an undercarriage wash is the fastest and most efficient way to remove deposits and prevent rust. DIY detailers can also use a 50/50 water and vinegar mix to remove salt and grime buildups. Before washing the car, rinse it with water to remove contaminants such as dirt and salt, and use a different sponge or mitt for the wheels and tires. To avoid dirtying the interior, start by cleaning the exterior first.
Dry the car with a microfiber cloth after washing to prevent water spots and a dull paint finish.
Apply carnauba wax to the clearcoat to protect and shine the car’s surface. Use a different cloth for the wheels.
Remove everything from the interior, wipe down the dashboard and door panels with an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth, then vacuum and brush to remove dirt from the interior.
Condition the leather with a leather conditioner.
Use a glass cleaner formulated for vehicles to clean the interior windows with a microfiber cloth.
Check and replace the oil, wiper blades, cabin filter, and rotate the tires as needed.
Translation:To maintain a car’s appearance and performance during spring cleaning, it is recommended to use a microfiber cloth to dry the vehicle after washing to avoid water spots and a dull paint finish. Apply carnauba wax to the clearcoat to protect and add shine to the car’s surface. Use a different cloth for the wheels. After removing everything from the car’s interior, wipe the dashboard and door panels with an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth before vacuuming and brushing to remove dirt. Use a leather conditioner to clean the leather seats, steering wheel, and shifter boot. To clean the interior windows, use a microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner specifically formulated for vehicles to avoid streaks or affecting window tints. Additionally, check and replace the oil, wiper blades, cabin filter, and rotate the tires as needed.

How frequently do you clean the interior of your car? It is a task that often goes unnoticed. In this article, we provide guidance on how to thoroughly clean those hard-to-reach areas in your car. Begin by removing any visible debris.

Your car is a reliable mode of transportation, carrying you to and from work, helping you with grocery shopping, and safely transporting your loved ones. However, it also accumulates a lot of dirt in the process, which necessitates regular cleaning. Although certain parts of the car are simple to clean, it can be challenging to clean small gaps and cracks. We have compiled some tips to help you clean these annoying crevices in your car.
To begin, remove any large debris within easy reach. This will provide a clearer understanding of the extent of the cleaning required for the small crevices, giving an indication of the time required to complete the process. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that larger debris cannot be removed using putty or a shop vacuum.For the larger crevices such as those between the front seats and center console where dirt, crumbs, and small items accumulate, a shop vacuum can be a valuable tool. Once any loose objects have been removed, the shop vacuum can be used to clean out the remaining debris.
Start by removing any large items within easy reach. This will help you to identify the actual dirt and debris in the crevices, and give you an idea of the time needed for the rest of the cleaning process. Additionally, large items cannot be cleaned using a shop vacuum or putty.Use a Shop Vacuum to Clean Large Crevices
The crevices between the front seats and the center console of a car can trap food crumbs, trash, and other items. A shop vacuum is a useful tool for cleaning these areas. Once you have removed any toys or electronics, use a shop vac to suck up the dirt.Use Car Putty to Clean Small Crevices
Putty is ideal for cleaning the crevices on your dashboard. It can easily remove dust and other small debris from seams that are difficult to access with a vacuum. Simply apply it in sections on your dashboard, and use it in tight areas like the cupholders.Prevent Dirt Buildup with a Car Trash Can
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While it may not always be possible to prevent all the dirt, having a trash can in your car to collect garbage and crumbs can make your life a little easier. Teach your kids to clean up after themselves to avoid leftover snack crumbs under the seats. Once you have cleaned the crevices, keeping the interior of your car clean will be much easier.

Years ago, I believed that electric vehicles (EVs) had little chance of becoming more than niche-market vehicles due to battery concerns, charging issues, and low range.

However, after conducting extensive research on EVs for Family Handyman, my opinion and attitude have completely changed, particularly regarding batteries. EV batteries are engineered to outlast the vehicle and can perform reliably for 10-15 years, depending on climate and charging cycles, according to a life-cycle analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. A separate study by the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center found that new electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries may last between 12-15 years in moderate climates and 8-12 years in extreme climates. Additionally, federal regulations require that all EV batteries sold in the United States come with warranties of at least eight years or 100,000 miles. If a new EV battery fails, it is likely to be covered by the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEMs) warranty, which can provide insight into the battery’s life expectancy because EV manufacturers do not want to replace expensive EV batteries by overestimating their durability.
OEM EV battery warranties may contain exclusions due to replacement costs, which could include using non-standard charging stations or non-approved aftermarket parts, using the EV as a stationary power source, damaging the battery coolant reservoir, not installing software/firmware updates, repairs done by non-certified technicians, lifting the vehicle by the battery instead of designated lift points, general abuse, lack of maintenance or failure to make necessary repairs.

