We love our cars. Restoring a classic car is a journey that we wouldn’t trade for the world. Once the cars are finished, it’s important to maintain the restoration by cleaning it regularly. The best place to clean your classic car is at a professional detailer. If you’d like to do it at home, here are some tips for getting the most out of your at-home detailing.
Stay inside
Detail your classic car inside a garage, or at least a covered car port. Avoid direct sunlight and wind. Make sure your car is cool when you’re washing it. Do not take your car into an automatic car wash.
Work your way out
Start with the interior. Vacuum the interior and clean the dashboard. Use a carpet cleaner sparingly on any stains. If you have leather interior, use a leather conditioner to help keep the leather from drying out.
Get in the crevices
Use a compressed air can to get into the smaller areas between the seats and to also clean buttons and vents on the dash. Use a toothbrush to clean any grated surfaces like running boards.
Don’t overdo it
If you come across a stubborn stain or mark on either the interior or exterior, don’t overwork them. Use a stain remover and let it set for a few minutes before wiping away. Don’t use any abrasives as you can damage the area around the mark. If you’re having trouble removing it, wait until you’re ready to dry the area and rub it with a chamois.
Use the right kind of products
Make sure you’re using a soft cloth or sponge that doesn’t have any rough areas. Also, use multiple cloths or sponges while washing your car. Use a different one for the tires and interiors than you would for the exterior. The soap you use should be gentle and detergent-free.
Hand dry
To avoid water spots, don’t let your car air dry. Use a chamois in circular motions to dry the car. For best results- wash and dry your car in sections.
Wax on, wax off
When waxing and/or polishing, remember to work in easy, circular motions. Use a lint-free cloth to reduce the chance of leaving behind any fibers.
