How to clean your car

Choose a shaded area to clean your car and park it away from direct sunlight. Remove any personal items and rubbish from the car to make the cleaning process easier. Next, remove the car mats. Give them a good shake, then use a vacuum to remove any dirt, sand and hair.

Vacuum the seats, carpets, mats and boot. For the interiors (such as the dashboard, console, and door panels), use a microfibre cloth and automotive interior car cleaner to lift residue, moisturise the interior and leave it looking sleek and shiny. Alternatively, you can use warm water, but this sometimes causes the interior to dry out over time, so it’s important to apply a protectant afterwards. Protectant not only adds a nice sheen, but also protects the materials from harmful UV rays, reduces dust and gives the panels a fresh new look.

Spray glass cleaner onto the interior windows and mirrors and use a microfibre cloth to wipe away dirt and streaks. This ensures a crystal-clear finish that enhances visibility and overall interior cleanliness.

To care for your car's upholstery and seats, determine whether you’re working with fabric or leather. For fabric seats, use an upholstery cleaner; for leather seats, opt for a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner. For fabric seats, a soft-bristled brush can be effective in lifting dirt and debris from the upholstery fibres. For leather, use a soft cloth or sponge. Always follow the specific instructions provided on the product packaging to ensure proper application and optimal results.

Rinse the car with a high-pressure washer or hose to remove loose dirt, paying close attention to the undercarriage and wheel wells. Pre-rinsing helps prevent scratching during the main car wash.

Fill a bucket with soapy water using car wash liquid. Use a sponge or wash mitt to clean the car from top to bottom, starting with the roof and working your way down. Rinse the sponge or mitt regularly.

Apply a wheel cleaner to the wheels and use a brush to scrub away brake dust, grease and grime. Pay special attention behind the wheels and along the tire sidewalls. Rinse thoroughly. You may need to repeat this step a few times to get a good clean.

Use a hose or high-pressure washer to thoroughly rinse off the soap, starting from the roof and working your way down.

Apply a coat of car polish to protect the car's paint. Follow the instructions on the product label and apply it with a microfibre cloth, one panel at a time. Once applied, use a clean microfibre cloth for the final wipe off to create a sleek, sparkling shine.

If you want to go the extra mile, use a sponge to apply a quality dressing or shine to your tyres. This not only adds a sleek, glossy finish, but it also acts as a layer that protects against UV, drying and cracking.

Pick your favourite car scent and hang or place it in your car for that final touch. You can also pop an odour-absorber inside to help keep your car fresher for longer.