Top auto detailers have countless tricks up their sleeves for getting cars in tip-top shape, and one of them is using a steam cleaner. Not only does steam cleaning help disinfect vehicle surfaces, it also helps loosen caked-on grime, clean delicate areas without damage, and reduce the amount of cleaning chemicals used during a detailing job. For these reasons, steam cleaning is a popular cleaning option for professional automotive detailers.
You can use steam cleaning almost anywhere in a vehicle, from the dashboard and cup holders, to the seats and arm rests. Before you get down to business, read on to learn a bit more about steam cleaning.
Take the Proper Steps to Prepare for Steam Cleaning After Auto Detailing Training
Before beginning to steam clean the interior of a vehicle, it’s important to prepare the surfaces that you’re going to clean. If you plan to steam clean a car’s fabric surfaces, like the seats, mats, or floors, make sure to do a thorough vacuuming prior to steam cleaning to pick up any loose dirt. If you’re going to use steam to clean the center console area, make sure to remove any large-sized dirt, crumbs, or garbage beforehand. For the dashboard, simply wipe the surface lightly with a microfiber cloth to remove excess dust before starting to use your steam cleaner.
Cleaning Interior Car Surfaces with a Steam Cleaner
While steam is safe to use on basically all surfaces in a vehicle, it’s important to consider how you’re delivering the steam and the attachment you’re using, as they should depend on the type of surface you’re cleaning.
For leather and easily scratched surfaces like plastic or chrome, most graduates of auto detailing training recommend covering the nozzle with a microfiber cloth, so it’s not abrasive when rubbed against delicate surfaces. For cloth or fabric surfaces, a fabric cleaner attachment will work fine. When cleaning the center console and buttons, simply spraying the steam in its general direction, then wiping the area with a microfiber towel, will be enough to loosen tough dirt.
Cleaning the Exterior of Vehicles with Steam After Auto Detailing Training
What many individuals don’t realize is that you can use steam to clean the exterior of a vehicle when performing professional automotive detailing. In fact, it’s a fantastic way to get vehicles squeaky clean at a lower cost, because you won’t have to use as many chemicals and soaps to get the job done.
You can use steam to clean windows, mirrors, body panels, and even wheels! It’s important to remember that many surfaces on the exterior vehicle, like paint and chrome details, can scratch quite easily, so you should be careful to always cover the steam nozzle with a clean microfiber towel, or to spray the steam onto the surface and wipe it clean with a microfiber towel.
In addition, if you’re interested in opening a mobile detailing business or live in an area with water restrictions, exterior steam cleaning is an excellent option, as it uses drastically less water than a regular wash, and leaves next to no water on the ground around the vehicle!
Want to learn handy auto detailing tricks like the ones in this blog?
Contact Automotive Training Centres to learn more about our auto detailing course in Toronto!
