Full interior detail process / man hours

A

alw6589

New member
Hey autopia



So I did my first full interior detail today on my 2008 3 series and a friends 02 rsx, and boy did it take much longer than I expected.



First, I was hoping someone can point me towards a nice interior detailing process to follow for following a smooth, logical flow and minimizing job time while ensuring areas aren't missed.



Tools and products used today are below, I'm very open to suggestions and am strongly considering investing in a boats hair brush for interior.



Vacuum with brush and crevice attachments

Gust in a can for nooks and crannies

Foam and wool detailing sticks

MF towels for interior wipedown (do you use water first or a mix of cleaner and water?)

MF towels for interior cleaner

MF towels for interior protectant, before switching to foam applicators

MF towels for leather cleaning and conditioning



303 aerospace cleaner and spot remover

303 aerospace conditioner

Stoner upholstery foam

Lexol Leather cleaner (brand escapes me)

Lexol Leather protectant



Any other tips/suggestions? Do you use a wet/dry vac or how else do you remove foam from carpet?



Again thanks everyone for your help, this community has been great for my development and I look forward to learning more!
 
Here are some tips:



*Compressed air and/leaf blower

*Avoid dressing the interior (not needed and I hate shine)

*Do the carpet (fabric) 1st.

*Powerwash the floor mats (if they are rubber backed)

*Dry brushing fabric prior to introducing wetness if your friend

*Alcohol is a great solvent to remove oil based stains prior to shampoo

*Don't clean carpets with degreaser. Use a dedicated Carpet Shampoo

*Toothbrushes are your friend:Fermani:



These threads might help too:



http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-...s-450sl-complete-interior-mold-abatement.html



http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail...-interior-1963-aston-martin-db4-hd-total.html



http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail...dirty-ferrari-w-high-definition-products.html
 
Appreciate the feedback. Few questions;



Is there a battery powered vacuum on the market that is good enough for mobile detailing? Also with a blowing function? If not, how do you detail interiors without a power hookup?



In what order do you wipe down dash/console, vacuum, and blow out crevasses/vents?



I have some really stubborn stains/scuff marks on some interior trim (rubber? Vinyl? Not sure) as well as imbedded stains on my leather. Whats the best all in one product to remove these? 303 spot remover didn't do the trick



My driver seat and center console have damaged leather, does anyone use spray-on leather or how can I minimize the poor look of these areas? Will upload pics later
 
alw6589 said:
Appreciate the feedback. Few questions;



Is there a battery powered vacuum on the market that is good enough for mobile detailing? Also with a blowing function? If not, how do you detail interiors without a power hookup?
Click to expand...



I wouldn't get a Dyson handheld- the battery lasts a few minutes per charge, and the lifespan of the battery is short. Even with a new battery, mine was overall just a lemon.
 
Invest in a steamer. McCullough makes one and sold on Amazon. I SWEAR by them. They have saved me so much time and really get interiors clean. I only use 2 products for the carpet. DG451 & Folex. I use a wet/dry vac. I've had a few different extractors and I found them to be a pain. #1 reason is I don't have room to keep one. If I let the Folex sit long enough, it gets any stain out.



And I respectfully disagree with David. I do the carpet last. It's dry within an half hour while I'm cleaning the outside.





Before







After



 
Wow amazing results. What's your process with the steam cleaner? Do you use product with the steamer, if so before or after, and how exactly?



What leather products?



Thanks!
 
Is there a battery powered vacuum on the market that is good enough for mobile detailing?
14.gif
 
alw6589 said:
Wow amazing results. What's your process with the steam cleaner? Do you use product with the steamer, if so before or after, and how exactly?



What leather products?



Thanks!
Click to expand...



I do not use any product with it. After I fully vacuum as much as I can, I blow out the carpet a bit with an air hose(mats especially).

The steamer takes a bit to heat up, so when it's ready I steam out the dash, vents, cracks, crevices and doors. I have a MF rag ready to wipe as I go. The handles and the seat belts are usually pretty dirty and the steamer takes care of that. With leather seats I'm pretty careful around that. Most of the time I just avoid them.



I prefer not to use anything that makes the interior shiney. But I do have Meguiars Natural Shine that I've used. I also usually use Malco Leather Conditioner, or Surf City makes a good one for the seats.



Before I do the carpet, I will use the brush attachment and scrub the carpet a bit. Same with the mats. When I get all that loosen up and agitated I spray the Folex on generously and let it sit for 10 minutes. I will use a plain scrub brush and scrub on it for a few minutes. Then, I just use the wet/dry vac to extract. I just prefer to do the carpet last because once that's done, I'm not stepping back into the vehicle with my shoes and stuff. I have those paper mats that I will put in just in case I need to though.

Hope that helps.



Link to the steamer I have.



Amazon.com: McCulloch MC-1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner: Home & Kitchen







hgdcdjian said:
Is there a battery powered vacuum on the market that is good enough for mobile detailing?
14.gif
Click to expand...

Not that I'm aware of no.
 
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