Cleaning a smoke-damaged car involves first shampooing the car thoroughly, including the carpets and upholstery, and then sprinkling baking soda over the fabrics before using a fogger or odor bomb.
How to Clean Car Seat Belts
To clean car seat belts, use a product specific for that material, extend the seat belt out and rub the product in with a microfiber towel. Repeat the process until the stain is removed from the car seat belt with cleaning advice from the owner of a car detailing service in this free video on car maintenance
How to Clean Car Upholstery
When cleaning car upholstery, always use a product specifically designed for the material, whether it be leather, vinyl or fabric, and always follow up with a conditioner that will extend the life of the material. Clean vehicle upholstery, which will preserve the color and life of the seats, with cleaning advice from the owner of a car detailing service in this free video on car maintenance.
Purpose of Polishing during a Car Valet
The purpose of polishing is to remove contamination, swirls, scratches and other imperfections from the paint. In contrast to the clay, which removes contamination from the surface of the paint, polishes penetrate the clearcoat or the paint itself on single stage paint. Polishes are classified based on how abrasive they are. Rubbing Compound will remove the heavy scratches and oxidation. It can be compared to a fine sandpaper. Polish is used to remove light oxidation and fine scratches. It can also be used to remove light imperfections such as swirl marks or water spots. Pre-wax cleaner is also a polish. It is used prior to waxing to remove very light contamination and dirt. Glaze is the finest polish. It does not remove the imperfections but has the power to enhance surface gloss. There are other products such as a “buff and wax” which contain a high level of cleaner and U.V. protectant or carnuba, producing a polish and a protect effect.
Purpose of using Clay Bar during a Car Valet
Clay is a mixture of clay base and various mild abrasives. Clay along with a clay lubricant is used to remove paint contamination. Road grime, tar, bugs, rust, tree sap and even paint overspray can be removed with a clay bar. Clay bars differ in color and density but what is most important, type and amount of abrasive particles they contain. All clay bars will be labeled from “mild” to “strong” abrasive quality. Claying does not remove the clear coat of the paint but can cause marring or dullness if used incorrectly. When using a clay bar sufficient lubrication must be present to avoid scratching the paint. It takes a few passes of clay to feel the difference on the surface of the paint. To evaluate the effectiveness of claying dry the area and assess the paint and the bar. The paint should become slick to touch. The clay bar used should be turning gray. If the clay bar is dropped it must be discarded. The clay bar should be folded over frequently to expose clean surface. Claying does not replace polishing. It is a process that should be used before polishing compound is used. Claying should be used once or twice a year.
