When it comes to cleaning, disinfecting, and protecting an automobile, washing and waxing is about equally bones as it gets, and the results can be just as underwhelming.

While skipping the quickie automobile wash, with its big-ass abrasive brushes, harsh pH shampoos, and questionable water sources is certainly a outset, cleaning your vehicle with the two-bucket DIY wash method will also only get you so far.

As DIY enthusiasts continue to search for new ways to make their vehicles wait as immaculate as possible, while reducing the risk of things similar mold formation, the art of "super cleaning" has come into the mainstream.

Merely what exactly is super cleaning, and does it really make that much of a difference over the old fashioned spray, scrub, and wipe approach?

Today, nosotros'll review some of the nearly popular automotive DIY deep cleaning techniques, evaluate how well they piece of work, and discuss whether or not this intense decontamination procedure is right for you.

1. Super Clean Your Car'southward Exterior

How to SUPER Clean Your Car (Best Clean Possible)

Time Spent: 1–2 hours
Savings: $150–300

Over the years, YouTube car detailing superstars and DIY zealotshave tested and reviewed every imaginable cleaning chemic and detailing tool on the market. Along the way, these "clean freaks" take dropped quite a flake of knowledge on the whole super clean phenomenon, in order to show what works, what to sentry out for, and how to not royally spiral-upward your vehicle.

When it comes super cleaning a car'south exterior, super cleaning can be both quite labor intensive and fourth dimension consuming, which may plough some people away. Super cleaning a vehicle's exterior likewise requires a hefty assortment of detailing chemicals and gear, so be forewarned that there will exist some up-front expenses that must be made prior to commencement the process. Yous'll also demand to have a place to store all of your detailing gear one time the job is washed, and so brand certain that yous have a spot set aside somewhere before hopping in head first.

That being said, the process of super cleaning a car's exterior encompasses the entire detailing gamut. Pre-washing, foam cannon shenanigans, clay media decontamination, polishing and paint correction, microfiber buffing, and fine detail finishing must all be completed if you want to super make clean the outside of an motorcar.

Nevertheless, all of that toil will brainstorm to pay off when you see your old paint job and faded black plastic trim brainstorm to go from muddied and tedious, to sleeky and bright. If the vehicle in question is routinely driven, we strongly suggest super cleaning the outside of twice a yr, once in the leap and again in the autumn. This will make bi-weekly washes much easier, while preventing summer contaminants (bug guts, tree sap, etc.) and wintertime nastiness (road common salt, slushy asphalt grime, etc.) from making a permanent home in your machine'south articulate coat.

Quick Tip: When super cleaning a vehicle, it's important to let the car shampoo sit for a bit, as this will allow it to loosen-upward any hardened road grime, tree sap, bird crap, and other forms of stubborn contaminant. Simply exist sure to always work in a shaded or covered piece of work space to avoid hard water spot formation, and employ a pH balanced surface prep shampoo for a far more thorough and speedy super clean.

2. Super Clean Engine Bays

Super cleaning a car's engine bay typically involves steam, chemical degreasers, specialized scrubbing tools like a horse hair brush, and lots of wipe-downs with microfiber towels.
Super cleaning a car'southward engine bay typically involves steam, chemical degreasers, specialized scrubbing tools like a horse or boar hair brush, and lots of wipe-downs with microfiber towels.

Fourth dimension Spent: 1–2 hours
Savings: $50–200

Information technology may seem like a risky endeavor, but cleaning your auto's engine (and the bay information technology resides in) really isn't that dangerous if a few precautions are made beforehand. Just wrap whatever exposed air filters or sensitive electronics with plastic numberless and affix them in identify with a few safe bands, and remember to take it like shooting fish in a barrel when information technology comes time to spray or rinse grime away.

In lodge to super make clean your engine bay, yous'll also demand to get a few goods that are non really intended for exterior cleaning, only are more of a "item focused" design. Some of the more than must-take tools include a vacuum with a fine tip hose attachment, a detailing brush kit, at least one multi-pack of microfiber towels, some high-grade engine cleaner/degreaser, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a pre-blended bottle of car shampoo and H20, and a hefty amount of surface and trim protectant.

Some additional tools that volition assistance you super clean your engine bay are a handheld steam cleaner with a multi-function nozzle for getting in tight places, a pressure washer that's been put on its mildest setting, and either a leafage blower or some compressed air for quicker drying times.

The engine bay super cleaning process starts with either a steam cleaning, or the vacuum removal of any large droppings, followed by the water blasting of anything that refuses the vacuum's advances. Engine rinsed, have a look around and spray a liberal amount of cleaner/degreaser on the nastier looking areas of the engine compartment. At this point, experience gratis to pause out those brushes and scrub way at whatever area you feel needs some elbow grease.

