Aloha all, so I am not the most experienced car owner when it comes cleaning.

I use my car for surfing and kiteboarding, which of course leads to sand and dirt in the car. How do you keep your floor mats clean?

Also, I have never really washed my engine, but I think it is probably a good idea every now and then...but how do you actually do that? I figure the engine should not be hot...maybe slightly warm, but what soap to use (if any)?

thx guys, invaluable help!!!

 

for me just vacuum, mist some all purpose cleaner (i use chemical guys) scrub with carpet brush then wipe with micro fiber towel

engine bay (well i use a low pressure wash system so lil different) but i wet down engine with some Eco smart
-then spray some all purpose cleaner
-then rinse with the Eco smart
then blow dry with a blower system or compressed air
-then spray some NON SILICONE based engine safe dressing on and blow extra off


be sure non silicone based because stuff is flammable

please use steps at own risk
be safe and make car beautiful


products i use
All Purpose-http://www.chemicalguys.com/Green_All_Purpose_Cleaner_Degreaser_p/cld_103_16.htm

ECO Smart-http://www.chemicalguys.com/THE_BOSS_MOBILE_WATERLESS_DETAILING_UNIT_p/pow_001.htm

Dressing-http://www.chemicalguys.com/SPRAYable_dressing_p/tvd_109_16.htm

all products are excellent and same makers of smartwax products

 

Great thank you so much!!!

 

I just use a damp cloth to clean the engine bay and finish off with detailer and dressing from Meguiars, for the carpets, I just bring it inside and vacuum.

 

your welcome

let me know if have questions or anything

 

I use Blackmagic 2-in-1 Engine Shine Engine Degreaser. It does a great job of cleaning.

 

If you have the removable floor mats, just shake them out and give them a good vacuuming. When they start to look dingy, I scrub them with a stiff brush with a little laundry detergent and give it a really good warm water rinse. Shake out the excess water and let dry, then a dry brush to loosen the nap.
If anyone has ideas on getting Christmas tree needles out of the carpet, I'm listening (they seem to multiply by themselves even after you remove them...).

 

I just use a vacuum cleaner and a sponge with barely soapy water to clean the mats and pedals. As above, I also remove the accesory mats from the car to clean them.

 

black magic!! Cleans and shines and is paint safe!!

 

For the floor mats, I took them out shaked them and washed with some carpet cleaner. Seemed to work ok.

Thanks for the tips. I mean the engine is some time until I need to clean since I only have 100 miles on my car now (2011 Xb). The dealer advised me to have it detailed to clean the engine. I just down't want the engine to become super gritty...