Navigation (SatNav) or DVD Screen



The screen is highly static and tends to attract dust like a magnet; so do not attempt to remove dust with a dry cloth. Use a damp 100% cotton micro fibre towel and electronics `safe` anti-static cleaner (Kiwi Brands Endust™ for Electronics or Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant & Polish to remove light surface scratches) also works well on both computer monitors and television screens. Wrap a micro fibre towel around a q-tip to get the corners. Do not use a product that uses a stronger ratio of isopropyl alcohol than 1:1 (50%) as more than that could damage the screens.



A screen protection film would be good insurance against scratches

While the navigation system provides directional assistance, the driver must remain focused on safe driving behaviour, including attention to traffic and street signs. The driver should utilize the system`s audio cues while driving and should only consult the map or visual displays once the vehicle has been stopped in a safe place.



Ultra Violet Radiation



Dependent upon interior colour at a 90.oF ambient; Interior (Light) 104 - 135.oF (Dark) 220 – 275.oF,

Steering wheel – 160.oF - Dashboard 182.oF - Seats 165.oF (dependent upon colour, material and colour, actual results may vary depending on time in sun, make of car, size of windows and direction (sun Azimuth or angle) in which car is parked.



Fabric Upholstery and Carpet Protection



Once carpet or upholstery has been cleaned the use of a fabric protector will help to repel grease, dirt, water and oil-based stains. Select a product that contains UVR protection for maximum fade protection, a must for convertibles.



On outdoor materials (convertible fabric or vinyl) it restores water and stains repellence, resists soiling, mildew formation and helps to protect again harmful UVR and infrared radiation.



1. Scotchgard™ -fluorocarbon(See Note 1) chemicals (polymer latex) developed by 3M are mostly inert so by applying it to fabric they provide an effective protective treatment by surrounding each individual fibre with an invisible shield. It can be safely used for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers like Nubuck, Alcantara and suede Scotchgard Protector improves the fibres resistance to oil and water-based stains, as well as soiling from everyday use



2. 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard - strong enough to protect fabrics in the harshest environment, yet it can be safely used for the finest fabrics, wool, silk, and fine leathers like Nubuck, Alcantara and suede.

On outdoor fabrics it restores lost water repellency and stain repellency to factory new levels. It resists soiling, impedes mildew formation and helps protect against the sun`s harmful UV rays.



3. G|Techniq I1 Smart Fabric - based on chemical nanotechnology, it coats individual fibres, which allows the material to breath, while at the same time repelling dirt and liquid. It has no affect on the tactile feel or colour of any fabric. Smart Fabric protects fabric surfaces effectively from dirt, wine, coffee etc and provides long term protection. Dir and soil simply rolls off the surface and can be wiped away with a damp cloth with zero staining. Works well on convertible roofs and provides great durability



4. 303™ Aerospace Protectant - (there are no cleaning agents in this product) providing protection from ultra violet radiation is very important to avoid photo degradation (colour fading) particularly in an open-air roadster/convertible.



UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) No product on the market retains UV protection effectiveness more than 2-3 months. It is also water miscible, so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)



There is no such thing as a permanent UV stabilizer, it a matter of physics, not chemistry. Polymers (acrylics, etc) resist UV degradation very well due to their structure, they are somewhat immune and absorb very little ultra violet radiation, and hence UV energy does not damage them



Application- use on a clean surface spray product onto a cloth, the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp. Then using a clean, dry cloth, agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface



Streaking (No, not the kind you see at Rugby matches) ensure that you are not using too much product; a thin layer is all that`s required. Be sure also that both your surface and the applicator is clean and has not become saturated. In general, a quick wipe down with a microfiber towel should remove the excess and eliminate it



Notes



1. Fluorocarbons are a class of molecules that possess a variety of unique and economically valuable properties. Molecules that contain multiple carbon-fluorine bonds are chemically and thermally stable, with high dielectric strengths. Fluorocarbons are lipophobic (non-absorbent) in addition to being hydrophobic/non-polar, finding applications as oil, water, and stain repellents.



