- Evaluate the condition of the vehicle by walking around and noting any damage, scratches or aftermarket items that could be damaged in the washing or subsequent tasks. Bring any notable items to the attention of the owner if possible.
- Determine what chemicals, brushes or special tools are needed to facilitate cleaning.
- Engine cleaning precautions.
- Using a plastic bag, cover the alternator or generator along with distributor cap if exposed.
- Use WD-40 to coat any electrical wires or connections to insure that the vehicle will start following the engine cleaning.
- Use low pressure water to wet the engine components including the firewall and areas above wheel wells. Apply the cleaner of choice: either Detail King® Citrus Cleaner & Degreaser or Special Force All Purpose Cleaner, spray the product on a cool engine. Allow to set up for 30 seconds and scrub the dirt from the engine firewall and fender wells using various brushes and the low pressure washer or garden hose. Following the washing of the engine remove the plastic bags making sure that no foreign item are in the compartment and start the vehicle; allow it to run for a couple of minutes to help evaporate any excess water from the engine compartment.
- Check for bugs, spray with Bug Off Remover and scrub using a microfiber bug towel, bug sponge or a very soft bristle body brush.
- Wheel wells are next, rinse with the power washer and use the appropriate brushes & Special Force All Purpose Cleaner to remove the grime. Check for tar on the wheels at this time. Also clean tires with the Tire & WW Cleaner scrubbing with the appropriate brushes to remove all dirt build-up, brake dust, grease and road grime.
- Scrub and clean all exterior vinyl trim and moldings with Special Force All Purpose Cleaner.
- Clean inside the gas door area along with the door jambs using Special Force or Citrus Degreaser then rinse with water. Do not allow degreaser to get on leather seats.
- Scrub any remaining items on the exterior such as tonno covers vinyl roofs etc.
- Rinse the remaining painted surfaces of any dust or debris.
- Wash the vehicle from the top to the bottom rinsing the wash mitt regularly using care to not spread grit around the car.
- Rinse and then clay the remaining painted surfaces; use the Detail King® Medium duty clay bar or Nanoskin AutoScrub product and Wonder Lube Clay Lubricant. Rinsing once again following the claying process. Keep in mind that usually the flat top body panels of the vehicle may require more time with the claying process. If you drop the clay bar do not use it again, it is contaminated and will scratch the paint. A good idea is to break the clay bar in half so that you always have a piece on hand.
- Dry the vehicle using the appropriate material such as microfiber towels, a water blade or chamois. You can also use a Master Blaster to remove water from crevices and bezels.
- Next remove tar using Detail King® Tar Remover on a Turkish towel. Spray tar remover on towel and then rub affected areas.
Disclaimer: This procedure has been prepared as an example and should be used to create your own Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). All vehicles are different and may require additional steps to formulate a complete process for that vehicle. It is your responsibility to develop procedures that work for your organization. Creating best practices manual for all of your business requirements is a good idea.
