Hey there, car lovers! If you’re like us here at Five Points Car Wash, you love your car like it’s a part of the family. And just like with any family member, you want to ensure it’s taken care of and looks its best. But when it comes to cleaning your car, are you really hitting all the crucial areas? Fear not, because today we’re going to talk about the top places you may be overlooking and how to give your car the TLC it deserves.
Let’s face it, cleaning your car can be a daunting task. With so many nooks and crannies, it’s easy to overlook some crucial areas that could gather dirt, grime, and bacteria. This is part of why getting a detailed cleaning from the pros at Five Points Car Wash could save you time and a lot of work. That said, let’s dive into these often-missed areas of cleanliness.
Door Jambs
When was the last time you gave your door jambs a good cleaning? Most of us forget about this area because it’s simply not something we see every day. But neglecting this area can lead to dirt buildup and even rust. Take a minute to wipe down the inside of your door jambs with a damp cloth, and you’ll be amazed at how much cleaner your car will look.
Air Vents
Do you suffer from allergies or just get this unpleasant feeling of stale air in your car? If so, it’s time to pay attention to your air vents. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your vents, making it harder for air to circulate and potentially affecting your car’s performance. This can be an issue even when you regularly change your cabin air filter. A simple solution is to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean out the vents and improve the air quality in your car.
Seat Belts
Let’s be honest, seat belts are not the most glamorous part of your car, but they are a crucial safety feature and should be treated as such. As the months and years roll on, sweat, dirt, and bacteria can build up on your seat belts, making them a breeding ground for germs. Taking the time to wipe down your seat belts with a disinfectant wipe or a damp cloth will do wonders to keep them clean and germ-free.
Floor Mats
Your floor mats take a beating every day, yet they’re often one of the most neglected parts of your car. As a result, dirt, mud, and spills can accumulate on your mats, making them look dirty and sometimes even smell bad. To clean your mats, simply remove them from your car and give them a good shake to get rid of any loose dirt. Then use a vacuum to remove anything remaining after the shake-down. You can also use a vacuum for any loose crumbs or debris in the upholstery of your seats. Next, use a fabric cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining stains or grime.
Dashboard
Your dashboard is the focal point of your car’s interior, yet it’s often overlooked when cleaning. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges will build up on your dashboard, making it look dull and worn out. Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution designed specifically for car interiors to clean your dashboard. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage your dashboard, and opt for a gentle cleaner.
The Underside
Now for a big and likely unexpected one – the underside of your car. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Who in their right mind would clean the underside of their car by themselves?” But hear me out. The underside of your car is exposed to all sorts of road debris, filth, and grime that can accumulate in the long term and eventually damage your car’s undercarriage. So, if you really want to clean your vehicle thoroughly, consider investing in a pressure washer or, better yet, take it to the professionals here at Five Points Car Wash, where we offer a meticulous underside cleaning option.
The Engine Bay
Another crucial area that often gets overlooked is the engine bay. Sure, it’s not the prettiest part of your car, but neglecting it can lead to severe issues down the line. Unfortunately, the passage of time shows no mercy, and all manner of dirt can slowly gather in your engine bay, potentially causing damage to your car’s components. Start by removing all debris with a vacuum or compressed air. After that, you’ll use a degreaser and a brush to remove any remaining grime.
The Wheels and Tires
Where the rubber meets the road, quite literally, those wheels and tires are absolute magnets for dirt, so it’s essential to give them some extra care and attention when it comes to cleaning. Start by spraying them down with a high-pressure hose or pressure washer to remove any loose debris. Next, use a wheel and tire cleaner to remove any brake dust, grime, or dirt that has built up over time. And, of course, you can’t forget to finish with a tire shine for that beautiful polished look!
The Headlights and Taillights
Are your headlights or taillights looking a little foggy or yellowed? Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also affect your visibility on the road. In order to properly clean your headlights and taillights, use a headlight restoration kit first to remove any discoloration or cloudiness. Once that’s taken care of, you can use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to finish cleaning those lights and have them looking bright and good as new.
Trunk
Last but not least, don’t forget about your trunk! It’s entirely too easy to throw things in your trunk and forget all about them. Unfortunately, this leads to the inevitable clutter and occasional odors that plague many an unfortunate trunk. Invest some time to declutter your trunk and give it a good old-fashioned wipe down with a damp cloth to keep it looking clean. Don’t forget to check for any leaks or spills that could have been missed to keep that trunk smelling new car fresh.
Conclusion
Keeping your car clean is important, of course, but it’s much more involved than first meets the eye, which can pose a challenge for many of us. When you consider these crucial and commonly missed areas we’ve just gone over, you can begin to see how much of an investment of time your car really needs. By taking care of these often neglected areas, you’ll improve not only the appearance of your car but also its overall safety and even its performance. It’s definitely a good idea to seek extra help with what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming to-do list of things to detail, vacuum, wash, wipe, and sanitize. We invite you to come on down to Five Points Car Wash and let us take care of your car like it’s one of our own. You’ll get your time back and the peace of mind that comes with having your cleaning taken care of by the pros, so don’t wait; come see us today!
Also Read: Car Maintenance: Getting A Detailed Wash