http://www.performanceautoblog.com/prepare-car-spring-self-detailingPrepare Your Car for Spring with Self-DetailingPerformance Automotive Blog

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You know you’ve survived another Nebraska winter when your vehicle is covered in dirt, salt and other grime and your floor mats are caked with the mud your boots tracked in. Now that winter’s coming to an end, how do you erase the damage from your car? You can take the hands-on approach and detail your vehicle by following these simple steps.

To Clean Your Vehicle’s Interior:

• Work from the top down. Dirt and dust will fall, and you don’t want to have to clean the same surface twice.
• Remove all your floor mats. If they’re rubber, rinse them off with water and a rubber-safe cleaner. If they’re cloth, vacuum them and remove any spots with a spray-on spot cleaner.
• Move your seats all the way forward and all the way back to check under them for any loose change or garbage.
• Clean your hard surfaces with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner, such as Simple Green. Avoid using products that give a high-gloss slippery surface.
• To clean between buttons on your radio and dashboard, use a compressed air can, such as the ones you use to clean your computer keyboard. Q-tips can also be used to reach these areas.
• Use a vacuum with an extension hose. Use the upholstery head for seats and floors, a crevice tool to get into visors and seat pockets and a dusting brush for hard vinyl and metal parts.
• Use a steam cleaner or spray-on upholstery cleaner to deep-clean the carpet and seats.
• To clean your windows, spray your glass cleaner directly on your cloth to avoid running and streaking.

To Clean Your Vehicle’s Exterior:

• Work in small sections from top to bottom.
• Rinse your vehicle to remove any loose dirt.
• Work carwash soap onto your vehicle using a soft scrubbing mitt or sponge. Don’t use dishwashing detergent!
• To minimize spotting, remove the spray head from your hose and “flood” your finish. The water will roll off your vehicle in sheets using this method.
• Wash the wheels and tires with a special wheel brush you can purchase from any store that sells carwash materials, such as Target or Wal-Mart. Rinse them with a high-pressure nozzle on your hose.
• Dry your vehicle with a good-quality chamois or a thick-nap terry cloth towel. Be gentle to avoid scratching your vehicle’s finish.
• Finish off your wash by waxing your vehicle. Be sure to include doorjambs, areas beneath the door hinges and behind your bumpers.

Follow these tips and your vehicle will be shiny, clean and ready for Spring.  But if you are short on time, or just want to leave it to the pros, you can always make an appointment at any Performance Auto Service Department for full car detailing services.