A Guide To Valeting Your Car

A car can cover many miles and a fair share of knocks and scrapes in its life. While a mechanic can take care of the engine and insides, ensuring everything there is in working order, the outside of a car can be just as important. Keeping your car clean not only shows it off to its best, it can be better for your wallet. Surveys indicate that regular cleaning, valeting and minor cosmetic repairs before you sell can add several hundred pounds to a car’s value.



A thorough clean of the inside of a car is known as valeting. Whilst there are several companies that do this and often will utilise their own specialist kit, it is just not as satisfying as doing a good job yourself. Before you start though, you will need a car cleaning kit. This should consist of a sponge, upholstery cleaner, polish, interior cleaner, chamois leather, a dusting cloth, a vacuum cleaner and brushes. You may also find that you will have your own preferences and tools for cleaning, such as a soft duster.



Now with the right kit, it is time to start. First remove any rubbish from your car and also the car mats. A thorough vacuuming should now take place – during which it is important to reach under seats and hard to reach nooks and corners. The dashboard, seats and doors should also be vacuumed with a brush attachment taking care not to scratch or damage the surface.

Next - upholstery. A variety of specialist products are available for cleaning car upholstery and they all do a good job. Simply spray the products evenly on the seat or door and rub vigorously. Then, wipe off thoroughly with a dry cloth. Once the upholstery is done the carpets will need attention. It is always best to clean carpets in the same way you would clean the seats and upholstery. Spray, rub and wipe. Water should be used sparingly, if at all, when cleaning the interior, as if it fails to dry out properly it can cause damage to the car.



Cleaning the console and dashboard is best done with a simple duster, if the car is reasonably clean. If there are tough stains on the dashboard, then a moist cloth, detergent and some good old fashioned elbow grease is required. To restore the shine of plastic, a plastic polish can be spread lightly with a brush and cloth. This will not only add some gloss but help protect the surface.



After all that effort you should have a clean car looking as good as new. Best of all you won't be out of pocket, with enough left to deal with any unforeseen circumstance such as a windscreen replacement cost.