Do It Yourself Expert Detailing

Have you ever pulled up next to what you thought was some old clunker to realize it was a new high-end European sedan that had never seen a car wash? For those of us who love our cars, keep them clean is a labor of love. But even if you aren't an aficionado, keeping your car looking like new provides for instant face value.

Get your 10-year old car looking like it drove off the lot. With the right tools and a little elbow grease, you can get your car looking like new in a weekend, at a fraction of the cost.

• Clean out the trash and the ashtray. Kids stuff it full of gum? Put it in the freezer for a couple of hours and you can pop out the goo with a knife easily.
• Wash and wax the exterior. The new wax products go on and come off easily. While your clear coat does not require a waxing, it will still protect the finish for several months. You can even purchase a colored wax that will fill in minor scratches.
• Vacuum the interior fully. Stains on the carpet and headliner can be removed with a specialty cleaner like Spot Shot. The same machine you use to steam your home carpets can be used for your floor mats, carpets and seats (if cloth). Use an anti-allergen shampoo and a fresh clean scent will be a bonus. You can also spray a cloth fabric freshener (found in the laundry aisle) on the cloth elements.
• Clean and condition the leather, if you have it. Maguire's makes a leather wipe that works great. Don't forget the steering wheel and shift boot.
• Wash the windows inside and out. Any commercial product or water with vinegar will work fine.
• Cotton swabs dipped in a little rubbing alcohol will remove dust and grime from your heating vents and around the crevices on your dash like the tachometer and other gauges.
• Remove oxidation and treat your rubber with products designed specifically for the detailer. Mother's Back to Black is one of our favorites, but there are many to choose from.
• Keep headlights looking and working beautifully with new products that remove scratches and yellowing. They are available online or at your car parts store. With these liquids and a soft cloth, you can remove years of abuse quickly and easily.
• Don't forget the trunk! Cleaning the carpets here will keep the whole car smelling better (this is usually where the milk spills in my car). Use a milk crate or old duffel bag to keep your trunk essentials tidy and in the right place.
• Lastly, get touch up paint from your dealer. This is a product to use sparingly. Just a dab will cover those chips from flying debris on your hood and bumper, keeping the eye focused on the beauty of the car and not its flaws!

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