2. Optimum Opti™ Clean is the ultimate one-step product. It cleans and protects all automotive surfaces in one step



Stains



The first thing you should do upon discovering a stain is to act immediately. Don’t wait because heat and/or time will just cause the stain to set in deeper, resist the urge to rub or wet it as this will make it much harder to remove. Be patient, some stains respond slowly, some stains cannot be removed due to differences in fibres, dyes, construction of fabric, finishes, etc; this would also depend on the length of time the stain has remained on the fabric. Some stains will require professional treatment and/or re- dyeing.



Before deciding upon treatment, you should first access what ‘type’ of stain it is, before a stain can be removed the surface tension that bonds it must be released, then the stain encapsulated and held in suspension to be removed. With all cleaning products, always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won`t discolour the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material.



Select a suitable stain removal cleaner and then use a solution of 20% stain remover and 80% distilled water, shaving cream or foam to remove stains from fabrics. Spray a small amount of the solution onto the stain. Wait for a few minutes, and then lightly scrub the stained area with a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush. Blot the area with a soft clean cloth



Classifying stains-



Organic stains- these include proteins and fats, body oils, mould yeast, bacteria, bugs and carbohydrates. Organic soil is cleaned with an alkaline-based cleaner.Most of the stains found in the vehicle interior are of an organic nature and require an alkaline type cleaner.



Organic stains - milk, blood, vomit (emesis) is highly acidic) and urine, they all should be removed with an enzyme type cleaner. Hard water scale (calcium), deposits and bird lime require an acid-based cleaner.



Inorganic stains- mostly found on the exterior of the vehicle. Petroleum (Hydrocarbon) soils - substances that do not contain water, nor are they miscible, these soil types include, motor oils, and crease and road tar, and require a solvent-based cleaner.



Stain Types-



a) Water Soluble Stains- These stains can be dissolved in cool water or loosened with water based cleaner, coffee; soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate are good examples.



b) Oil soluble stains- These are stains that are comprised of oily or greasy substances, which include cooking, oil from fried foods and suntan oil.



c) Combination Stains- These stains contain both water based and oil-soluble properties. Cleaning these stains require treatment with a petroleum solvent followed by water based cleaning solution.



d) Unidentifiable Stains- Sometimes stains cannot be identified. Treat these stains like a combination stain. Clean with a petroleum solvent followed by water based cleaner.



All Purpose Cleaner (APC)



As you can see from the above list the so-called ‘all purpose cleaner’ (APC) cannot remove all stains, it’s better to use a specific stain remover than to compromise. Always select a chemical / cleaner that are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and safe to use by observing any precautions recommended so that they won’t harm you, your vehicle or the environment



Stain Removal



A thorough stain removal / cleaning process would require the following; the correct chemical cleaner, heat, agitation and water to act as a carrier system and as a final rinse.



With all cleaning products (especially solvents) always test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it won`t discolour, stain or etch the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material



Before cleaning a stain ascertain the material and try detergent and water before using a specific cleaner. Start with a 10:1 solution and decrease dilution as necessary; 303™ Spot & Stain Remover, P21S High Performance Total Auto Wash or Iz einszett Vinyl-Rubber Care` between these cleaners you should be able to remove 99% of stains occurring in a vehicle fabrics and around the vehicle interior. Once fabric is clean apply a fabric protection. 303™ High Tech Fabric Guard and UV Protection, 303™ Aerospace Protectant to all surfaces



Enzymes



Enzymes are proteins that catalyze (i.e., increase the rates of) chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process, called substrates, are converted into different molecules, called products. Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates sufficient for life. Since enzymes are selective for their substrates and speed up only a few reactions from among many possibilities, the set of enzymes made in a cell determines which metabolic pathways occur in that cell.



Like all catalysts, enzymes work by lowering the activation energy for a reaction, thus dramatically increasing the rate of the reaction. As a result, products are formed faster and reactions reach their equilibrium state more rapidly. Most enzyme reaction rates are millions of times faster than those of comparable un-catalyzed reactions. As with all catalysts, enzymes are not consumed by the reactions they catalyze, nor do they alter the equilibrium of these reactions.



