Prospective Detail

[vtec01]

After some time of neglect, my Accord is in need of a complete detail. I'm listing what I plan on doing and wanted to get some feedback if others recommend different products, techniques, etc. I'm also noting where I could use some suggestions.

Interior:
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, floor mats, trunk, seats
Clean and condition leather with Lexol
Detail clean dash with 303
Treat floor mats with Adam's carpet and upholstery cleaner, brush, and microfiber towel.
(Note: I'm almost out of this stuff, and while it works pretty well, anyone have any other suggestions?)

Exterior:
Clean wheels and tires
(Any suggestions for wheel cleaners here? I have some old wash mitts that I use for this sometimes with a little car wash soap but I would like to try a separate wheel cleaner) I also have some wheel brushes
Wash with Jeffs Werkstatt Autobody Wash with lambswool mitt using 2 bucket method
Dry With waffle weave microfiber towel
Clean all interior and exterior glass with Stoner's
Clay with Auto Magic clay bar
Apply Jeffs Werkstatt Prime: Strong with foam applicator pad and buff with microfiber
Apply 2 coats of Acrylic Jett: Trigger with microfiber towel and with 30 minutes between layers
Dress Tires with Stoner's Tire Dressing

[namegoeshere]

If the wheels are really dirty, it's best to remove them when washing.

What I'd do first is hose them down and wash with soap and water and agitate with a wheel brush to remove most of the dirt. Rinse them off and inspect. If there's still dirt, spray with a wheel cleaner (I've used Meguiars Hot Rims All Wheel cleaner and Surf City Beyond Steel Wheel cleaner) and agitate with a brush. Rinse wheels and inspect. If there's dirt/particles embedded into the wheel, use a clay bar to remove them. Once they're clean, seal them with a sealant so it'll be easier to clean next time (Acrylic Jett: Trigger would be perfect).


Regarding Prime: Strong, I'd use a PC/UDM/Flex instead of a foam applicator. You won't be able to get the same results by hand, especially if your paint is swirled.


Oh, and if you do decide to clay the wheels, don't use the clay bar for anything else but the wheels.

[RTexasF]

Looks like a sound plan to me for doing all the work by hand. I'll recommend essentially over the counter products for ease of purchase and time to obtain involved:

For the carpet & upholstery: Folex - available at Wally Mart. Cheap and exceptional. Keep this one in stock for both car & home.

If you run low on Stoner's IG get Sprayway Glass Cleaner (Wally Mart) works as well for less $$.

Meguiar's All Wheel Cleaner is a darn good one for the tires & wheels- Wally's & Auto Parts Stores. My personal favorite is Amazing Roll Off (Marine & RV stores) with Poorboys's wheel cleaner a close second (avialable online).

I must say that without a proper machine polishing you are not doing the job as completely as you could. I assume that you are doing all of this by hand since no machien was mentioned.

Sounds like you have a full day cut out for you, especially considering all work to be done by hand. Go for it!

[vtec01]

Thanks, for now I don't have the resources to do it any other way than by hand. What do you think about the 303 Carpet cleaner? Have you ever tried the Surf City wheel cleaner? Whats your favorite tire dressing? How do you recommend cleaning the wheel wells? Thanks for your advice.

[Hondel]

I agree with RTexasF. I use the red can of Prestone Carpet Cleaner with the brush head. It has cleaned my 92 Ranger numerous times (seats and carpet) and does a good job. You must follow directions and be thorough. Never tried Surf City. I use Armorall Wheel Cleaner but only when they get so much brake dust that I have to kick it loose. Usually I use the cheap green cleaner/degreaser from Wal-Mart ($1.50 for the large spray bottle) and then let it set a minute. Then I use my car wash brush with plain water and clean the wheels. If the insides show a lot of dirt you will want to take them off and clean them like namegoeshere said. Tire dressing should have not petroleum distillates as that degrades the rubber compounds. Make sure you keep it off the wheels. You may want to use a stiff scrub brush for the wheel wells. If there's road tar in there, a can of bug & tar remover will get it started and then the above mentioned green cleaner/degreaser with that stiff brush (like you'd clean tiles in a shower with) ought to finish it. If not, elbow grease and a reapplication of the first two should get it. Treat it with the same non petroleum wheel dressing. Expect your muscles to complain a lot, especially on the second day after you do the work. :-)

[RTexasF]

Thanks, for now I don't have the resources to do it any other way than by hand. What do you think about the 303 Carpet cleaner? Have you ever tried the Surf City wheel cleaner? Whats your favorite tire dressing? How do you recommend cleaning the wheel wells? Thanks for your advice.

I've never used the 303 carpet cleaner. Jason has said that the Surf City products are very good but I haven't used them.

More Shine by Stoner's is my fave for wheel wells, tires, engines.

Wheel wells can be done via a pressure sprayer or any all purpose cleaner, a long handled scrub brush, and persistence.

[MotorCity Honda]

SC Beyond steel is a great product

If you want to get just as good of a product for cheaper, go for Chemical Guys Citrus Blie wheel cleaner... chemicalguys.com