Have you ever taken your car to a professional detailer and wondered at how they can make your car look and smell as if it were brand new? You are probably already aware that car detailing is hard work, but hard work is not the only reason why your car turned out so well. The secret lies in the using the right chemicals.
If handymen use the right tools for the right job, car detailers use the right chemicals for the right dirt. Not all of the dirt and stains you’ll find inside and outside a car are the same. It would be great if one type of cleaning solution would be able to get rid of any type of dirt, but even if it could, the chances of that chemical damaging the car’s interior or exterior would be pretty high.
Using The Right Chemical
There are basically three types of dirt and stains; organic, non-organic, and petroleum. Organic is the type of dirt that contains carbon. Food leftovers and body fluids are organic dirt. The best type of chemical to remove organic dirt and stains is an alkaline based chemical.
Non-organic stains are usually found on the exterior of a car and these do not contain carbon. Scale and lime deposits are good examples of non-organic dirt. Non-organic dirt and stains are best removed by using acids.
Petroleum based stains can only be removed with petroleum based cleaning solutions. Water does not mix with petroleum so water-based cleaning solutions will not do the trick. Examples of petroleum stains are engine oil, grease, road tar, and brake fluids.
When you detail your car, you’ll need every type of cleaning solution. The reason is it can sometimes be difficult to identify what type of dirt is clinging on to the surface. The idea is to clean the surface, but not damage it and you can damage the surface by using the wrong chemical.
If you are unsure of the type of stain, try using a type of cleaning solution on a very small area. If you can get the stain out without damaging the surface, this solution will do.
Many people think that household detergents will be enough to wash the exterior of the car. Actually, detergents are more than enough. In fact, detergents are so harsh that in time they will damage the paint job.
Exterior Washing
When you wash your car, make sure you use a car wash shampoo. This type of shampoo is specially formulated to be able to remove the dirt without damaging the paint. It is also formulated to make the car shine after you wash it.
There are many different car wash shampoo brands. Some are more expensive than others, but as long as it will remove the dirt without damaging the paint, the shampoo will be fine. However, a good car wash shampoo is not the end of the story. Unless you want to wash the car with your bare hands, you’ll need a wash mitt. These are better than sponges because dirt can get trapped in a sponge and scratch the paint.
Don’t Forget To Polish
Professional detailers not only wash and wax a car, they will also use some sort of paint polish. Waxing a car will make the car shine, but without using a paint polish, the swirl marks will also become visible. In order to remove the swirl marks, use a paint polish. However, you’ll need to know that paint polish removes a fine layer of the paint and this is why it can remove the swirl marks. Rubbing compounds will also remove swirl marks, but remember that these are very abrasive. If you use these regularly you’ll end up removing the paint.
When you’re done washing and polishing the paint, the last step is to wax it. Which car wax is the best? If you try going to three different professional detailers, you’ll probably get three different answers. Some detailers also prefer to use sealants instead of wax.
If you really want to find what will work the best for you, you’ll have to try and observe different brands of car wax and sealants. This could take a lot of time and money. The best way is to take the advice of one professional detailer and go with it. If a professional uses it, then you can’t go wrong.
Interior Care
When it comes to polishing the interior of a car, you will also need to use the right polish for the right material. If you have leather seats, then use a polish that is specially formulated for leather. To polish the dashboard, use a dashboard polisher. You may be thinking that as long as it shines, any polisher will do. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that you not only want a surface to shine, you will also want it to last. Using the wrong chemical on a surface will do damage in time.
Detailing a car is not only about cleaning it and making all the parts shine to perfection. Detailing a car also means taking care of the car. By using too harsh a chemical on the wrong surface you’ll be able to clean the surface or make it shine, but you will end up damaging the surface as well. You might not damage the surface on the first, second and third application, but you can be sure that the surface will not last as long as it should.
Always remember that chemicals will react to a certain type of material and if you use the wrong chemical, you will end up needing to replace the material. When it comes to cars, replacing materials can be very expensive.
When you detail a car, use the right chemical for the right job and you’ll not only make your car shine, but it will last as well. The right chemical will not only clean but protect the material as well. If you want a car you can be proud of and one that you can hand down to the next generation, make sure to take care of your car by using the right cleaning and polishing solution when you detail it.