After another rinse, your engine bay should be looking a lot cleaner, at which point you tin spritz it down with the car shampoo solution and get-go scrubbing with the other brushes in your detailing brush kit. Rinsed one concluding time, the bay is then ready for a microfiber cloth wipe-down, along with a little leaf blower or compressed air action, for those of yous who prefer to displace h2o instead of arresting it.

Once dried, you can get rid of those protective plastic bags, and apply your trim workout chemicals and a clean microfiber textile to give that bay that super clean shine you've been craving.

Quick Tip: For fresh cabin air, without the use of questionable man-fabricated chemicals, stash a bag or two of activated charcoal odor neutralizer inside your machine. These inexpensive aroma filters absorb the invisible gunk floating around inside a car, and oft come in a sealed breathable pocketbook for hassle-complimentary apply and removal.

3. Super Cleaning a Automobile Windshield

An oily, dirty windshield is not only an eyesore, but a potential visibility risk as well. Photo Credit: Micah Wright
An oily, muddied windshield is not but an eyesore, but a potential visibility take chances likewise. Photograph Credit: Micah Wright

Time Spent: xx–xxx minutes
Savings: $30–50

Fingerprints, airborne droppings, plastic interior off-gassing, and even the breath emanating from your mouth can cause an oily film to form on the inside of your windshield. This is non but unpleasant to look at, but dangerous too, as it impairs your vision at night, and is quite distracting when headlight glare hits that oily residue.

In gild to eliminate oily windshield streaking, and remove things like dust and debris build-up, spittle, and that booger your kid just flicked from the back seat, you'll need to put the following steps into play.

First, thoroughly make clean the outside of your windshield, every bit this will allow you lot to better decide what parts of the windshield need to be super cleaned on the within. Then, scrub the behind of the windshield with a clean microfiber cloth, followed by a wipe-down with some mid-course isopropyl alcohol to remove whatever oil build-upwardly. Once that's washed, interruption out the automotive glass cleaner of your choosing, forth with a fresh microfiber cloth to finish the windshield super cleaning process.

Quick Tip: Attempt to refrain from using a trim and surface protectant on your dashboard, equally these products are often ultra oily, and volition release said oils onto your windshield every bit they evaporate in the sun. Instead, apply a simple microfiber cloth wipe-downwardly and call information technology a twenty-four hour period.

four. Super Clean Headlights

A set of super clean headlights are both brighter and safer.
A set of super clean headlights are both brighter and safer.

Time Spent: xx–60 minutes
Savings: $75–150

Forget using toothpaste for headlight restoration. This trick may work in a compression, but it volition never be able to provide the same levels of quality command and longevity as a purpose-built headlight restoration kit.

At present that's not to say that all headlight restoration kits are made equal, considering at that place's a lot of contemporary crap out there. So read reviews, and opt for a medium-class headlight repair kit from a reputable brand, as this will provide you with everything you demand to restore those hazy lenses to their onetime celebrity.

The headlight super cleaning process is fairly unproblematic, as you gradually move from ane class of wet sanding to the adjacent, continuously working in a side-to-side and upwardly-and-down move to reduce the onset of swirl marks. Heavily tainted headlights will take a chip of elbow grease and patience, just those lenses will eventually begin to plow crystal clear once again, at which bespeak it'due south time to break-out a microfiber buffing towel for some additional smooth.

Quick Tip: After cleaning your headlights, hit them with a high quality nano ceramic blanket to proceed them looking new for the next 2–v years, equally they repel everything Mother Nature and the open road has to throw at them.

v. Super Clean Leather Seats

Super cleaning a set of leather seats goes well beyond just using a leather treatment product and a microfiber towel.
Super cleaning a fix of leather seats goes well across just using a leather treatment product and a microfiber towel.

Fourth dimension Spent: 5–30 minutes
Savings: $100–$300

In order to super clean a fix of leather seats, you'll start need to pick-up some dedicated leather cleaning supplies. The reason why a regular upholstery or trim protectant should non be used, is because leather tin can have strange reactions to chemicals that are non specifically engineered for tanned animal hides. And so spend the money, and get some high-quality leather cleaning and workout products, because the last thing anyone wants to see is a fat chemic stain on their bucket seat.

A few more than pieces of gear you should probably purchase, are a soft bristle detailing brush, a fine tipped vacuum accompaniment kit, and a multi-pack of microfiber cloths. These tools volition allow you to super clean between the gaps in each seat panel, go leather conditioning and cleaning chemicals into perforations and seat pockets, and safely wipe the surfaces down once information technology'south time to wrap things up.

 Vacuuming should always be done beginning, for you lot'll likely find all manner of filth in those seat pockets, every bit well as within its underside, and in betwixt those deep gaps between the panels.

One time the vacuuming stage is complete, slowly super make clean one seat at a time with your leather cleaner, detailing brushes, and microfiber towels, keeping an eye out for whatsoever cracks that may be forming. Many leather cleaners and conditioners crave some soak time, and then exist certain to follow the product's directions, and always work in a shaded area, well abroad from high estrus and sunlight.

