cleaning inside of car

wallofbeans

We've just bought a car and even though its not horrible inside, i'd love it to have a proper scrub. In particular there's stains on the roof fabric, only noticed when you move the sun visor things out of the way, so I'd love to know:

a) Is it worth getting a proper valet done and will they get rid of those stains? and can anyone suggest a good place in central/south london?

b) Can i do this myself? The roof fabric is the big issue - is that something i can clean myself or will i mess it up!?

Thanks all!

Lirin

Fabric cleaners do exist- I hate people smoking in my car and have banned it, as it's near impossible to get rid of the smell and stains.

http://www.croftgate.com/cgi-bin/store/CROstore.cgi?user_action=list&category=Car%20Care&start=10

Their upholstery cleaner is further on down this page, and I've used it with good results. It can be used on the roof, I have done. It isn't very strong, though and will only remove light stains.

http://www.merproducts.com/car-interior/car-upholstery-cleaner

I haven't used Mer in a long time, but don't recall any problems with them, though they're a cheaper product.

For car seats, I have Vax'd them with steam before (after unbolting them and taking them out obviously!)

I'm sure there'll be others along shortly with better detailing advice- I only know a little.

motorguy

sounds like it needs professional cleaning equipment.

Personally, i would find a local valeter and pay them the £30 or so to do the inside.

You could hire the equipment yourself but i wouldnt bother as its time consuming and an 'expert' will do a better job.

Well worth it.

LandyAndy

I agree. Have it professionally valeted once. Then you should be able to keep it up to scratch yourself.

bosseyed

Have it professionally valeted, unless you have an urge to be scrubbing all day! Always seems to take ages to properly clean a car interior and you may as well get someone with all the right cleaning products etc to do it.

I once bought a car that was a bargain - mechanically sound, low mileage etc but it was so cheap because the interior was such a state. It was unbelieveable, I have no idea what the guy had been using it for, lugging builders rubble covered in ketchup around or something whilst his collection of dogs exploded in the back - it was horrific and stank. Took 3 separate valets over the course of 2 months to get it looking vaguely acceptable and even then there were stains that just wouldn't shift and there was always an underlying smell that would waft out whenever you opened an air vent. Perhaps he was keeping prawns inside the trim, who knows, the dirty b*****d.

wallofbeans

thanks all... valet it is! the first couple ive googled seem to be £70 and above...

any tips on good (and cheaper if possible) valet services in south London? has anyone used one that they can recommend?

ndwall

Post a request on detailing world. I'm sure some wanna be valeters would love to do it for a smaller fee.

jodun_2

We've used a couple of valet companies and they've both been around the £60-£70 mark, but have made a fantastic job. The vehicles have come back like new. I think you might get what you pay for!

wallofbeans

jodun wrote: »

We've used a couple of valet companies and they've both been around the £60-£70 mark, but have made a fantastic job. The vehicles have come back like new. I think you might get what you pay for!

can you recommend any?
i dont mind paying that much if they do a great job!

skiddlydiddly

I find it quite satisfying to do it myself.I've tried the dedicated upholstery cleaners but they were no better than 1001 carpet cleaner really and a lot more expensive.

Weird_Nev

Pay a professional Valet company to do it. You would not believe the amount of back breaking work it takes to get a car interior really clean, factor in the cost of the products you need and it adds up to it being a bargain. One of the companies local to me (south east) charge £20 for a "mini-valet" which is a full inside and out wash and is silly value for money. Came back looking new after 4 years of use, and was money well spent with over 4 man hours put into it. I'm considering taking my BMW to them for their £60 "platinum" valet, just to see what they do. Only problem is that that's 10% of the cars value. :rotfl:

Safety tip: Scrub off the pedals and steering wheel with a tissue before driving. They have a habit of using silicone spray on them, which makes them friction free and quite dangerous!