A well-maintained car reflects the personality of its owner. Proper cleaning and maintenance give a vehicle a sparkling appearance when driven around the UAE. No matter how visually appealing a car may be, if it is not cleaned and washed regularly, it can appear insightful. On the other hand, a vehicle that is shining free from dirt or scratches is sure to receive compliments for its charm.
Moreover, driving a dusty car can lead to a fine of AED 500 in the UAE by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Due to the hot weather and dusty sandstorms in the UAE, cars tend to get dirty quickly and require frequent cleaning. However, taking your car for a wash every week can prove to be expensive. Therefore, it is essential to do regular cleaning on your own. In this article, we will explore some car cleaning tips and products for your car wash to help you keep your vehicle looking brand new every day.
Prepare a Car Cleaning Kit
For a DIY car cleaning, you need some essential cleaning items such as a quality car cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, tire wax, and a polisher. You can also buy a complete car cleaning kit that includes all these products and save money instead of buying them individually. Creating a proper car cleaning kit will ensure your vehicle is always in top condition and shines.
Conversely, you can also wash your car with a simple DIY detergent and water solution, but there are chances of causing scratches on the body while using a random detergent. Therefore, we recommend buying products specially created for car cleaning.
Tips for Cleaning Car Interior
Cleaning the interior is equally as important as cleaning the exterior to maintain a safe and clean environment. Keeping the interior spotless and fresh is necessary to maintain good health for both you and your precious car. It is recommended to start by cleaning the interior first and then move on to the exterior of the vehicle.
Clean the Seats
The first step in cleaning your car is to remove any trash, especially if you tend to snack while driving. Remove the mats and clean them separately. You’ll need brushes and a microfiber cloth to clean the inside of your car. Dust the interior with a dry cloth, then use a detergent to clean the seats thoroughly.
To clean the upholstery, mix soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the seats and then wipe them with a dry cloth. If there are any stains on the seats, you can remove them by applying a mixture of soap and vinegar to the stained spot. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe it with a dry cloth.
Clean the Carpet
To clean the mats of your car, first brush off any dust from them. Then, wash the mats with hot water and detergent. It’s also essential to thoroughly dust off the carpets before cleaning them. After washing the mats, make sure they are scorched before placing them back on the rug.
Clean Windows and Front Panel
To clean the front and rear windows of your vehicle from the inside, you’ll need a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Simply spray the cleaner on the window and wipe it vertically with the fabric for a thorough clean.
To clean the front panel, you’ll need an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Start by spraying a small amount of cleaner and then clean the steering wheel, gears, dashboard, AC system, infotainment system, console, and side panels, including the cups and holders. For cleaning hard-to-reach corners and air vent grills, it is best to use small brushes to ensure thorough cleaning.
Freshen Up Your Cabin
As a final step, consider using an air freshener to keep your car smelling fresh. Most car owners are aware of the peculiar smell that can develop inside a vehicle. To combat this, you can place an air freshener in one of your cabin’s cup holders. This will also help eliminate any lingering food odors.
Tips for Cleaning Car Exterior
Once the interior of your car is cleaned, start washing the exterior with the tips given below.
The Two-Bucket Rule
To wash your car effectively, prepare two buckets. Fill one bucket with detergent water and the other with clean water. The clean water is used to rinse the cloth after it gets dirty from cleaning the car. Here’s an additional tip: use a car wash pressure to remove all the dirt and grime from your vehicle and tires before washing it properly. Doing this will help reduce micro scratches on your car’s surface during the wash. If you don’t have car wash pressure, you can use your garden hose to wash your car instead.
Wash the Tires
Tires tend to accumulate a lot of dirt and debris, making them the dirtiest part of a vehicle. To clean them, start by washing the tires with a garden hose. Next, apply a mixture of soap and water to each tire and scrub them one by one. It’s best to use a scrub or wheel cleaning brush for this task, as cleaning with a cloth won’t be as effective.
Rinse the body
To clean your car, you can follow the two-bucket rule. Rub the car body carefully and clean the windows, headlights, and side mirrors with a soap and water solution. After cleaning, rinse the body with clean water to remove the soap residue. Then, use a dry cloth to dry the car body completely.
Post Car Wash DIY Tips
If you want to make your car look stunning when you take it out for a ride, consider using a car polisher to add shine to its body. Polishing your vehicle not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also protects the paint from UV rays and harsh weather conditions in the UAE. Once the polishing is done, apply car wax to seal the polish and provide an extra protective layer to the car paint. Moreover, you can also consider using a ceramic coating that helps protect against paint, scratches, and dust.
To keep your tires looking brand new, use a tire protectant that protects them from harsh weather conditions and gives them a shiny look. Additionally, carrying out a post-car wash every six months is advised to ensure that your car remains in top condition and spotless.
We hope our car cleaning tips improve your daily routine. For more informative blogs like this, follow our blog page, ArabWheels.