Different cleaning methods to remove two different types of contaminants



1. Hot water and liquid soap to remove water-soluble contaminants:



Dirt, Mud

Road Salt



2. Wax and Grease Remover to remove solvent soluble contaminants:

Grease and Oil (Stoner’s Tarminator)

Road Tar ditto

Tree Sap ditto

Bird Droppings ditto

Wax and Polishes (DuPont Prepsol)

Silicone ditto



Always Test a Small Inconspicuous Area First



As can be seen with the above lists an all purpose cleaner will probably not clean stains effectively (Most are butyl based, which is a huge known carcinogen) With all cleaning products (especially solvents) always test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it won`t discolour, stain or etch the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material



As can be seen stain removal requires some knowledge of basic chemistry. Read the product labels and manufacturers material safety data sheets (MSDS) to obtain a basic idea of contents, pH levels etc. Always select a chemical / cleaner that are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and safe to use by observing any precautions recommended so that they won’t harm you, your vehicle or the environment. (See also Vehicle Interior Detailing, Solvents)



Before using a cleaning product a detailer needs to know the material they are working on, what they are trying to remove and wither the product chosen is compatible with the material and will not damage it.



Diagnosis is the key, not guess work. With all cleaning products, always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won`t discolour or stain the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material.



As can be seen stain removal requires some knowledge of basic chemistry. Read the product labels and manufacturers safety data sheets (MSDS) to obtain a basic idea of contents, pH levels etc.



Always select a chemical / cleaner that are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and safe to use by observing any precautions recommended so that they won’t harm you, your vehicle or the environment



The Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute (CUCI)



This is the basic governing body that provides training and standards for quality carpet, upholstery, restoration, odour, and leather care techniques. They have regional units and trainings classes throughout most of their regions.



The classes are taught by certified instructors, who teach the procedures, processes, chemicals, and equipment that can best be applied to your style of work. Some of the basic classes



(a) Basic carpet cleaning techniques

(b) Basic upholstery cleaning and care techniques (c) Basic leather care techniques These classes will teach you fibre, soil and stain identification, ‘spot’ stain cleaning techniques and the proper procedures for the removal of soils quickly and cost effectively.



Carpets- 303™ Rug / Upholstery Cleaner & Spot Remover or Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover



Bac-Out Stain & Odor Eliminator – a safe stain and odour eliminator that contains live enzyme cultures that attack organic stains (food, etc) and odours and removes them.



P21S High Performance Total Auto Wash (its active ingredient is Limonene, a safe solvent (citrus) all purpose cleaner (APC)



Alternative - Woolite Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam



Scotchgard™ Carpet & Fabric Protector - protects carpets against acid-based stains like coloured fruit drinks, soft drinks, gelatine, etc. It also revitalizes soil/stain protection on stain-resistant carpets, protects against dirt, dust, mud and grime.



Interior (Cockpit) Cleaning



For light dust or pollen use a tack cloth as this will ‘lift’ the dust, once the dust has been removed you can then use your normal cockpit cleaning products without the risk of causing smearing or worse scratches



Cabin - Iz einszett Cockpit Premium, an interior treatment developed specifically for the cockpit providing an original factory matte finish. For use on dash, vinyl seats, doors handles, trim, stereo/head units, steering wheel (polyurethane coated) and clear plastic. Cleans components and contains (UV) protection that prevents fading from the sun that occurs over time. The gentle formula is water-based and free of oils providing a flat matte, original showroom finish. Non-slip finish allows for application on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob



Carbon Fibre –Wipe with a clean damp micro fibre cloth and apply a very thin coat of Klasse All-In-One



Fabric seats -303™ Rug / Upholstery Cleaner & Spot Remover an industrial strength concentrate. It is designed to accomplish even the toughest, heaviest-duty cleaning jobs safely, contains no caustics, acids or solvents.



This non-flammable, non-fuming, and odourless product rinses residue free. Duragloss FC (Fabric & Carpet Cleaner) aerosol foam is a blend of surfactants, which encapsulates and gently foams away soil, oil and grease from fabric and carpet surfaces. Brush fabric and then use a hot water extractor system. Spot cleaning can be done without leaving rings on fabric. Follow with a heated water extractor system. (See also “Carpet Cleaning” article)



Leather seats – Remove surface dirt and dust, cleaning the seams periodically is important as dirt / grit will abrade the stitching causing them to fail, prise them apart, then use a soft brush, vacuum and then use a foam cleaner, one section at a time, and then finally wipe off with a clean, damp micro fibre towel. Use Leather Master Protection, as a shield against stains etc



The advantage of foam over liquid is the minimum amount of moisture, very important for cleaning absorbent and moisture sensitive (Aniline, including perforated) Nubuck, etc) leathers. Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner is a solvent free pump action product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general soiling and water based stains.



