Whats your best tips for interior detailing?

allenk4 said:
David,

Any tips on how you are using compressed air in your detailing process?
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We actually use compressed air on everything. From engine compartments both before & after washing them, to removing water from exterior cracks & crevices, to blowing out buffing pads to just about every location on the interior. Including under and between seats, air vents, carpeting prior to shampooing, cracks of trim panels after scrubbing to remove moisture, to power my Tornador and just about everywhere else you can possibly think of. Without air, it just wouldn't be as easy & effective to clean/detail a vehicle.
 
My best tip I can offer is taking out all the mats in a full interior. They get in your way and you can simplify the process by vaccuming,stain removal,leather care,etc, wash the mats, then put them back to where they belong, alot less stress for me.
 
Holy #### I steamed a pretty bad interior yesterday and it did a unreal job. I wish it didn't storm right as I got done to take some after pics.

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View attachment 31852

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I got probably 75 to 80 % of those stains out with just some APC and my vapamore with a MF wrapped on the end. Upholstery was dry quickly and I am a steam superfan now. I need to get a better steamer because I had to refill a few times and the hose is rather short.
 
Here is my process for most interiors.

1. Quick bulk vacuum. You aren't trying to get everything just the big stuff that will be annoying during the blowing step.

2. Blow out the carpet, seats, cracks, door panels, consoles, everything. Force things out to make your life easier. You can also brush the carpets/seats while vacuuming or during this step depending on the level of dirt. The carpets should now be just about debris free and ready for cleaning. Vacuum again and repeat this process as many times as necessary before introducing and liquid to the fibers.

3. Start wit the headliner and work your way down the pillars. This is where processes can change but for me this is typically the fastest.

4. I like to start with the passenger side dash, center console, door panel, seat and carpets first. I'll clean the entire passenger side before moving to the other side of the car. I feel like this is faster because I'm not moving my equipment around so much. I usually start each section and work from the top down so dash, seats then carpets last.

5. Windows very last.

6. Final inspection, wipe-down and vacuum to make sure everything is right for the customer.

Once you dial in your process and products you'll speed things up. It took me months to really improve interior speed while keeping the same high quality results.
 
Scott, my process is very similar. Especially the recommendation to clean an entire area before moving to the next. My main difference is I like to start with the driver's side area... this way it has more time to dry before the car is delivered.
 
Most interiors take us 1-1.5 hours to complete. The only variable is size, condition of carpet & if the seats are fabric. Otherwise, the cars takes roughly the same amount of time whether it's dirty or clean.

  • Blow interior
  • Vacuum
  • Pre-soak all stains on carpet (seats if needed)
  • Scrub trim (door panels >wall trim>center console>dash)
  • If leather, clean seats
  • Tornador heavy areas on floor
  • Hand shampoo carpet with dedicated carpet shampoo
  • Extract carpet (we do them by sides - i.e. left front and left rear together)
  • Clean fabric seats
  • Final blow out with compressed air
  • Final vacuum

Put 2 air blowers inside vehicle and start outside. Will be totally dry by the time outside is done. Door jambs are 2nd from last. Windows are last.
 
I first start out by blowing compressed air under the seats, cup holders ,a/c vents.
Then a good vacuum.
Next step is to use my DP Cleaning Gun, vacuum again.
 
HateSwirls said:
I first start out by blowing compressed air under the seats, cup holders ,a/c vents.
Then a good vacuum.
Next step is to use my DP Cleaning Gun, vacuum again.
Click to expand...

Add a Cyclo carpet brush on a PC to your routine

It will change your life!
 
This was blown out with the exhaust from my mini-shop vac, hit with a Blue Cyclo on my PC at speed 6 and vacuumed

No steam, chemicals, extraction

The Cyclo breaks everything loose

Unbelievable for that Terrible carpet in the trunk of a lot of cars, that traps everything

Before taken at night with my LEDs

WP_20150123_18_50_22_Pro.jpg


After taken next day with flash

WP_20150124_14_23_04_Pro.jpg
 
allenk4 said:
This was blown out with the exhaust from my mini-shop vac, hit with a Blue Cyclo on my PC at speed 6 and vacuumed

No steam, chemicals, extraction

The Cyclo breaks everything loose

Unbelievable for that Terrible carpet in the trunk of a lot of cars, that traps everything

Before taken at night with my LEDs

WP_20150123_18_50_22_Pro.jpg


After taken next day with flash

WP_20150124_14_23_04_Pro.jpg
Click to expand...

Holy cow! That looks like a new car. :props:
 
Vacuuming interior is generally important for car or limousine interior.
 
It's amazing what dry cleaning techniques and zero chemicals can accomplish on an interior!
 
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