How to Properly Clean and Protect Your Door Jambs

Never, ever do this in direct Aussie sun. The APC will dry on the paint in thirty seconds and leave nasty streaks that are a nightmare to get off.

Give yourself room to move. I usually do one side of the car at a time so I'm not running laps around the thing.

If you've got a leaf blower or compressed air, blow out the loose leaves and dry dust first. It stops it turning into mud as soon as you add water.

Take an old rag and wipe away the big chunks of black grease from the hinges. Don't just spray degreaser on a massive glob of grease; you'll just smear it everywhere.

Spray your APC or degreaser onto the jambs. Start from the top and work down. Don't go nuts, you don't want it dripping all over your carpets.

Use your soft brush for the painted areas. Get into the corners where the dust hides. I once found a desiccated huntsman spider in a customer's door jamb, keep your eyes peeled!

Switch to your stiffer brush for the hinges and the check-strap (that's the bit that stops the door swinging too far). This is where the real grime lives.

Now, don't just blast it with the pressure washer. You'll soak the seats. Use a spray bottle of water or a very low-pressure hose stream to rinse the suds away. (Trust me on this one, I've had to wet-vac a leather seat because I got cocky with the hose).

People always forget the very bottom of the door where the drain holes are. This is where the salt and mud sit. Give it a good scrub and make sure the drain holes aren't blocked.

Take a damp microfibre and wipe down the rubber seals. This keeps them supple so they don't crack in the UV.

Use a dry microfibre to get all the water out. If you leave it to 'air dry', you'll get water spots, especially if you're in a hard water area like Adelaide or Perth.

Apply your spray sealant or wax. This is the secret sauce. It makes the jambs so slick that dust won't stick next time.

Since you've just cleaned all the grease off, you need to put some back. A tiny dab of white lithium grease on the moving parts will keep it from squeaking. Don't overdo it!