The Gloss Boss
You Mirin'?
Guys! So sorry for the delay on getting documentation of the "dry clean" process on here for you all. It's been a combination of forgetfulness and being really busy lately.
But, without further ado I'll break down the process step by step here. This is the process I use for vents, cupholders/console area, really dirty HVAC/stereo stack clusters, steering wheel, blinker & wiper control arms area, lighting and sideview mirror controls on the dash to the left of the steering wheel, door controls (windows, locks, etc), and any other tight spaces I could be leaving out.
I'll explain my standard approach for the rest of the vehicle as well.
1. Products and tools.
You'll need your dry foam of choice. I finally got in contact with Car Brite and got a hold of some Xtra Duty. It's more powerful than Tuff Stuff or Blue Coral, but I miss the scent of Blue Coral. However, both of those otc products are excellent I just like the convenience and savings of buying in bulk from Car Brite. Xtra Duty with Blue Coral scent would rock my face off. :rockon
Other tools will consist of MF towels, a steamer (optional), and compressed air.
Finally you'll need a dressing/protectant of your choice. I tend to reach for an aerosol dressing for its ability to evenly cover these tight areas I have mentioned. I've been using Car Brite In & Out.
2. Process
I'll use this dirty cupholer for my subject.
I start by spraying down the area with dry foam and then agitate with my vent brush.
After agitating I will wipe off whatever foam I can with a MF towel and then proceed to use compressed air to remove the rest while drying the area.
I don't use the steamer unless I need to loosen up or remove something first that I know the foam won't remove alone such as gum or paint, etc. It also helps to blast out crevices where crap might get stuck. It's all dependent on the car and it's condition whether I use the steamer in these tight areas, but I will always use it to clean and sanitize the ventilation.
After everything has been dried I will apply the aerosol dressing.
And viola! Good as new (sometimes). :lol2:
As for the rest of the interior.....
Headliners: Spot treat with dry foam by spraying the foam directly on the stain and either blot or lightly wipe the area. It's harder to over-saturate than with an APC, but some caution is still in order. I tend to also take my steamer and "diaper" the triangle attachment with a MF towel and lightly go over the headliner just to pick up anything else that may be there.
Dash: Steam diaper method. If the angle of the dash and windshield is too acute I will wipe the areas I cant reach with a APC-dampened MF towel.
Door panels: Dry foam and/or steam diaper method depending on the condition. I will incorporate a leather brush to scrub the vinyl if it's needed.
Seats and Carpets: Depending on condition I will either just extract them with my Dupray or use Nate's (mrclean81) buffer agitation method then extract. Occasionally I'll have to inject detergent through my Dupray for really bad stains or use Meguiar's Super Degreaser.
Door jambs: Using the described process for tight areas works well, but you may have to substitute dry foam for a more power degreaser. I use my steamer with a jet attachment and detergent injection most of the time.
Windows: fog up with the steamer and wipe clean with MF window towels. No chemical residue, no whiny customers :bigups.
Hope this helps. Thanks to mrclean81 again for the trade secrets and product suggestions.:rockon
I'll be happy to go more in-depth on any process if you need me to.
Thanks for reading.
But, without further ado I'll break down the process step by step here. This is the process I use for vents, cupholders/console area, really dirty HVAC/stereo stack clusters, steering wheel, blinker & wiper control arms area, lighting and sideview mirror controls on the dash to the left of the steering wheel, door controls (windows, locks, etc), and any other tight spaces I could be leaving out.
I'll explain my standard approach for the rest of the vehicle as well.
1. Products and tools.
You'll need your dry foam of choice. I finally got in contact with Car Brite and got a hold of some Xtra Duty. It's more powerful than Tuff Stuff or Blue Coral, but I miss the scent of Blue Coral. However, both of those otc products are excellent I just like the convenience and savings of buying in bulk from Car Brite. Xtra Duty with Blue Coral scent would rock my face off. :rockon
Other tools will consist of MF towels, a steamer (optional), and compressed air.
Finally you'll need a dressing/protectant of your choice. I tend to reach for an aerosol dressing for its ability to evenly cover these tight areas I have mentioned. I've been using Car Brite In & Out.
2. Process
I'll use this dirty cupholer for my subject.
I start by spraying down the area with dry foam and then agitate with my vent brush.
After agitating I will wipe off whatever foam I can with a MF towel and then proceed to use compressed air to remove the rest while drying the area.
I don't use the steamer unless I need to loosen up or remove something first that I know the foam won't remove alone such as gum or paint, etc. It also helps to blast out crevices where crap might get stuck. It's all dependent on the car and it's condition whether I use the steamer in these tight areas, but I will always use it to clean and sanitize the ventilation.
After everything has been dried I will apply the aerosol dressing.
And viola! Good as new (sometimes). :lol2:
As for the rest of the interior.....
Headliners: Spot treat with dry foam by spraying the foam directly on the stain and either blot or lightly wipe the area. It's harder to over-saturate than with an APC, but some caution is still in order. I tend to also take my steamer and "diaper" the triangle attachment with a MF towel and lightly go over the headliner just to pick up anything else that may be there.
Dash: Steam diaper method. If the angle of the dash and windshield is too acute I will wipe the areas I cant reach with a APC-dampened MF towel.
Door panels: Dry foam and/or steam diaper method depending on the condition. I will incorporate a leather brush to scrub the vinyl if it's needed.
Seats and Carpets: Depending on condition I will either just extract them with my Dupray or use Nate's (mrclean81) buffer agitation method then extract. Occasionally I'll have to inject detergent through my Dupray for really bad stains or use Meguiar's Super Degreaser.
Door jambs: Using the described process for tight areas works well, but you may have to substitute dry foam for a more power degreaser. I use my steamer with a jet attachment and detergent injection most of the time.
Windows: fog up with the steamer and wipe clean with MF window towels. No chemical residue, no whiny customers :bigups.
Hope this helps. Thanks to mrclean81 again for the trade secrets and product suggestions.:rockon
I'll be happy to go more in-depth on any process if you need me to.
Thanks for reading.
