ShockwaveGT

So I've used everything from Zaino to 303 to Armor All when wiping down and cleaning the interior surfaces of the car, but recently I had my wife's car detailed by a guy who has a mobile detailing business. He stopped by the office and a bunch of people had their rides done. Her mini-van looked like a hobo lived in it, so I brought it in for him to go over. The guy did an amazing job, making the entire car, inside and out, look better than it did the day we got it.

One of the things that really stood out to me was how pristine he was able to get the interior, including the faux leather dash and the plastic dish components around the radio controls and so forth. It had a nice wet, but not slick sheen to it and there was absolutely no lint adhesion what so ever. Even more impressive was it's been about a month or more and just now are even the slightest bits of dust starting to show up again.

I've never used anything that had such results. I'm guessing he used some kind of 'industrial' stuff that comes in giant barrels or something but I was curious if any of the detailing experts knew or suggested anything that could have such results.

Thanks.

acroy

The trick I finally found last year is to clean the surfaces first.

Believe it or not I use dilute Simple Green, followed by water. use white cloths till no more dirt is coming up.

Then apply surface protectant of choice (303 Aerospace is great stuff).

The surfaces will look new. Not just shiny or slick, but new. Really impressive.

I had always been good about treating the surface, but was just piling on more protectant on top of a layer of grime. It never looked good for very long.

Since using the new method, it looks much better much longer, and the process only needs to be repeated every 6mo or so. The rest of the time I just dust it or damp-cloth wipe it.

Good luck.

ShockwaveGT

Will give that a shot. Makes sense.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

I like to use an interior sealant on my dash and plastic surfaces. I use a plexiglass cleaner/protectant on areas like the speedometer, redio, and navigation. Finally I find that a good spray sealant or wax often works well on the carbon fiber, wood, and other fillers in the dash. Use a fabric protector on carpets and cloth interiors and reapply annually.

The key is really to clean often ...

shootnstarz

I use Meg's interior detailer follow by diluted Hyperdressing, after a through cleaning.

Rick

Sleper

I like multi purpose pledge. Does not leave areas too glossy or greasy and if you touch the window does not create a problem. Just my $0.02

Black 02

I use diluted simple green as well. On leather I usually steam clean it to get nice results. Steam also works great in cup holders and other areas you normally can't get to with traditional methods.

acroy

!! Simple Green !!

It is an 'aggressive' cleaner, very high pH.

I forgot to note: always wipe everything down with a water-damped cloth after the Simple green to remove the cleaner. Don't want that stuff sitting on the surfaces for long! the water wipe with a white cloth will also show you if there's any more dirt/muck coming up. Then dry it off & apply protectant of choice

kmk56

I use C-Magic (Vinyl)

envyz06

Chemical Guys InnerClean gives me such a clean/satin look. Love it!

pikkashoe

Blackfire Interior Protectorant for me.
Spray it into a microfiber towel and wipe away.

ztheusa

Lemon Pledge always looks great.

DinoBob

Meguiar's Natural Shine for rubber and vinyl, Zymol leather care for the seats, and a mix of the Natural Shine and Griots Speed Shine for harder plastic.

KBsToy

FASTFATBOY

Dave1

The ultimate inexpensive interior wipe is Woolite and water…..

Mixed 10 parts water to one part Woolite….

It cleans the surface and doesn't leave a shiny slick surface….

It also works great on leather seats to remove sweat to keep the leather clean.…..

DevilDog II

I use a damp microfiber on my interior. I've never been one to use chemicals or cleaners on the interior or exterior of my car. My car doesn't get driven that much and I've never driven it in the rain, so it stays pretty clean. I try to wipe it down every time I drive it, which really helps.

Whis9

+1
Works very well
Works awesome on the leather before protecting it

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

coated leather (finished leather) like those used in most automobiles and the Vette don't really have to be protected. If you do so, and I do, remember to use products that are designed for coated leather. Unfortunately not all leather protectants are designed for it. LeatherMasters and 1Z Einszett make nice ones.

dvilin

Aerospace 303 nice natural finish and UV protection.