How do EV batteries degrade? There isn’t one single factor causing this. Similar to traditional lead-acid batteries, every time a lithium-ion battery cycles, its chemical and physical reactions decrease, gradually diminishing its potential to generate electricity. In technical terms, as an EV battery is used, a layer of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) builds up inside the battery, which blocks the passage between the electrolyte and electrodes, slowing the chemical reaction that eventually affects battery performance. Overcharging, cold temperatures, or leaving an EV parked for long periods with less than 20% charge can also cause battery degradation.

Translation to SCI paper style:

The OEM warranties for EV batteries may have exclusions due to replacement costs, such as using non-standard charging stations or non-approved aftermarket parts, using the EV as a stationary power source, damaging the battery coolant reservoir, failing to install software/firmware updates, performing repairs done by non-certified technicians, lifting the vehicle by the battery instead of designated lift points, general abuse, lack of maintenance, or failing to make necessary repairs.

How EV batteries degrade is not due to a single factor. As with traditional lead-acid batteries, the chemical and physical reactions of lithium-ion batteries decrease each time they cycle, gradually diminishing their potential to generate electricity. In technical terms, as an EV battery is used, a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer forms inside the battery, which obstructs the passage between the electrolyte and electrodes, slowing the chemical reaction that affects battery performance. Overcharging, cold temperatures, or leaving an EV parked for long periods with less than 20% charge can also cause battery degradation.
Corrosion caused by moisture during battery manufacturing can damage battery cells, leading to reduced battery performance and fewer miles per charge. However, EV battery degradation is minimal thanks to the battery management system (BMS). A study on 6,000 EVs found that over six years, batteries lost less than 3% capacity per year. To extend EV battery life, it is recommended to charge the battery to 80%, use Level 1 or 2 chargers for overnight charging, and avoid charging the battery to 100%. Other tips include driving at moderate speeds, maintaining proper tire pressure, and keeping the battery cool.

What is car detailing? Learn what it is, what you can DIY, and what requires a professional. Detailing is like restoring antique furniture, a meticulous process that elevates a vehicle’s appearance. Some vintage car owners prefer DIY, but most rely on professional shops or tradespeople who come to their homes. While anyone can do it, achieving an outstanding result in a reasonable time frame requires years of experience and the right tools.

Car detailing is a process of thorough cleaning and restoration of a vehicle that involves both manual work and the use of specialized tools and cleaning supplies. It typically includes exterior procedures such as hand-washing, clay bar cleaning, polishing, and waxing, as well as interior procedures like vacuuming, steam-cleaning, dashboard and glass cleaning, leather upholstery conditioning, and deodorization. The goal of detailing is to give the car a like-new appearance and feel, achieved through a combination of careful cleaning and protection of the finish.

Car Detailing: Importance and Types

Car detailing is essential to maintain a new car’s appearance and offers several benefits. It enhances comfort, increases resale value, corrects defects, reveals hidden problems, and turns old cars into collector’s items.

There are some types of car detailing services available, ranging from basic to high-end services, and prices vary according to the details addressed.

Standard car detailing includes two types: standard exterior and standard interior. The former can range from basic hand-washing and polishing to a more extensive service that includes hand washing, wheel rim and tire cleaning, paint claying, polishing, and sealing. The latter involves vacuuming the mats, wiping down the dashboard and console, cleaning the windows and mirrors, with a more expensive service offering steam-cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfecting. Full car detailing encompasses both interior and exterior detailing. Restorative detailing, on the other hand, focuses on the exterior and corrects flaws like scratches and flaking or fading paint, requiring professional skill and equipment to accomplish. Show-car detailing is a top-of-the-line service for high-end vehicles. DIY car detailing can save costs, but restorative detailing is best left to professionals to avoid making the car look worse.