the 'little tricks you've learned' thread
- Thread starter wizardofahs
- Start date
StyleTEG said:I buy several cans of compressed air at office supply stores, and use them to lightly blow water out of the cracks and crevasses after washing & drying. Works great if you don't have a leaf blower, or are detailing away from home
Just don't hold them upside down or any akward angles
Just get a refillable compressed air can. They can be used to spray whatever you want or just plain air. One can is a lot less than the compressed air you get at the office supply stores and they can be used again and again.
imported_Larry A
New member
riceguy said:
A wisk broom does wonders in car interiors. The real one, made from corn stalks.
imported_dirtdiggler
New member
for short time pad storage, use ziplock bags..
Old Tiger
New member
I dont recall seeing this one.
The best way to prep wheel wells for washing is to apply your favorite APC with a garden sprayer. Thev kind with a flexibletube and wand. These work much better than sprayers made for auto detailing (e.g.., AG sprayer for $20 plus shipping, I have another garden sprayer to apply dressing to wells after. wash. CG Bare Bones or Griots work well as Spray On Walk Away LSP's for wheel wells.
The best way to prep wheel wells for washing is to apply your favorite APC with a garden sprayer. Thev kind with a flexibletube and wand. These work much better than sprayers made for auto detailing (e.g.., AG sprayer for $20 plus shipping, I have another garden sprayer to apply dressing to wells after. wash. CG Bare Bones or Griots work well as Spray On Walk Away LSP's for wheel wells.
Git-R-Clean
New member
keep a magic eraser handy for inside the door jambs for removing shoe skuffs.
also works great for spills
also works great for spills
S&S Detailing
New member
Pretty simple ones I don't recall in these last ten pages........
When I start an interior, as was said earlier, I hit everything with an air hose, my addition is I also like to spray some foaming cleaner into the vents, any cracks, steering wheel and center console to get all the dirt out of there possible with the air hose, makes it easier and faster than doing each vent individually with a brush.
When cleaning mats I like to use a pressure washer as CLOSE to the mat as possible. Doing this, even without any scrubbing can restore a terribly abused mat to look almost new. I've also found that some stains that are difficult or even seem forever inlaid in the mat sometimes come right out with a brushing in that spot with solvent.
LOVE this post guys, thanks to everyone who has posted, learned (and affirmed) some great points!!!!
When I start an interior, as was said earlier, I hit everything with an air hose, my addition is I also like to spray some foaming cleaner into the vents, any cracks, steering wheel and center console to get all the dirt out of there possible with the air hose, makes it easier and faster than doing each vent individually with a brush.
When cleaning mats I like to use a pressure washer as CLOSE to the mat as possible. Doing this, even without any scrubbing can restore a terribly abused mat to look almost new. I've also found that some stains that are difficult or even seem forever inlaid in the mat sometimes come right out with a brushing in that spot with solvent.
LOVE this post guys, thanks to everyone who has posted, learned (and affirmed) some great points!!!!
sparklescarwash
New member
I have found that for the inside if not that bad pledge or indust with fiber cloth works great also will make door jams shine.
When wet sanding, I use a cheap HVLP sprayer to rinse off the surface and does a better job at cleaning the paper and panel. I fill a "refill jug" up with hot water & soap. I turn the pressure on the gun down to around 10-20psi, fluid screw full open, pattern knob closed or slightly cracked. I also hang the gun by the cup on a guitar stand that is easy to move around the car and sit the gun down without tipping. I also picked up cheap plastic dinner tray from Goodwill, the compartments are easily filled with water and you can sort the different grits all in 1 tray.
Hope that helps someone out!
Hope that helps someone out!
I have not seen this one yet, but it is a life saver.
Use non chlorinated brake cleaner to remove paint from plastic.
for about $2.00 you can strip a "custom" dashboard down to the factory finish.
It also helps to spray down some pieces and tie them in a heavy-duty garbage bag. Take them out in about 30 mins, and the paint will come off in sheets.
Use non chlorinated brake cleaner to remove paint from plastic.
for about $2.00 you can strip a "custom" dashboard down to the factory finish.
It also helps to spray down some pieces and tie them in a heavy-duty garbage bag. Take them out in about 30 mins, and the paint will come off in sheets.
Glossequation
New member
Luster said:I understand your concerns!!!
I use Hi-Temp (brand) Grape Tire Dressing on the treads.
You mentioned a few blocks of driving. It's really more like a few rotations. Usually, by the time you reach the street, it's all worn off. Even better in the grass, and it's bio-degradable. (I guess that means I can drink it!)
Congrats on winning the darwin award. Go look up the story about the retard who did this to his Jetta and ended up wrapped around a tree because he lost all his grip. I mean, there are some things that you think of and right away say "I shouldn't do this". This is one of them, I mean come on.
My contribution to this thread has probably already been mentioned, but don't ever dry your car before hitting it with a leaf blower. My $75 Wal Mart 2 cycle Poulan has been saving me from constant drips for 5 years now.
blackcaraddict said:
I doubt that tire shine is going to cause a person to lose all of their grip. I'm sure there is something he's not telling us. Like he was running slicks, or he was on a racetrack, or he was driving like an idiot. That stuff is going to wear off within a block, just like rust disappears on brake rotors after one stop.
Concourswanna b
New member
Had spare time recently... came up w. an effective way to clean doorjambs maybe not THE fastest way....
>protect interior w. towels
>spray down w. apc dilution of choice
>rinse with spray bottle of distilled water
>spray ONR dilution onto panel
>wipe w. mf that has also been soaked in ONR
>dry w. separate MF.
I found no swirls on the jambs from this method.
>protect interior w. towels
>spray down w. apc dilution of choice
>rinse with spray bottle of distilled water
>spray ONR dilution onto panel
>wipe w. mf that has also been soaked in ONR
>dry w. separate MF.
I found no swirls on the jambs from this method.
I will second the idea about Mr. Clean Magic erasers there work great on scuffs.
Also, I use a craftsman shop vacuum that has a detachable blower on it. I hook my vacuum hose right to the blower ( with it still attached to the vacuum and dry the car and then switch it to the vacuum port and do my interior. saves me a ton of time and money.
Also, I use a craftsman shop vacuum that has a detachable blower on it. I hook my vacuum hose right to the blower ( with it still attached to the vacuum and dry the car and then switch it to the vacuum port and do my interior. saves me a ton of time and money.
Dubbin1
I like Cheese
Foam paint brush to apply tire and trim gels.
To get oil or grease out of carpets/fabric spray brake cleaner (any brand) on a towel and gently wipe over the spot. It will stink for a bit but will go away pretty quick.
To get oil or grease out of carpets/fabric spray brake cleaner (any brand) on a towel and gently wipe over the spot. It will stink for a bit but will go away pretty quick.
DoneRight1st
New member
If you wash your black car or truck with a wash wax. Then while it's still wet right before you dry it off spray some detailing spray on it and wipe it off you will be spot free, and a excellent shine.