Top Twenty Car Cleaning Tips by Autovaletdirect.co.uk

1. EXTERIOR: Always use water never rub cloths or sponges over dry dirty bodywork it will scratch.
2. Don't clean the car on a hot sunny day - Never wash in direct sunlight - wait for the evening otherwise you will have smears all over body work as the water dries.
3. Rinse car off with a high pressure hose for best results, but a hosepipe with a strong jet will help. Once you have removed the loose grit and the car is wet the rest of the dirt will start to loosen as the water gets into it.
4. Use a good-quality car shampoo (like Diamondbrite JewellUltra) in a bucket of warm water (never use under sink products such as washing up liquid as they will damage the paintwork).
5. Soap the vehicle working from the roof down, cleaning less obvious parts as well (which helps to give that "well cared for" appearance) making the sills and bumpers the last thing you touch overall - these are generally the dirtiest and most gritty areas.
6. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly starting on the roof and bonnet and working your way down until all traces of soap have disappeared.
7. If you are fortunate to of had Diamondbrite JewellUltra applied to your vehicle, at this point you should add two capfuls of conserver to a fresh bucket of water and with a clean sponge wash over the bodywork and then rinse again with clean water.
8. With a clean leather (we recommend synthetic ones as they are easier to maintain and keep clean) dry the vehicle starting at the roof and bonnet and working your way down.
9. When cleaning any areas to the exterior and glass, use a micro fibre cloth to dust and buff.
10. WHEELS: Brake dust is hard to remove and you'll usually requires a chemical brake dust and alloy wheel cleaner. These usually need brushing on leaving for a while, then rinsing off.
11. INTERIOR: Pick up any rubbish and place in the dustbin (to avoid blocking your vacuum cleaner).
12. Remove any removable mats and vacuum them first, then move on to the rest of the interior with the vacuum cleaner.
13. Wipe down the dashboard, console and all other plastics with a damp (not wet) cloth (a synthetic leather is ideal).
14. Light Carpet & upholstery stains can be easily removed with aerosol foam cleaner like Diamondbrite JewellUltra
15. Leather upholstery can be cleaned using a quality cleaner, but we would strongly advise a professional to undertake the cleaning of heavily soiled leather.
16. Anti fog the interior of your windows, to help reduce steaming up in damp weather.
17. A deodoriser can help mask smells, but a good shampoo of upholstery can be a worthwhile investment
18. Keeping your car clean and polished avoids paintwork deterioration and actually helps maintain the value of your vehicle.
19. By scheduling a series of car valets with Autovaletdirect you can sometimes qualify for a beter deal on the list prices
20. The Diamondbrite Jewellultra paintwork protection product is guarenteed 6 years and makes cleaning your car much easier, as the dirt is prevented from building up in the paintwork (see the video clip online).