Top Hacks To Clean Your Car Inside & Out
Does your car feel old and tired? The upholstery appears a little tattered, and the formerly gleaming windows are now…well, not so shiny. Sure, you could pay someone to clean your car—or save money by cleaning it yourself.
You can use these tried and true cleaning hacks to get your car clean, both inside and out. After researching we found some great websites that go into great detail. Be sure to visit them for more great tips
How to Clean and Restore Car Headlights
After a few years of usage, the plastic in car headlights oxidizes, causing them to become hazy and yellowish. That film can cause you not to see as well when driving at night. You can use this headlight restoration technique to clean and restore your headlights.
According to Family Handyman there is an easy 4 step process that will restore your headlights
Step 1 - Wash and Sand Horizontally
Wash the cloudy headlight with warm soapy water.
Rinse with plenty of clear water, then let it dry.
Then mask the area around the lens so you don't scratch the paint.
Soak the sheets of sandpaper in water, then start with the grit that suits your situation.
Sand in one direction.
With sandpaper, the higher the number, the finer the grit. If the headlight is just dull or yellowed, start with the 1,500 grit and work up to the 2,500 grit. If there are light scratches, start with the 1,000-grit paper.
Step 2 - Rinse and Sand Vertically
Rinse and change direction with the next grit. Keep doing this until you're finished with the 2,500-grit paper.
Step 3 - Buff the Lens with Polish
Wash the headlight with plenty of clear, cool water and dry.
Wet one corner of the flannel cloth with the polishing compound.
Using firm pressure, polish the headlight in a circular pattern until it becomes smooth and clear.
Step 4 - Polish the Lens
Allow the polish to dry, then use the clean end of the cloth to buff off any polish residue.
Repeat the polishing process.
Depending on the damage to the headlamp, small areas may still appear foggy. Try re-polishing only those spots with a polishing compound. Buff the area again and inspect. The lens should look perfectly clear!
To keep foggy headlights clear, wash often with a mild detergent and a soft-bristle brush or sponge, flush with plenty of water and dry.
Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or any chemical that's not formulated for the task. And that is how to clean headlights yourself!
Credit: Family Handyman
How To Clean Your Car Windows Streak Free
The key to getting your car windows clean and streak free is all about the tools and techniques you use. The great news is that it's not difficult to do, and once you learn how, you'll be able to get your car windows looking amazing in no time.
Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or towel to avoid scratches.
When using a cleaning solution, make sure work in small sections
Start at the top and work your way down
Use a quality glass cleaner
Wipe in a circular motion
Use a second clean microfiber cloth to dry
Polish with a third clean microfiber cloth
How To Clean The Dashboard
The best things to clean your car dashboard according to DetailCentralAve are.
To begin, use your vacuum with brush attachments to vacuum the dash. Attempt to pick up any dust or debris on the dash.
Next, take a soft microfiber cloth, dipped in water, to wipe down your dash. If the interior of your car is particularly grimy, fill a bowl with warm water and mild soap. Use this to wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, hand brake, and interior plastic of your vehicle.
Likely, it will be difficult to clean in the small crevices and vents. Use a toothbrush, soft paintbrush, or designated dash brush to gently remove dirt. Be careful so you don’t scratch the delicate parts of your car.
Once your dash is clean and dry – you can use another dry microfiber cloth to rub down the dash if needed – you can add shine by polishing it. You can pick up a wide variety of polishes at automotive parts stores. Pick the polish of your choice and put a small amount onto a clean and dry cloth, then rub the cloth over the dash. Repeat until the entire dashboard is polished. You can polish the center console as well. If there is excess polish when you’ve finished, remove with a dry cloth.
Credit: DetailCentralAve
How To Remove Dead Bugs From Your Car's Exterior
The paint on your car's exterior is delicate. When you drive, bugs hit your car and can leave behind stains or etchings in the paint. You may not notice them right away, but over time these can become more visible and difficult to remove.
To remove dead bugs from your car's exterior, start by washing the area with soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the affected area in a circular motion. If the stain is still visible, you can try using a mild abrasive cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your car's exterior first to avoid damaging the paint.
Once you've removed the dead bug stains, be sure to wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.
