Have you neglected your vehicle during the winter months? If so, now is the time to invest a few hours in improving your vehicle's appearance. Did you realize that it is much easier to keep a clean car clean? Even once a month cleaning, inside and out will be easier than if you let it go for months at a time. One of the easiest ways to get your car in tip top shape is to take it to a detail shop for a professional job. The easy way out can also cost you anywhere from $75 to $300. Here are some tips to help you to do it yourself.

If you start out right with a steady supply of water, a wash mitt, terry towel or soft and dirt free cloth and proper car wash soap you are ready to tackle washing your vehicle. Do not make the mistake of using dishwashing soap or a household cleaner on your vehicle. They may contain harsh detergents and can strip wax and damage paint. Car wash products are designed to be used on your car, dish detergent is best used in the kitchen for your dishes. Ideally, you should wash your car weekly. Our vehicles are subjected to contaminants daily in the way of tree sap, and bird droppings. If these things are not removed quickly, they can bond to the paint and even etch your paint job. It is best to park your car in a shaded area before you start to wash. The sun may cause the car to dry too fast and may leave residue and unwanted streaks. First, rinse the entire vehicle with water to remove loose dirt. Wash in sections, starting at the top and working down. This will prevent a section from drying too quickly. Rub gently to remove the dirt and grime. Aggressive rubbing can grind the dirt into the finish, leaving scratches. Rinse your wash mitt often to prevent rubbing the dirt back onto your car. Use plenty of water to rinse the car soap from your car. After the final rinse, wipe the excess water with a soft terry towel or high-quality chamois to prevent water spotting.

Now that you have made the outside of your car shine, it's time to do the same for the inside. First, pick up and remove any trash that may have accumulated. Vacuum up any loose dirt. Use a lint-free towel and clean water for cleaning the dash area and the seats. Cotton swabs are helpful for getting dust out of tight spots. Be sure to use products that are designed for the surface that you want to clean, whether it is leather, vinyl, plastic, wood, simulated wood or upholstery. Each product is designed for a particular surface and may not work effectively on other surfaces and may even cause damage.

Use a stiff bristled brush and a small amount of carpet cleaning product for the carpet. The biggest problem with carpet cleaning is you may over saturate the carpet. A wet-dry shop vacuum is useful to remove excess water. It is very important that the carpet is dry before you close the vehicle up tight.

When cleaning your windows, avoid products that contain ammonia, because ammonia can damage window tint film on the inside of the windows. Clean water and lint-free towels are your best bet here too.

If you follow the above advice, the hours you invest in keeping your vehicle clean will result in you having to spend much less time in the future cleaning your vehicle. If you combine your washing regimen with a good wax job and interior detailing every three months, the whole process will become quicker and easier each time you do it.

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