How To Clean Your Classic Car Before Putting It Into Storage

Are you about to put your vintage vehicle into storage for the winter months? Learn how to get it as clean as possible before storing it away.

A well-maintained classic car is an automotive enthusiast’s pride and joy. As a car lover, you’ve spent countless hours preserving and enjoying your vintage treasure. But proper cleaning is crucial when it’s time to say goodbye for an extended period and tuck your beloved classic car away in storage. Learn how to clean your classic car before putting it into storage to help preserve your vintage vehicle’s value.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Classic Car Before Storage

Before we get into the cleaning tips, it’s important to understand why cleaning a classic car before putting it into storage matters. After all, no one will see it and it will just collect dust anyway, right? In reality, not cleaning your vehicle before storing it is one of the most common vehicle storage mistakes classic car owners make. Cleaning before storing serves many purposes for your car, including:

• Preserving the paint job and preventing potential rust: Dust, dirt, and grime that are left untreated can cause the paint to chip and can eventually lead to rust.
• Protecting internal components: A clean vehicle reduces the chances of deterioration, as debris may cause corrosion or damage to essential components.
• Deterring pests: A dirty car can serve as a breeding ground for rodents and insects, making their home in your classic and causing significant damage.

Advice for Cleaning Your Classic Car

Consider the following tips for cleaning your classic vehicle, inside and out.

Exterior Cleaning

• Wash the vehicle: Use a high-quality car shampoo and a soft microfiber wash mitt to gently clean your classic car’s exterior. Rinse off the soap with a hose, ensuring you remove all the dirt and grime.
• Clean the wheels and undercarriage: Use a wheel cleaner and a suitable brush to scrub the wheels and tires thoroughly. Also, pay attention to the undercarriage and hard-to-reach areas that may have accumulated dirt or debris.
• Dry the car: Properly drying your car using a soft microfiber towel or chamois will prevent water spots that can contribute to corrosion.
• Apply a coat of wax: Ensure you protect your car’s paint job with high-quality automotive wax. This will provide extra protection against dirt, moisture, and potential UV ray exposure during storage.

Interior Cleaning

• Dust and vacuum: Using a vacuum cleaner and soft-bristle brush, clean the upholstery, carpets, dashboard, and console.
• Clean the leather and vinyl surfaces: Use appropriate cleansers and conditioners to clean and preserve leather and vinyl surfaces, such as seats, dashboards, and side panels.
• Address any mold or mildew issues: Properly cleaning and airing out your car before storage can prevent mold and mildew growth on your car’s interior.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Before storage, leave the windows slightly open or use a commercial air freshener to keep the interior smelling nice.

Knowing how to clean your classic car before putting it into storage is instrumental in ensuring it comes out of storage just as valuable as when it went in. By following these tips, you can ensure that your cherished vehicle remains in pristine condition while in storage and ready to hit the road again when the time comes.