Most profitable interior cleaning arsenal?

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Shmackledorf

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Forum newbie here,

What products do you guys use when dealing with customers' interiors? I've read promising things about just using an apc and then something like d180 to clean leather and protect vinyl/rubber, but is this good enough?

I have found that good dedicated leather cleaners, conditioners, and interior protectants can be slightly costly. Is it all necessary?
 
I don't use the most profitable products when I am detailing because I would rather use a safe product than a cheap product.

Interior chemicals:

Optimum Power Clean 6/1 - Leather, plastic, vinyl.
Optimum Protectant Plus - Leather, plastic, vinyl
Folex - Carpet, upholstery.
Stoners Invisible Glass - Windows.
 
Megs APC+ and 303 Aerospace protectant both can handle most interiors, for me at least. And Meg's glass cleaner for the windows.

Remember the KISS method. Don't get overwhelmed by all of the products out there.
 
Flash Gordon said:
The safest thing to clean leather with is steam
Click to expand...

Steam also makes cleaning out disgusting cup holders a breeze. I wasn't sure if the OP had any equipment or was open to suggestions. A steam cleaner and carpet extractor will allow you to do a better job in less time than chemicals alone will.

In most industries the better your equipment the more efficient and profitable you can be.
 
I'm open to all suggestions! The reason I'm doing all this research is because I'm developing a business model so that I can both track and project profits for when the springtime finally comes
 
Definitely consider buying a steam cleaner they work great for door jambs, engines and interiors. The vx-5000 is the cheapest steam cleaner that I would consider buying. I spent a bit more money and bought a model with continuous fill and higher PSI.

Expect to spend $500 - $2,000 for a steam cleaner.


Carpet extractors are not as versatile as a steam cleaner which is why I bought my steam cleaner first. If you have the funds to buy both at once go for it though. The biggest determining factor in buying a carpet extractor in my mind is whether you will be doing mobile detailing or shop detailing. The bigger more powerful extractors simply won't fit in most vehicles and require 20 amp outlets which most people don't have in their garage.

Expect to spend $500 - $1,500 for a hot water extractor.


Some customers are only interested in having the interior of their vehicle detailed so you will want to consider buying a air mover. Dry time isn't an issue if the the customer is getting the exterior detailed as well because you can do the interior first and let it dry while you detail the rest of the vehicle. However when you are only performing an interior detail customers don't want to leave their vehicle for 10 hours so the carpet/upholstery can dry. I have a 3200CFM air mover that I use to dry the carpet/upholstery with and it takes about 1-2 hours on average.

Expect to spend $100 - $300 for a air mover.


Equipment total $1,100 - $3,800.
 
Stoner Invisible Glass for inside, with Rain repellent for exterior glass.

Tuff Stuff + Shop Vac + Int. Brush for carpet.

3D APC diluted 10:1

Meg's Ultimate Protectant for vinyl, trim, etc
 
I agree with the tornador and apc. I also use Griots interior cleaner for everything inside the vehicle.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using AG Online
 
+1 for a steam cleaner. Even a cheapo $100 unit will work wonders on grungy, sticky cup holders and door jambs.
 
bare minimum for interiors in my opinion

megs APC+ 10:1
folex
megs d180
OPC 3:1
303 aero
sprayway


I have tons of interior products but the above stuff is what I use the most.

On the topic of steam cleaners - I have one, and use it often. However, I could certainly tackle an interior without one.
 
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