You can frequently prevent a worn section of leather from turning into a massive cleft by cleaning and conditioning information technology, and then be liberal with those chemicals when a slit is detected. Leather breaks down quickly when it dries-out, so keeping those seats oiled and conditioned in summer should be a priority.

Quick Tip: Leather seats super cleaned, maintain them by applying a leather conditioner every few months, and use a sunshade in summer to help keep UV rays and temps down.

6. Super Make clean Carpets

A quality carpet and upholstery stain remover and a scrubbing brush are oftentimes all that is needed to remove a coffee stain. Photo Credit: Micah Wright
A quality carpeting and upholstery stain remover and a scrubbing brush are oftentimes all that is needed to remove a coffee stain. Photo Credit: Micah Wright

Time Spent: thirty–hour
Savings: $100–200

A vehicle'due south carpets are arguably the filthiest area of the interior. Muddy boots, pelting-soaked umbrellas, spilt beverages, forgotten chocolate confined, dead bugs, pet hair, and all of the dust, pollen, dandruff, and dirt you tin imagine accept probable left their mark on your carpet.

While a highly reviewed carpet and upholstery cleaner and a quality rug and upholstery brush will indeed cutting through a lot of the caked-on crud, there's a bit more to super cleaning a vehicle'south carpet than scrubbing.

Flooring mats are removable for a reason, so get those nasty things exterior, where they can be hosed, shampooed, scoured, and rinsed before being hung to dry out. While those floor mats are drying, fix yourself to vacuuming the carpet, using the brush equally needed to dislodge whatever deeply embedded filth or dried grime.

If yous see a stubborn stain or extra dirty area, break-out the carpet cleaning chemicals and give it a blast. We find that the foaming stuff tends to piece of work best, every bit it penetrates even the most worn-down carpet to lift contaminants, and leaves a visual reminder of where yous will need to scrub.

Quick Tip: If you programme on steam cleaning or shampooing your vehicle'southward carpeting, practice information technology on a warm sunny day. This will guarantee that your interior dries rapidly, and that it has the ability to properly air-out. Just say no to mold and mildew allergies folks…

vii. Super Clean Car Upholstery

A car's upholstery can be considerably more delicate than its carpet, so be mindful that the chemicals and cleaning tools you use are not too abrasive. Photo Credit: Micah Wright
A car'due south upholstery can be considerably more than delicate than its carpet, so be mindful that the chemicals and cleaning tools yous use are not likewise annoying. Photo Credit: Micah Wright

Time Spent: 20 minutes
Savings: $75–-200

While carpets tin exist cleaned with strong chemicals and a super rough brush, upholstery tends to  crave a more delicate arroyo. Sure, milder brushes, gentler chemicals, and less pressure are one style of getting super clean upholstery, but they will never be able to compete with a high-grade steam cleaner.

What was once considered an expensive specialist's tool, has in recent years become a surprisingly affordable, lightweight piece of automobile cleaning gear, and holy crap practice these things work well.

For super clean results, first articulate abroad any big debris with an upholstery brush and a regular vacuum, before post-obit upwards with a little steam cleaning action.

Equally you become you lot may discover that some stubborn stains resist the steam cleaner'southward powers. Just spray a dash of upholstery cleaner on the area, permit it sit down for a moment, arouse with a castor, and steam the area one more time.

Quick Tip: Utilize a "steam lance" to remove clay and droppings in hard to reach areas where your vacuum won't reach. You will notice this tool rules at cleaning in between seat rail, inside cup holders, within vents, around the center console, along the length of door pockets, over shifter assemblies, and in many other tight spots.

Parting Shots

A super clean car interior is both aesthetically pleasing and hygienically beneficial to occupants. Photo Credit: Micah Wright
A super make clean car interior is both aesthetically pleasing and hygienically beneficial to occupants. Photo Credit: Micah Wright

While you may not need to super clean your vehicle every other week, or even every other month, a bi-annual deep cleaning is a skillful rule of wrench to follow. This will not merely assistance reduce the amount of securely embedded contagion on and in your motorcar, but it will brand routine cleaning procedures far easier, and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Simply exist sure to striking all of those hard surfaces with a properly composite IPA spray and a make clean microfiber cloth after your super cleaning session is complete, and and then coat them with a 9H-rated nano ceramic coating, similar Armor Shield IX.

Doing so will make information technology nearly impossible for contaminants to get a foothold, and it will add a rich, deep-gloss luster to the surface, all while making your adjacent super cleaning session all that much easier.

If you enjoyed this commodity, and then you'll love AvalonKing's automotive care products for Do-It-Yourselfers. We create "No B.S. products" for an affordable price. And the best function, nosotros treat our customers similar family, then if you lot have any questions or merely looking to chat about cars, nosotros're but an email or telephone call abroad. Check out our homepage here.