Are you new to car detailing? Cars are expensive, so owners are keeping them longer and trying to maintain that “like new” appearance. Do-it- yourself car detailing is not only possible but really not that difficult given the correct tools, products, and know-how.

Through a series of concerted efforts to clean, restore, and apply finish to your car you can ensure your vehicle is looking as excellent and attractive as the first time you wheeled it off the dealer's shop.

Car detailing is an essential aspect of ongoing maintenance. It removes any dirt accumulating in your vehicle saving you from costly repairs. It also improves the appearance of your car. 

You don’t need to be an expert to clean and restore your car finish. With the right detailing products from companies like Shinerz, Detailing.com, Autogeek, or Detail King you can do detail your vehicle like a pro. You’ll only need a basic understanding of these supplies and how to use them.

1.      Sponges and Towels

The two are essential tools to start your detailing chores. Use them to clean the inside and exterior of your car. While using sponges to clean the exterior is debatable, its porous nature makes it ideal for working on your car’s surface. New microfiber sponges offer a good alternative to using only a sponge or only a towel. They combine the absorbency of a sponge with a  no-scratch surface to surface.

The only challenge with regular sponges is the light scratches and small marks it leaves on the surface.  Don’t use them on the painted surface. They are great in areas that don't get scratched easily and need a little courser surface for cleaning.

Use microfiber towels and sponges to clean the delicate parts of your vehicle. Such sheets will offer value to all-round cleaning of your car. You can use a dry or damp microfiber for cleaning windows and mirrors and shining stainless steel.

Leather Cloth - Chamois

A professional detailer uses chamois in their work for various reasons. First, the chamois washing material is made from natural materials allowing for optimum absorbency. It’s capable of drying any surface fast and they are smooth.

Like sponges, some car owners don’t love the swirl marks that chamois leave. But this is only evident on synthetic, not natural leather chamois.

Using a leather cloth helps maintain your car’s integrity. The natural leather is made of softer and smoother material that absorbs water whenever it gets wet. As such, it doesn’t leave any scratch marks on your vehicle. However, they’re expensive and may lose their cleaning advantages over time.

2.      Professional Cleaning Products

Choosing the best car detailing products isn’t easy. First, there are so many cleaning products on the market. We asked several professional detailers what they preferred to us and there was little consensus. They all seemed to have a favorite for different applications.

You want the right cleaning product to handle every nook and cranny in your vehicle. It may include car wash equipment, detergents, car polish, shampoo, car wax, and sealants.

Exercise caution when selecting your cleaning solution. You can do this by checking its ingredients. You want a solution that’s tough on the dirt but gentle on your car surface.

Remember, car detailing is all about removing surface contaminants in your vehicle. It should clean the surface while giving a layer of protection to your car.

Remember to select something that restores or retains the beauty of your car. Check reviews and make sure the product was designed for use in car detailing.

Conclusion

Car detailing plays a vital role in car maintenance. It helps remove the dirt and debris while protecting the surface of your vehicle. There are many products available on the market that make this a good DIY project if you have the time. If you don’t have the time to dedicate there are many professional detailing companies in most cities.