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Question

What should I use to clean my car?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

Use a microfiber towel for the best finish. These types of towels are specifically designed to reduce the risk of scratching the surface of the car while also picking up as much dirt and grime as possible. You can find them at a home goods store or an auto shop.

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Question

How long does it take to clean a car?

Community Answer

It depends on how fast your cleaning pace it but usually it would take about an hour to do the outside properly and about half an hour to do the inside. If the inside is really messy, this might take longer.

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Question

How do I avoid streaks and watermarks when washing my car?

Community Answer

Try to stay away from soap. Soap has oil which makes marks on the car. Use a solution specially made for washing your car to avoid streaks and watermarks.

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Question

How do I clean the seat belt strap?

Community Answer

Use a vinyl upholstery cleaner or white vinegar to clean the belt. Spray the cleaner onto a cloth and rub the cleaner into the belt with the cloth. After cleaning, be sure to leave the belt pulled out until it has dried completely. If the moist belt is pulled back inside, you risk mold and mildew growth.

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Question

How can I clean seat dust if I have no vacuum?

Community Answer

Sweep the dust out with a broom, or brush over the seats with a rough, dry washcloth. Do this towards the ground outside your car so as little as possible gets on the floorboards. This won't work as well as a vacuum, though. Buying a small hand held vacuum (about $15) is the best option.

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Question

Should I use wax or polish on the exterior of my car?

Community Answer

Both! It's best to polish first and then wax. The polish brings out the shine; the wax protects and maintains it.

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Question

How can I dust my car daily and quickly?

Community Answer

Vacuum daily and rinse to clean. Plus, use odor-removing spray.

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Question

How do I clean the interior ceiling?

Community Answer

If you have a cloth ceiling, you can use a interior fabric cleaner sprayed on a white cloth. Do not use a colored cloth, because there may be color transfer. For vinyl headliners, you can try an interior all-purpose cleaner on a white cloth.

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Question

Does using spray-on wax at a self-serve car wash shine the car more than manual wax?

Community Answer

No, hand held wax always has a longer-lasting effect on the car's coat. Liquid wax should be considered as a touch-up option in between waxing periods.

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Question

How many times should a car be washed in a week?

Community Answer

Once a week is more than sufficient.

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Question

What is the best way to clean the air vent louvers?

Community Answer

Use your vacuum cleaner's blower attachment or compressed air to blow out the vents. Then you can spray APC onto a dusting brush to clean the louvers.

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Question

How do I clean dirty crumbs from the creases in between the seats?

Community Answer

You can easily clean those crumbs up by using a wet/dampened q-tip and sliding the tip of it through those small and hard to reach places. This is also useful for getting the dust out of other small creases in your car's interior.

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Question

How do I remove fingerprints from car paintwork?

Community Answer

You can use instant detailer, made by a variety companies. It will remove any smudges or similar marks from your car's paint.

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