Carbon Fibre Cloth - or carbon fibre fabrics are all names for the black woven carbon fibre reinforcement used in many of today`s advanced composites.



Vinyl - including the dashboard urethane finished leather and door cards - periodically clean using Iz einszett `Plastik-Reiniger` an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner for urethane covered upholstery and vinyl trim, that removes grime build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore the original texture, tactile feel and resiliency. Silicon-free (Silicon oil formulations are build-up type products which accelerate heat damage) interior cleaners for all vinyl / plastic parts reliably prevents electrostatic charges creating a dust repellent surface.



Apply a suitable matte type dressing (G Techniq C4 Trim Restorer or Iz Cockpit Premium) to ensure that there is no reflection on the windshield, thus reducing visibility.



Alternate with a UVR protection (303™ Space Protectant or Optimum Protectant Plus) especially to the dash and any other surface that is subjected to sunlight on a regular basis. Note that there are no surface cleaners in this product



Plastic - For all plastic surfaces (BTI Chemicals Plexus Plastic Polish & Cleaner) including wood, as they are protected with a urethane clear coat, Blackfire One Step, Plastic Cleaner, Polish & Glaze



Seat Belts



• For spot stains use a fabric cleaner 303 ™ Cleaner & Spot Remover

• Pull the belts from the retractor and gently close the door on the belt, clean and allow to air dry before opening the door and retracting the belt. Do not use bleach, strong detergents, or dye on the seat belts as this may severely weaken them and render them ineffective in a crash.

• Once fabric is dry apply a fabric protection (303 ™ High Tech Fabric Guard)

• While you are cleaning the belts, take the opportunity to closely inspect them for damage and security of attachment, ensure here are no cuts, tears or abrasions (you should always inspect for damage etc if they get caught by a closing door)After a while the seat belt mechanism becomes slow and / or will not retract when released.

• This can be avoided by cleaning the upper anchor; as the seatbelt retracts it leaves behind a film of dirt, which builds up over time. Use compressed air to remove dust and then using a Q- tip and some Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) you can clean the seat belt anchor / retracting mechanism. Once clean add some Plexus Plastic Cleaner to provide lubrication.



Maintenance clean seat belts with 303 Cleaner & Spot Remover™ / distilled water solution



Alternative products – C-28 Seat Belt Cleaner and Spot Remover from PRO is a non-flammable and non hazardous concentrated cleaner that safely removes dirt, oil, grease and stains from seat belts – Professional Car Care



Washable surfaces - Distilled water / Woolite 10:1 or 303™ Cleaner & Spot Remover



Glass surfaces - Stoner`s Invisible Glass and a (Norwex) glass cleaning cloth with a super tight knit. Eimann Fabrik Clear Vision II Glass Cleaner with a micro fibre towel



Headlining / Headliner - Duragloss 451 Fabric & Carpet Cleaner Aerosol Foam (FC) is a blend of surfactants, which gently foam away soil, oil and grease from fabric and carpet surfaces. Spot cleaning can be done without leaving rings on fabrics, carpet and velour.

Use Dr Joe dedicated Lint-Free 100% Cotton Blue Huck Surgical Towels, using very light pressure and wipe the headliner following the cleaning with the water based cleaner (do not soak or use hot water on the headliner fabric as it may delaminate) Dry by blotting with a clean, dry surgical huck towel



Permatex aerosol heavy duty headliner and carpet adhesive, high-strength spray adhesive designed for repairing interior parts which have become detached or loosened. Voc compliant, it bonds foam, fabrics, plastics, rubbers, and other automotive materials. Dries clear for neat appearance.



Wood (urethane protected) surfaces – Klasse or Zaino All-In-One (AIO)



Use the Right Brush For the Job



1 Interiors - (Horse hair / Nylon) whether around the house or inside your automobile, have many different textures. This carpet cleaning brush is great for lifting the nap up on carpets and cloth upholstery to make for easy cleaning.



