Car detailing is a delicate activity which maintains the vehicle’s ideal state, most especially aesthetic, rather than mechanical, as against mechanical grease and wax. This is done by eliminating both dust and visible contaminants from the inside of the vehicle, and subsequent polishing the surface to its originally lustrous shine. Vehicle detailing professionals use high grade abrasives and cleaners, along with specialized equipment for the purpose. For example, a deep cleaned car would have been previously parked outdoors on an exposed highway, and its exterior detailing would be limited to washing with ultra violet light, salt spray, or an alkaline cleaning solution.
As vehicle detailing prices have risen over the years, professional car detailers have turned to more economical car detailing techniques. For example, detailing with salt, bleach and an alkaline solution has become much less costly. Additionally, car owners are urged to clean their vehicles on a regular basis, rather than wait until an “off” day, to get the car cleaned.
Stains are one of the biggest problems in vehicle detailing. As cars age, they encounter various environmental stresses such as corrosive salts, moisture, salt spray, dirt, dust, grime, and various other chemicals. As these factors build up over time, the car’s exterior begins to acquire unsightly blotches and scratches. Professional car cleaning specialists use various methods and solutions to remove these stains, and bring the car to the best possible paint and interior car cleaning condition.
When detailing cars, it is important to pay particular attention to the interior of the vehicle. The interior is often much more fragile than the exterior, as it is usually made of much more porous materials and leather. For this reason, car detailing professionals utilize a variety of chemical solutions for cleaning and conditioning of the interior. They will typically start by applying a gentle cleaner or conditioner to the interior surface, such as vinyl seats. In the case of leather surfaces, professionals will use special leather conditioners and cleaners to maintain the vibrant condition of the material.
Car detailers also commonly detail the engine and underside of the vehicle. Here, a thorough washing and degreasing process will be used to remove any oil, grease, dirt, and stains. After this has been accomplished, the vehicle is then covered with an exterior cleaning solution, such as detailing clay. The purpose of this product is to seal the surface, preventing dirt and liquids from penetrating the pores of the finish and destroying the finish. Once the outside coating has dried, the vehicle is then ready to be detailed.
For exterior detailing, it is important to remember that no matter what cleaning method is used, there will always be a certain amount of dirt and debris that can be removed. However, it is important for professionals to ensure that the overall finish is maintained. One of the simplest methods for maintaining the cleanliness and shine of the finish after washing is using detailing clay. Claying is a simple process that involves spraying the clay on the exterior surface, allowing it to dry for several hours, then wiping it off with a cloth. As previously mentioned, car wash and detailing professionals should never use abrasive substances when cleaning and maintaining a vehicle’s finish, as it can destroy the finish. By utilizing detailing clay, they can simply gently scrub away dirt and grime while leaving the shine and vibrancy intact.