Drivers are being told how to valet their cars without forking out for a professional cleaning service. The motoring experts have gathered ten hacks to give vehicles a premium clean from home.
Car valeting involves cleaning, polishing and waxing a vehicle to achieve an as-new appearance.
With motorists feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, many drivers ditch professional car washing.
A full valet from professionals can be expensive, but luckily, there are ways to give cars a showroom finish from home.
Easy-to-follow hacks include applying wax after the exterior is cleaned for extra gloss and shine and buffing car windows with a microfiber cloth to stop streaking.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com, said: “With fuel and insurance prices skyrocketing, the last thing motorists need is to fork out on an expensive cleaning when it can be done from home.
“Drivers will be surprised to know it is pretty straightforward to give their car a DIY valet themselves, and a professional valet isn’t necessary with a bit of time and effort.
“We have revealed ten hacks to clean, protect and shine vehicles, ensuring a premium look both inside and out.”
How to Valet a Car From Home Like a Professional, by StressFreeCarRental.com:
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Declutter
Start the cleaning process with a blank canvas by emptying the car, including removing rubbish and all the mats. Those who own a blower should use it to blow out loose dirt.
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Vacuum
Vacuum the entire interior, including compartments, the boot and seats. Pay particular attention to areas like the car footwells, which are more affected by dirt and mud and get into the crevices.
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Seats
For fabric seats, spray a carpet or upholstery cleaner to tackle stains, let it sit depending on instructions, then rinse with a cloth and blot dry. Leather seats can be cleaned with a leather cleaner or mild soap, which should be worked in using a microfiber cloth. Rinse until the cleaner is removed, then buff with another microfiber cloth.
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Windows
Use a glass cleaner to prevent streaks and a microfiber cloth to clean the inside and outside of the windows and windscreen. Followed by buffing with another microfiber cloth soaked in water.
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Dust and Polish
An all-purpose cleaner can be used on surfaces like the dashboard and centre console. Microfiber cloths will grab onto dirt and dust for a shinier finish.
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Carpets and Mats
Dilute a carpet or all-purpose cleaner with warm water and work in sections to gently scrub with a soft brush, removing excess dirt and moisture by blotting with a microfiber cloth.
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Clean Exterior Body
Mix warm water with car shampoo and work from top to bottom using a sponge. Pay attention to areas like the car hinges and number plates, rubbing shampoo foam with a soft brush before rinsing off.
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Wheels
Use hot, soapy water and a soft sponge, then use circular motions with a wheel brush to tackle stubborn dirt and hard-to-reach areas in the alloys.
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Apply Wax
Once the car has completely dried, apply the wax in small sections and thin layers onto the paintwork, working in circular motions.
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Buff
Wait 20 minutes after the wax application before buffing it dry with a microfibre cloth. The wax polish should have cleared the coat and illuminated the colour and shine of the car.
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