Mastering Your Door Jambs: The Secret to a Truly Clean Car

Never, and I mean never, do this in the direct Aussie sun. The chemicals will dry on the paint before you can rinse them, leaving nasty streaks. Wait for the arvo or pull it under the carport.

Remove anything near the doors inside the car. Floor mats, loose papers, or your kid's toys. You don't want any overspray ruining them.

Seems obvious, but I've seen blokes forget this. Make sure every window is rolled up tight.

If you're using a new brand, spray a tiny bit on a hidden spot. Some cheap cleaners can stain aluminium or sensitive plastics.

Use a leaf blower or compressed air to get the loose leaves and dry dust out first. It makes the wet work much easier.

Before you get anything wet, take a dry detail brush to the hinges. Knock loose that thick crusty dust. It stops it turning into mud immediately.

Spray your cleaner onto the door jamb. Start from the top and work down. Don't be shy, but don't soak the interior fabric.

Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. You want the chemicals to break down the grease, but don't let it dry out completely.

Use your soft brush to work the cleaner into the flat painted areas. Use circular motions. You'll see the grime start to lift.

The hinges are the worst part. Use your stiffer brush (or that old paintbrush) to get into the nooks and crannies. This is where the old grease lives.

Don't forget the very bottom of the door. This area gets the most road grime and mud. Give it a good scrub with a microfibre mitt or brush.

If using a hose, keep the nozzle close to the jamb and point it OUTWARDS away from the interior. Use low pressure. You just want to flood the dirt away.

Take your 'B-Team' microfibre and wipe the whole area. This picks up any remaining film of dirt.

Don't forget the B-pillar (where the front door latches) and the fuel filler door. Treat them exactly the same way.

While you're at it, do the boot and bonnet. These usually have more leaves and organic gunk. Be careful around the engine bay though-don't go soaking the alternator.

Use a fresh towel to dry everything. Standing water in jambs can lead to spotting or even rust over a long period if the paint is chipped.

I usually chuck a bit of spray sealant or wax on the painted parts of the jamb. It makes the next clean five times easier because the dirt won't stick.

Apply a water-based dressing to the rubber seals. It keeps them supple and stops them from cracking in the 40-degree heat.

Since you've just stripped the grease away, you need to put some back. A quick squirt of white lithium grease or silicone spray on the moving parts keeps things smooth.