What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we've all been there, you buy a used car and find out the previous owner basically lived in it. Whether it's red dust from a lap around the country or just years of built-up gunk, a proper deep clean is non-negotiable. I reckon a used car isn't really yours until you've scrubbed every inch of it yourself. This checklist is what I use in my shop to get them sorted fast.
Setting the Scene
The Good Gear (What You Need)
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Checklist
What You'll Need
The Deep Clean Process
Wheels and Arches
Hit them first while they're cool. Use a stiff brush for the tyres and a soft one for the rims. Get right into the arches to flush out any coastal salt.
The Strip Wash
Use a high-pH soap to strip old waxes. If it's covered in bird droppings or bat gunk, let the foam dwell for 5 minutes before rinsing (don't let it dry!).
Chemical Decontamination
Spray iron remover on the paint. If it turns purple, it's working. This is vital if the car lived near a train line or heavy industry.
Mechanical Decon (Clay)
Run a clay bar over the wet paint. If it feels like sandpaper, you're doing it right. It should end up smooth as glass (trust me on this one).
Interior Blowout
Use compressed air or your vac to get the dust out of the vents and seat tracks. You'll be shocked at what flies out of there.
Deep Scrub Interior
Scrub the plastics with APC and a brush. Wipe away the grime immediately. Don't forget the steering wheel, it's usually the filthiest part of any used car.
Glass and Protection
Clean the windows twice. Then, chuck a sealant on the paint and a UV protectant on the dash to stop it cracking in the 40-degree heat.
Final Inspection
What You'll Need
Watch Out
That's a Wrap
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