How to clean and detail a car exterior, paint, rubber and chrome

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How to restore car rubber and black plastic parts: wipers, fender arches, door protections, unpainted bumpers, etc.

​Rubber restorers are to be used on a washed car only.
Spray the rubber renovator on the concerned rubber part like your windshield wipers, bumper protectors, tires, etc. and wipe off immediately with a dry cloth.
Repeat until the rubber surface is smooth and of a darker black.
Use an old shop towel or cloth when doing so since it will become black itself and will be difficult to clean afterwards.
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How to wash your car and make it shine with a car shampoo concentrate:

​Dilute the car shampoo at a 1:10 ratio in clean water and use it to clean your car.
You can either use a bucket where you soak your sponge or fill a hand sprayer with the diluted car wash and evenly spray all the car prior to using your sponge.
The second method saves a lot of water since the capacity of the bucket is 5 times the one of the hand sprayer, also because the sponge doesn't come in contact with the diluted soap water, the latter remaining clean, which means it can be used upon the next wash.
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How to get your car paint shiny or restore its lustre:
Car wax | Car lustre | Car Liquid Polish

​Apply the polishing liquid on a just washed car paint.
Work by little areas for example fender, then front door, rear door, etc.
Apply with a cotton wad in circular movements.
Apply with force on damaged paint.
Let it dry before removing it with a clean cotton wad.
Take care not to put liquid wax on rubber or plastic parts as it will be difficult to remove later on.
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How to clean and shine chrome parts in your car:
Chrome and Stainless Steel Polishing Rub

​Apply the metal renovator product to chrome plated parts, let it dry, wipe off with a dry and soft cloth then thoroughly wash with water.
There are two types of metal polish compounds in the market, one that works on all silver colored metals, i.e. aluminum, stainless steel, chrome plated, etc. and one that is specific to stainless steel.
Be careful however, as you should not let these products come into contact with you car paint or rubber and plastic parts. If it does, wipe it out immediately and wash with water.
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How to remove scratches from your car paint:
Paint Scratch Remover | Rubbing Compound

​Use a car paint scratch putty to remove car paint scratches especially marks left by other vehicles due to paint or rubber.
Apply to the scratch with some force and using a cotton wad in circular movements.
Let it dry before removing it with a clean cotton wad.
​You may visit our detailed pictorial for paint scratch removal.
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How to clean and protect car soft tops and vinyls:
Soft Top Protectant - Convertible Top and Tonneau Cover Spray

Apply the vinyl protectant freely to soft convertible tops after cleaning them thoroughly with car shampoo and a brush.
Do not wipe off, let it dry in the sun.
Be aware however that there are two types of products:
  • one for vinyl convertible tops that cleans them and protects them from UV.
  • one for fabric convertible tops to waterproof them
Use the adequate treatment depending on your convertible top. 
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See also our other tutorials for car detailing and maintenance: