CLEANING THE INTERIOR

Professionals use an air compressor in order to blow away debris caught in nooks and crannies of the engine compartment. For the homeowner who does not have access to this type of equipment, a regular leaf blower works great. But don't put that leaf blower away just yet, we will have another useful tip later on. (Always proceed with caution when using electricity outdoors, especially around wet areas). Next, it's important that we cover major electrical connections with plastic wrap or baggies. Don't forget distributors, spark plugs, dipsticks, and any electrical device that may be damaged by water. These may vary from vehicle to vehicle. If you're not sure, check with your local dealer for advice. Fasten the plastic securely so that hose pressure will not dislodge them during cleaning. Now that the engine compartment is ready to clean, be sure to wet the top of the hood, fenders, and front grill area so that any cleaning products reaching this area will be diluted and not damage painted surfaces. Now spray the entire engine areas with engine cleaner/degreaser, being cautious to avoid overspray onto painted areas. Use a cleaner /degreaser especially designed for this. I prefer a citrus-based cleaner versus a petroleum-based cleaner; they seem to be less harsh on aluminum valve covers and components. I found citrus-based cleaners do not leave the white chalky deposits that the petroleum-based cleaners leave on plastic. A short warming period of the engine helps to accelerate the cleaning action of most cleaners. A soft two to three inch fiber brush works great to loosen heavily soiled areas. Depending on the product being used and the amount of dirt and grease being removed will determine the amount of time the cleaning solution should remain on the engine. No cleaning solution should be left on the engine over a maximum of five minutes. I prefer using a standard garden hose versus a high-pressure washer to prevent damage to any engine components and forcing water into any unwanted areas. Elevate the nozzle so you are spraying down on the engine compartment with less than full pressure. Keep nozzle approximately five feet from the engine compartment and rinse thoroughly. Don't forget to wash cleaning solution from surrounding areas such as windshield, hood, fenders, and grill area to prevent damage to painted surfaces. Now it's time to get out our leaf blower again. This is a great tool for gently drying the engine compartment area. An old towel will work great for the final touchup drying. Now, gently remove all plastic wrap or baggies from the engine compartment area. Now that the engine compartment is dry, we are ready for our final step of this process. Use a preservative with UV protection to touch up all rubber hoses, vinyl, plastic and moldings. The method I use is to apply it directly to a small cloth. This way it can be applied evenly to the plastic and rubber surfaces. An instant detailer can be used to do the underside of hood and wheel wells.

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