25 Sep The importance of washing the car after the summer holidays
- Cleaning the exterior of the car after a long trip is much more than a matter of appearance, but keeping the car free of salt, dust, insects and other environmental aggressions is key to protecting the paintwork, preventing corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the vehicle and, above all, guaranteeing a healthy environment.
- Interior cleaning is equally important, especially after long journeys where the accumulation of dust, food debris and bad odors can damage the passenger compartment. Thorough vacuuming, upholstery cleaning and surface disinfection are essential for the comfort of the vehicle occupants.
The summer season is one of the most demanding for our vehicles and, although when talking about this trend we tend to focus on issues such as the number of miles we drive or how loaded the car usually is, there is an equally important factor but much less present in our imagination: cleanliness.
After enjoying a well-deserved vacation, we often forget the vital task of cleaning our car in a comprehensive manner (interior, exterior, tires and engine) in order to reduce the worst consequences of long trips, food on board, bad smells, accumulated dust, insects and tree sap or solar radiation and salinity to which it has been exposed. A negligence on our part that can bring several consequences, some more serious than we could imagine:
- Interior deterioration: accumulation of dust, food debris or spilled liquids can permanently damage interior materials. Upholstery, both fabric and leather, can stain or wear out faster.
- Health problems: a dirty environment favors the proliferation of mites, bacteria and fungi that can affect the quality of the air inside the car. This is especially harmful for people with allergies or respiratory problems.
- Persistent odors: if not treated in time, bad odors can remain impregnated in the seats and the interior of the car, making it difficult to eliminate them later on.
- Paint wear and fading: prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection can deteriorate the paint layer, making it dull, dull and prone to fading.
- Corrosion and oxidation: salt, especially in coastal areas, accelerates the oxidation of the metal parts of the car, causing rust to appear in vulnerable areas such as the rims, underbody and bodywork.
- Stains that are difficult to remove: dead insects, bird droppings and traces of tree sap contain acids that, if not cleaned quickly, can leave permanent stains and damage the layer of varnish that protects the paintwork.
How to wash the car properly after the summer vacations
For all these reasons, it is essential that, once we have finished this season of so much hustle and bustle and demands for our vehicles, we perform a thorough cleaning in our trusted car wash center, which is not only limited to pouring a little water over it, but in which a detailed process is followed to ensure that all contaminants are removed.
Regarding the exterior of the vehicle, it is necessary to carry out the following steps:
- Pre-washing: before starting, it is important to pre-wash with pressurized water to remove dust and insects and surface dirt without rubbing.
- Removal of insects and organic remains: use an insect descaler to remove insect remains, sap or bird droppings without damaging the paint. These products are mild but effective, and allow the residues to dissolve without rubbing. Soligel has a product for pre-washing and insect eliminator in its range.
- Cleaning the bodywork: use a specific car shampoo that is not too aggressive for the paintwork. Go to reliable car wash centers where they use quality products.
- Cleaning the rims: the rims usually accumulate a lot of brake dust, grease and mud. You can use a specific wheel cleaner, such as Soligel, or the specific product offered by the car wash center.
- Windows and mirrors: use an ammonia-free window cleaner for windows and mirrors. In the Soligel range you will find a product for professional use and quick drying that will leave your windows and mirrors shiny and free of residues.
- Drying: it is essential to dry the car completely, for this it is important that your trusted center has an automatic drying system and correct water treatment equipment. Do not forget to use in the high-pressure centers, a wax to help drying.
- Application of wax or sealer: once clean and dry, a protective wax or sealer can be applied. This restores the shine to the paint and provides a layer of protection against UV rays, rain and other contaminants. Car wash centers usually offer different types of waxes. At Ibercompound you will find polymeric and ceramic protective waxes.
Meanwhile, when it comes to interior cleaning, it is equally important to cover the following goals:
- Remove all personal items: before starting, be sure to empty the car of trash, bags, toys, clothes, and any other items that should not be in the vehicle.
- Thorough vacuuming: some car wash centers offer a vacuuming service. Take advantage of it and cover the seats, floor mats and trunk, paying special attention to the crevices between the seats where crumbs and dust usually accumulate.
- Upholstery cleaning: professional car wash centers have suitable products such as Soligel for upholstery cleaning. In the case of fabric upholstery, a spray or foam cleaner is used. For leather seats, a specific cleaner is applied followed by a conditioner to prevent drying or cracking.
- Cleaning plastic surfaces and dashboard: clean interior surfaces with Soligel’s plastic cleaner to keep them in good condition and free of residue. Avoid spraying directly on the surfaces, as this may stain the electronics.
- Interior glass cleaning: for glass, we recommend using Soligel’s glass cleaner for a flawless finish on windows and mirrors.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces: use a mild disinfectant to clean the steering wheel, gearshift, seat belts and door handles.
- Fresh smell: to finish, you can use an odor neutralizer or air freshener, preferably one that absorbs odors instead of masking them.
Ibercompound products designed to accomplish specific tasks
As can be seen throughout this article, it is especially important to use a suitable product for each of the different steps we have to perform. In the same way that in our homes we do not use the same type of substance for all surfaces, the same happens with our vehicle.
Thus, if we want to perform a wash that protects both our vehicle and our health from the various agents that can damage them, it is essential to rely not only on products specifically designed for a particular task, but from a manufacturer of the utmost confidence. With more than 40 years of experience in the vehicle washing, maintenance and conservation sector, and a constant commitment to research and development, Ibercompound has established itself as the leading brand in vehicle washing products.
Its product portfolio puts in our hands all the tools to carry out a complete and thorough washing of the interior, exterior, tires and even the engine.
