DETAILING MISTAKES TO AVOID
The world is full of subpar detailing and low standards seem to be the norm. It’s understandable though, as most people don’t exactly have a passion for cleaning dirt off their vehicles. The easy choice is to make a trip to the local detail shop. They drop it off, and a few hours later, the car is “clean.” The interior has been “detailed.” The surfaces look “good.”
False.
The reality is, the car was quickly scrubbed down. No attention was given to the wheels, the door jambs, the emblems. The interior was quickly vacuumed and wiped down. The surfaces now have a greasy, artificial shine to make it look “new.” (I’ll never understand why people think interiors are supposed to be shiny) This may all sound a bit harsh, but as a passionate detailer, it irks me to see the common perception and reality of detailing. I want people to be more aware of what defines cheap and what defines quality. It’s a world of difference.
Quality > Quantity
This list is not definitive, but will act as a baseline of things to avoid in the pursuit of quality detailing. These tips go against the grain of “normal” (cheap) detailing, and may involve avoiding what you see on the shelf at Walmart or AutoZone. You may have to source some of your products and tools online, but they’re simple and effective enough to bring you far ahead of the game. Use these tips in your own detailing, or as a way to interview a detailer in your area to see if they’re worth considering. If they don’t use these products or procedures, they may be another thing to avoid.
HOW TO UP YOUR DETAIL GAME
AVOID UNLUBRICATED DRYING
Improperly drying is often the leading cause of paint swirls. Added lubrication through a dedicated drying aid is essential for maintaining a beautiful finish.
AVOID CHAMOIS, TERRY, OR OTHER NON-MICROFIBER TOWELS
Only use microfiber towels. It’s as simple as that. They’re by far the safest material for your paint.
AVOID SQUEEGEE DRYING
Squeegees have the incredible ability to find one speck of dust on your paint and drag it across the entire panel, creating a 5 foot long scratch. Again, stick with microfiber towels.
AVOID WASH BRUSHES
Small, soft brushes for around emblems and crevices are fine, but the “scratch-free” wash brushes you see on the shelf are TERRIBLE for your paint. Again, stick with microfiber towels.
AVOID REGULAR DETERGENT AND HIGH HEAT WHEN WASHING MICROFIBER TOWELS
Microfiber towels contain millions of fibers that are very delicate and require special care. Use a dedicated microfiber detergent and dry on LOW or NO heat. Excessive heat will melt and curl the fibers and will ruin the towel, giving it the potential to scratch your paint. Take care of your towels, and they’ll take care of you.
AVOID CROSS-CONTAMINATION
Color code your towels based off where you use them. Never use wheel towels on your paint, coating removal towels on the paint, etc.
AVOID EXCESSIVELY HIGH OR LOW PH
The PH scale is a massive rabbit hole, but in very broad terms, if you can achieve a satisfactory clean with a neutral product, stick with that. Only use acidic or alkaline cleaners when necessary, and neutralize the PH when the cleaning is finished.
AVOID SHINY INTERIOR SURFACES
This may be a matter of personal preference, but I’m telling you, stick with a matte finish. That’s the way it’s supposed to look. Not only that, but the interior shiners also tend to have a greasy feel to them. Gross.
AVOID PUMICE STONES FOR PET HAIR REMOVAL
Pumice stones, while highly effective at removing pet hair, are also highly effective at removing carpet fibers. Even after just one use, you’ll likely notice damage to the carpet or floor mat. Stick with a rubber edged tool for safe pet hair extraction.
AVOID OVER-SOAKING INTERIORS
Typically, most seats and carpets don’t need a full shampoo and extraction. Steam is usually the best option if a deeper clean is required. Overly soaking a surface can cause damage if not fully dried. An example is those plastic film floor mat covers that many detail shops use. Those are great at trapping moisture and introducing mold. Headliners are especially delicate. Any moisture that penetrates the fabric can break down the glue and cause the headliner to sag.
