How To Clean Your Car

As well as making it look great, cleaning your car will preserve its value. Looking after your car is well worth it - when the time comes to re-sell, you'll get a lot more! So get stuck in with these handy tips.

Items you'll need:

• bucket of warm water mixed with car shampoo
• car cleaning cloths
• sponge
• chamois leather
• car brush
• car buffer
• car polish
• car wax
• hosepipe/pressure washer
• car vacuum
• windscreen cleaner
• wheel cleaner
• dashboard and trim cleaner.

How to clean your car exterior

• Firstly, rinse off your car using the hose to get rid of loose dirt or grit that could damage your paintwork.
• Use the sponge and soapy water to wipe down your car from top to bottom - if you drop the sponge, don't keep using it, as it could have picked up a stone that could damage your bodywork.
• Hose the car down from top to bottom.
• Clean your wheels with the wheel cleaner, or alloy cleaner if you have alloys. Use the brush to get rid of built-up dirt, and finish with the cloth. Rinse down with the hose.
• Use a chamois leather to dry the car off, do your best to avoid streaks.
• Next, use the polish and buffer pad to shine your car, then add wax for that extra sparkle and protection.

How to clean your car interior

• Get rid of any rubbish lying around and take out the car mats, giving them a clean.
• Do a thorough sweep with the vacuum, making sure to get into all the cracks.
• Clean the inside of your windows with windscreen cleaner, then do the seats and surrounding area with upholstery cleaner.
• Wipe down the dash, steering wheel and window trims with trim cleaner (& damp cloth), then dry.