Professional Detailing Brush Selection and Technique Guide (Jan 2026)

Never use brushes on surfaces exceeding 30°C. Use an infrared thermometer to check panel temps. If the vehicle has been in the sun, move it to a shaded, well-ventilated area and allow at least 60 minutes for the substrate to cool. Rapid cooling with cold water can cause thermal shock to glass and ceramic components.

Before applying any liquid, use a soft-bristle brush and a vacuum to remove loose red dust from window seals and door jambs. Introducing water to heavy red dust creates a 'mud slurry' that can act like liquid sandpaper when agitated with a brush. Dry brushing removes 80% of the abrasive bulk safely.

In temperatures over 30°C, dilute your All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) more than usual (e.g., 1:15 instead of 1:10). This prevents the chemical from drying too quickly on the surface, which can cause permanent etching on aluminium trim and plastic seals.

Soak your boar hair and synthetic brushes in a bucket of clean water for 5-10 minutes before use. This softens the bristles slightly and ensures the ferrule is saturated, preventing the brush from 'drinking' your cleaning chemicals and ensuring maximum lubricity during the agitation phase.

Start with the wheels as they are the dirtiest. Use a long-reach microfibre brush to clean the inner barrels. Apply a dedicated iron remover and let dwell for 2-3 minutes. Agitate with the brush in a back-and-forth motion, ensuring you reach behind the spokes where salt spray often crystallises.

Using a small (20mm) boar hair brush, work in circular motions around each lug nut. This area is a prime site for corrosion in coastal regions. Pay special attention to the valve stem cap area, as sand and grit trapped here can damage the seal during pressure checks.

Apply a light mist of foaming APC to badges. Use a soft synthetic brush in a 'stippling' (dabbing) motion rather than scrubbing. This lifts dirt out of the tight crevices of the lettering without dragging grit across the surrounding clear coat.

Run a medium-stiff boar hair brush along the felt and rubber window seals. In Australia, these seals often trap fine silica dust which scratches glass when windows are rolled down. Use plenty of lubrication and rinse the brush after every pass.

Open the fuel door—an often neglected area. Use a chemical-resistant brush to remove accumulated diesel soot or petrol residue mixed with dust. Ensure the drain hole is clear of debris to prevent water pooling and rust.

Use a large boar hair brush with long bristles (40mm+) to reach into the depths of complex grilles. This is vital for removing baked-on locusts or dragonflies from summer highway driving, which can acidicly damage plastic if left.

Apply a degreaser to the hinges and door shuts. Use a stiff synthetic brush to break down old grease and red dust. Be careful not to spray high-pressure water directly into the cabin; use the brush to move the cleaner and a damp microfibre to wipe away.

Switch to a clean, dry, ultra-soft synthetic brush. Close the vent slats and brush horizontally, following with a vacuum nozzle. This prevents the 'dust puff' when you first start the car in the heat.

Use an ultra-soft brush to clean around the gear shifter and infotainment buttons. Do not spray chemicals directly onto electronics; spray the brush tip, then agitate. This prevents liquid from seeping into sensitive circuit boards.

Use a soft natural hair brush to lift dust out of the stitching on leather dashboards. Dust acts as an abrasive in these seams, eventually cutting the threads under the high UV exposure of an Australian summer.

Thoroughly rinse all exterior areas worked with brushes. Inspect the bristles for any trapped grit or 'hooks' (melted tips from heat). Wash all brushes in warm water with a dedicated microfibre detergent to remove oils and salts.