Use Car Cleaning Products Regularly to Protect Your Investment

Our cars are exposed to pollutants in the air, and to weather of all types, from hot sun to snow and sleet. We expect them to drive highways and muddy, uneven back roads. We expect their motors to run every time we turn the key in the ignition. We complain about the price of gas, the expense of insurance, and the latest rattle under the hood. But how much time do we spend thinking about keeping our cars well maintained? When was the last time you spent comparing various car cleaning supplies so you would have quality car cleaning products on hand to keep your vehicle looking new.

When a horse was a man’s transportation, he took care of it every evening before he took care of himself. If he didn’t recognize and act on this priority, people thought he was a fool -- and cruel. A good, reliable horse was an investment, and often was the difference between making an independent living and either slaving for someone else or starving. Good horse care involved shelter from the elements, a clean dry bed, nourishing food, fresh water, good shoes, and a thorough brushing at the end of a long ride. The smart owner also kept his saddle, reins, and halter oiled and in good repair. While we are not dependent on horses to get where we need to go anymore, the basic concept of caring for our means of transportation is still true. We can’t be cruel to a car, but we can still be foolish.

A car is a major investment these days. In fact, the only investment the average person spends more money on in his lifetime is his house. It is important to maintain cars carefully to protect that investment, both to have reliable transportation and to retain good resale value. One way to care for this investment is to regularly use quality car cleaning supplies, including a bucket, good brushes, cloths, and specially formulated soaps, waxes, and other products.

A car that is driven daily should receive basic maintenance weekly. Gather your supply of car cleaning products. Begin cleaning the interior of your car by removing trash and any items that don’t belong in the car. Empty any ashtrays or waste receptacles. Wash any spills or sticky spots with a damp rag. If you take time for this straightening at the end of each day you use the car, this chore is completed quickly at the end of the week. After straightening, wipe down the interior surfaces of your vehicle with a soft cloth and a vinyl or leather cleaner. (Try Fuller’s Vinyl and Leather Cleaner/Polish/Protectant.) Follow the instructions on the car cleaning product so you don’t leave a sticky residue. Clean the inside of the windows and the rear-view mirror according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Vacuum out any pet hair, crumbs, or other dirt or debris.

Now, you are ready to clean the outside of your car. Starting at the top and moving down, work on cleaning your car in sections, especially if you are parked in the sun. In a bucket, mix a solution of water and a mild soap (Car Wash Concentrate). Wet a section with plain water to begin softening the accumulated soil. Apply your cleaning solution with a soft brush (Vehicle Wash Brush) or mitt (Car Wash Mitt). When the soil is loosened, rinse that area with plain water. Finish by buffing any water spots off that section with a shammy cloth (Fuller Super Shammy Cloths). Work around the vehicle in this manner.

If you have driven in unusually dirty conditions, you may want to give your car’s tires a little extra attention. Use a brush that is designed to clean tires (Fuller Tire Scrub Brush) to scrub off mud and dirt. Again, wash off as much dirt as you can with plain water, and then tackle the rest with the soap and water mixture and the brush. Finish with a clear rinse. Now is also the time to remove any bugs or road tar stuck to the finish. This job can be handled with a soft cloth, a little elbow grease, and a specially formulated product that will dissolve this tenacious grime. (Try Fuller Tar and Bug Remover.)

Periodically, you will want to reapply wax to your car’s finish and buff it to protect the shine. You may use paste wax or a liquid. Some products will wash and wax your car in one step. (Try Fuller Car Wash and Wax Concentrate.) Again, check with your manufacturer to best preserve your car’s finish.

With a little pre-planning and extra effort you can keep a clean car that is a pleasure to drive and th