Deep Clean and Protect: The Ultimate Door Jamb Detailing Guide

Ensure the vehicle is parked in a shaded area and the metal panels are cool to the touch. In an Australian summer, surface temperatures can exceed 70°C. Applying chemicals to hot metal causes instant evaporation, leading to chemical etching and permanent staining of the paintwork. Use an infrared thermometer if available; aim for a surface temp below 30°C.

Open all doors and inspect the interior proximity. Use low-tack painter's tape or clean towels to cover sensitive electronic controls, speakers, and leather seat bolsters. This prevents overspray from high-pH degreasers from spotting or drying out interior leather and plastic components.

Prepare your cleaning solutions using distilled water if you are in a hard-water area (common in regional WA or SA). Mix your APC at a 10:1 ratio for modern, well-maintained cars. For 4x4s with heavy red dust or older vehicles with grease buildup, prepare a secondary spray bottle at 5:1. Label bottles clearly to avoid confusion during the process.

Before applying any liquids, use a soft-bristle vacuum attachment or compressed air (at 40-60 PSI) to blow out loose leaves, sand, and dry red dust from the hinge areas and bottom sills. Removing dry debris first prevents the creation of a 'mud paste' that can be pushed deeper into the door's drainage holes.

Using a low-pressure spray (not a high-pressure jet), lightly mist the jambs with water to cool the surface further. Apply your 10:1 APC solution to the entire jamb area, starting from the top and working down. Allow it to dwell for 2-3 minutes, but do not let it dry. This softens the top layer of dust and road film.

Dip your small detailing brush into a bucket of clean water. Agitate the hinge mechanism, door check strap, and the wiring loom 'boot'. Use circular motions to break down old, blackened grease. If the grease is stubborn, apply a small amount of 5:1 degreaser directly to the brush bristles rather than the car.

Use a larger brush or a dedicated microfibre mitt to clean the rubber seals. Red dust often hides in the folds of these seals. Gently pull back the lips of the rubber and clean behind them. This is vital because trapped grit acts like sandpaper against the paint every time the door vibrates during driving.

Rinse the agitated areas using a spray bottle or a very gentle stream from a hose. Direct the water away from the interior of the car. Pro Tip: Hold a microfibre towel on the interior side of the sill to catch any stray splashes. Ensure all soap suds are flushed from the bottom drainage holes.

Spray a Ph-neutral iron remover onto the lower sections of the jambs and the sills. Brake dust often swirls into these areas and embeds in the paint. Wait 2-4 minutes for the chemical reaction (turning purple). This is especially important for white or silver vehicles common in Australia to prevent 'rust spotting'.

Thoroughly rinse the iron remover. Ensure no chemical residue remains in the crevices. If you have a steam cleaner, use it now to blow out any remaining residue from the tightest spots around the door latches and strikers. The heat from the steam will also help flash-dry the area.

Use a dedicated drying towel or a leaf blower/car dryer to remove every drop of water. Pay special attention to the bottom of the doors and the hinge pockets. Standing water in these areas, combined with Australian heat, can lead to localized hard water spotting which is difficult to remove later.

If the paint inside the jambs looks dull or has light scratches, apply a fine finishing polish by hand using a microfibre applicator. This restores the gloss and ensures the surface is perfectly clean for the protection stage. Work in small 10cm sections to ensure even coverage.

Apply a high-quality synthetic sealant or ceramic spray to all painted surfaces within the jamb. These products provide a slick surface that prevents red dust and salt from bonding. Apply to a microfibre pad first, then wipe onto the paint to avoid overspray hitting the upholstery.

Apply a water-based rubber protectant to all weather strips. This keeps the rubber pliable in extreme heat and prevents it from sticking to the door frame. Buff off any excess with a dry towel so the seals don't feel greasy or attract more dust.

Once the area is clean and protected, apply a small dab of white lithium grease to the moving parts of the hinges and the check strap. Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess grease that oozes out.