The Process...

[Kimo]

Ok everyone,

I have seen lots of advice on products, how to clean carpets, paint, etc...

But my biggest problem is "The Process".

It seems that I always get started with one thing and keep getting sidetracked before I finish, or I'll start with carpets and realize it makes it really hard to do the dash without dirtying it up again, etc. Also, it takes FOREVER for me to do a detail. It's all the little delays, etc. that add up.

I think I need a process to follow. I'm not going to use specific products, just tasks. Here's my stab at it, please comment.

1.) Vacuum interior (dry)
2.) Clean interior vinyl/plastic/rubber
3.) Dress interior vinyl/plastic/rubber
4.) Clean interior glass/mirrors
5.) Clean carpets/upholstery (incl. leather)
6.) Condition leather

At this point I should be finished with the interior of the car.

7.) Clean Engine (if desired)
8.) Dress Engine (if desired)

9.) Clean Door sills/jambs/seals
10.) Dress seals

11.) Clean wheelwells
12.) Clean Tires/Rims

14.) Wash Exterior
15.) Clay
16.) Wash Exterior
17.) Polish/Paint Cleaner
18.) Glaze (if desired)
19.) Seal/Wax (incl. Wheels if desired)
20.) Dress Tires
21.) Dress external plastic/rubber (incl. wheelwells)
22.) Clean External Glass/Mirrors

I'm trying to get this list refined and ordered correctly, that way I can just follow it so I don't get sidetracked.

Help me out - Critiques/Additions are very welcome.

Thanks,

K

 

[GregCavi]

Here is how i would do it


1.) Vacuum interior (dry)
2.) Clean carpets/upholstery (incl. leather) - by shampooing before the cleaning and dressing prevents you from having to reclean and dress trim

3.) Clean interior vinyl/plastic/rubber - you can also blow out vents or dust vents while your doing this step.

4.) Dress interior vinyl/plastic/rubber
5.) Condition leather

6.) Clean interior glass/mirrors - I would leave this until the end and then you can do it with the exterior glass as well


-------------------------------------



7.) Clean Engine (if desired)
8.) Dress Engine (if desired)

9.) Clean wheelwells- A good apc then agitiate and spray off with water.

10.) Clean Tires/Rims- good apc then agitate. you can also use your wash shampoo. Use a separate wash bucket and mitt from your car.

11.) Wash Exterior
12.) Clay
13.) Wash Exterior

14.) Clean Door sills/jambs/seals - if you do this prior to wash you will find yourself doing it over again.



15.) Dress seals

16.) Polish/Paint Cleaner
17.) Glaze (if desired)
18.) Seal/Wax (incl. Wheels if desired)
19.) Dress Tires
20.) Dress external plastic/rubber (incl. wheelwells)
21.) Clean Exterior/Interior Glass/Mirrors
22.) Final QD

** There is probably steps that i have forgotten but this is how the rough process I follow. **

Greg

 

[LastDetail]

:yeah
The lamest thing is having to do work over again. Like if you clean and dress the vinyl, and then go on to vacuuming, you will blow crap from the carpeting onto the vinyl and then have to do it again. I agree with Gregs order of operations.