• Follow these steps for detailing a car.red car detail image by .shock from Fotolia.com
  
  Cleaning a car is not only about the routinely washing it with soap and water, but it includes thoroughly cleaning the interior to get rid of dirt that hides in crevices and inaccessible corners. This helps keep the car clean as new and can raise the price during if you plan to sell it later. This process of thoroughly cleaning cars is known as detailing.
  
  

Exterior Checklist

• Windows--Windows should not be rolled down just after the washing because they will be stained by the water drops inside the door.
  
  Crevices between panels--Wax that accumulates in these areas should be wiped off using a cloth and a smooth toothbrush.
  
  Door handles--They should be cleaned using a smooth brush. Wax should not be applied to this area because the handles are touched often.
  
  Headlight bucket--Clean this area when the vehicle is thoroughly dry to avoid the trickling of water on areas that have been cleaned.
  
  Mirrors--Clean them after the car dries and remove as much bug residue that accumulates behind the mirror as possible.
  
  The other areas that need cleaning are the wheels, grill, emblems, license plates, antennae, plastic and rubber trims.
  
  

Interior Checklist

• The interior should be done with a vacuum cleaner twice to completely remove dust. The other places to clean include:
  
  Sound system and other instruments--Blow away dust first, then use a dry cloth to wipe away fingerprints.
  
  Window--These are a bit hard to tackle because there is little room for cleaning. Care should be taken when cleaning the rear-view mirror so that it is not displaced from its position.
  
  Door jambs--These areas need regular cleaning because grease normally accumulates in these areas.
  
  Door handles--Fingerprints should always be wiped away when cleaning.
  
  Steering wheel--Wipe off the wheel to remove hand oils and dirt that accumulate on it.
  
  

Equipment Checklist

• This kind of cleaning cannot be achieved without the proper equipment. Among equipment needed:
  
  Towels--Towels or rags are needed for wiping the dirt, drying and waxing the car.
  
  Pressure washer
  
  Commercial mop bucket--A bucket with wheels is handy for easy moving around.
  
  Glass cleaner
  
  Orbital buffer
  
  Carpet and upholstery cleaner
  
  Sponges
  
  Spray bottles