2. Leather - The Horse Hair Brush has soft and gentle bristles, easy to grip handles. Great for leather, headliners, vinyl door panels and rear deck covers - Groit’s Garage



3. Pro Detailer Sonic Scrubber - scrubs away tough dirt and grime and clean inaccessible areas with ease with a Sonic Scrubber. These brilliant, lightweight, battery-operated devices have a powerful, non-stall motor, an oscillating brush that dislodges dirt effortlessly and an angled head to access difficult to reach areas and to prevent scraped knuckles.





Carpet Extractor



A heated carpet extractor is a necessity if you`re a detailing professional, you should have a hot water extractor for the efficient and labour saving cleaning of carpets and upholstery.



An extractor is used for the deep cleaning of carpets; it forces hot water and detergent deep into the nap of carpet, and then draws it out with a powerful vacuum.



Steam vapour cleans and sanitises interior surfaces, although steam will clean the surface of carpets it cannot achieve the very thorough deep cleaning of its fibres like an extractor.



Hot water extractors outperform wet/dry vacuums many times over. A vacuum can miss sand and sticky or oily contaminants that adhere to fibre. When hot water and detergent is added to the process, this debris is loosened and sucked into the extractor.

An extraction system process is the choice of professional detailers due to its cost effectiveness, performance efficiency and time saving over conventional methods. Extractors work by using a cleaning solution dispensed from a tank that heats the solution to 200.oF+ and is sprayed at medium pressure, high volume from the machine via a cleaning wand; it is then filtered and re-circulated. Extraction also allows the ability to remove cleaning residues due to its high suction power (100-inch water gauge +). Rinsed fabrics look and smell cleaner and resist soiling better.



The Sensei Extractor with a sizable 6 gallon tanks, but is only 28 inches high (with handle down). A neat, fold-over handle makes it easy to transport and store. So easy, weight 60 Lbs. empty so you can carry it in the trunk of a car, (7 amps / 110V) which makes it a perfect choice for mobile detail units. Vacuum -120 –ins wg lift, 100PSI pump, Internal In-Line Heater provides up to 200.0F heat (approx 1,400 USD 8/2010)



Organic stain removal- quarter (1/4) cup Protein Stain Remover (topoftheline.com) / 1-cup 303™ Cleaner & Spot Remover / one gallon hot water let to remain in place for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react



Other stain removal / normal cleaning- 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S High Performance Total Auto Wash, allow solution to remain in place for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react



Note- Run a gallon of distilled white vinegar thru the extractor either weekly, or after every ten fresh fills. Vinegar contains acetic acid, an organic carboxylic that will help eliminate scale, mild mineral deposits etc. from clogging your extractor.



Products - Prochem Carpet Chemicals - Liquid Slurry dilution ratio - one ounce / five gallons of water All Fiber Rinse leaves the carpet feeling soft, not stiff like most extraction chemicals.



Disclaimer-the guidelines for carpet care given in this section are of a general nature and are made in good faith. However, due to the condition, materials, age and other factors, undesired effects or damages might be caused when some of our recommended procedures are used on some automotive carpets/mats, so any procedure or technique you choose to apply is done at your own risk.



The Dust Collector Vacuum Gun is a blow & suction gun that increases vacuum efficiency and power up to 50%when connecting with wet/dry vacuum and air compressor. A reversal venturi air flow breaks down stubborn dirt, and then the vacuum removes debris / dirt at the same time. The Dust Collector Vacuum Gun significantly reduces air duct particle flows during operation. The optimum air pressure 85 and 95 psi



GFCI and Extension Cord



Extension cord sizes are specific for different types of tools. The amperage flowing through an extension cord can ruin a tool. It is important to choose extension cords that are proper for the kind of tool you will be using. Extension cord selection is biased on two main principles. First, the cable should be able to carry the current load imposed on it without overheating. It should be able to do this in the most extreme conditions of temperature it will encounter during its working life. Second, it should offer sufficiently sound earthing to (a) limit the voltage to which people are exposed to a safe level and (b) allow the fault current to trip the fuse or MCB in a short time.



To meet these requirements requires consideration of the circuit load current (amps) a reasonable voltage drop (5%) cable thickness and length and the over-current protection device. Generally, current delivered to static loads is lowered by increased extension cord length(R) Resistance goes up; current (amps) goes down (I = E / R = Current x Resistance).



Warning: Always use ground fault protection interruption (GFPI) when using any electrical device around water



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