After winter your car can be a little worse for wear. I know I don’t clean my vehicle near as often as I should in the winter months…its just too cold outside! If you’re like me and spring is the time you overhaul your vehicle check out these tips from the pros!
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Start with the vehicle’s exterior:

• Wash your vehicle in a shaded area when the surface is cool. When the surface is hot the soap will dry too quickly and stain.
• Pre-soak to remove any bugs, bird droppings or stains.
• Use liquid soap and a wash mitt or sponge to scrub the vehicle down. Check that the wash mitt is clean and free of debris from previous use or you could scratch your paint.
• Dish soap is an option but use sparingly as it can shorten the life of your paint. Automotive soap is available and is the best choice.
• Be sure to use a separate mitt for rims and tires to eliminate the chance of dirt particles scratching your paint.
• Wash one section at a time and then rinse so the soap doesn’t have a chance to dry.  
• Washing from top to bottom is always a great idea so you don’t make extra work for yourself.
• Rinse your mitt or sponge before you put it back in your bucket of soapy water. You want to start your car wash with clean water and end with clean water.
• Rinse your vehicle thoroughly. Any soap that is left behind can leave soap residue on your clear car.
• Wipe down the exterior with a cloth to avoid water spots.

Then move on to the vehicle interior:

• As always with cleaner, test in a small, hidden area in case of any staining, etc.
• Don’t vacuum those hard to reach spots. Seems silly doesn’t it? Instead blow them out by connecting your vacuum hose to the vacuum outlet. Ideally toggle your power switch on and off to blow the debris just far enough out to be able to vacuum them.
• If you can believe it a paintbrush and a toothbrush are two of the best tools to use when cleaning the interior. They are great for those hard to reach spots, cracks and crevices. Vacuum as your brush to collect debris.
• Use a sturdy brush followed by a vacuum to remove debris from the carpet.
• When wiping down seatbelts only use diluted, mild laundry soap. Anything stronger can affect the integrity of the seat belt itself.
• Clean your windows inside and out with glass cleaner.
• Wiping down your dash panels, doors, etc. is as simple as a cloth dampened with water. All purpose cleaners can be used BUT be sure to dilute them first.
• Vinegar is a fantastic way to get rid of smells in your vehicle. Start with a 20:1 water to vinegar ratio.
• After cleaning your interior leave doors and windows open if possible to allow for full drying.
• As with the exterior start at the top and work your way to the bottom to avoid transfer of dirty particles to a clean area.

These tips make fully cleaning your car seem like a breeze don’t they? Do you have any tips you would add to this list?