{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Car cleaning tips for a spotless ride","text":"\u003Cp\u003EDiscover essential car cleaning tips with our ultimate car cleaning guide. Learn DIY tips, best products for exterior and interior, and car maintenance tips.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"Car cleaning tips for a spotless ride","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1723700909647/car-cleaning-promo.png","alt":"Car light trails on Sea Cliff Bridge, a balanced cantilever bridge located south of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia","width":3840,"height":2160},"date":"2024-08-15T12:49:00.000Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Car cleaning tips for a spotless ride","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"brand1","model":{"title":"Avoiding Common Mistakes: Car Cleaning Dos and Don'ts","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThere’s an art to cleaning your car properly and you don’t want a few common mistakes to undo all your good work. So follow these expert tips for cleaning both the interior and exterior, using the right products, and being aware of the essential do's and don'ts for keeping your ride looking pristine and running smoothly.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/_jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/item.shellimg.png/1723700886402/car-cleaning.png","alt":"Car wash","width":3840,"height":960},"date":"2024-08-15T12:49:00.000Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/item"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy_copy","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on August 15, 2024"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/_jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy_copy.shellimg.png/1723696568820/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1077948173_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EKeeping your car clean isn’t just about looking good on the road. It’s about maintaining your vehicle so it runs smoothly and safely for longer and preserves its value.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnd let’s face it – looking good on the road counts too. What’s not to like about streak-free windows, gleaming hubcaps, sun glinting off a seamless paint job?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAvoid common mistakes with this DIY car cleaning guide so that every time you get behind the wheel it feels like the first time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003ESelecting the best car-cleaning products\u003C/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt’s tempting to use your regular kitchen detergent and sprays to clean both the interior and exterior of your car. Don’t! They’ll end up damaging your car’s surfaces. Instead, create a car wash kit that has specialty car care products to keep the paint job slick, the interior leather and vinyl conditioned, and the wheels free from stubborn grime.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome great\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/natural-car-cleaning-products.html\"\u003E \u003C/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/natural-car-cleaning-products.html\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eeco-friendly options\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E will do the job without harmful pollutants washing down the drain. And while you’re at it, ditch the old T-shirt you use as a rag and replace it with carwash mitts, sponge or a chamois to avoid fine scratches and swirl marks.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003EThe best time for car cleaning\u003C/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnder the blazing sun in the middle of the day is not the right time. The water will evaporate faster, leaving watermarks and soap scum on your vehicle. Try instead for an early morning or late afternoon cleaning session or, if you can, park in a shady spot. You will also minimise the chance of sunburn.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003EPlan your order of attack – interior first, then exterior\u003C/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor an interior tidy you’ll need a garbage bag for rubbish and debris, a dust brush to\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-get-sand-out-of-your-car.html\"\u003E \u003C/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-get-sand-out-of-your-car.html\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eget rid of sand\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, a microfibre cloth for wiping down the dashboard and console, and a vacuum to get rid of\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/the-best-ways-to-clean-and-prevent-dust-inside-your-car.html\"\u003E \u003C/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/the-best-ways-to-clean-and-prevent-dust-inside-your-car.html\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Edust and dirt\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E. Be sure to recline the car seats and shift them forward and back so you can reach every nook and cranny and take out the floor mats for a good shake. Finally, wash the windows inside and out with a foam glass cleaner and microfibre cloth.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow move on to the exterior, and start with the tyres which are likely to be the grubbiest part. An old toothbrush is perfect for getting between the wheel spokes. Then comes the fun part – don your mitts and lather up the body of the car using an auto-specific soap. You will need two buckets: one for the soap dilution and one for clean water to rinse your mitts as you go.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGive a thorough and final rinse-off before drying with a chamois, always working from top to bottom. And if you’re using wax, don’t overdo it. A thin layer is all you need.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003EUse the opportunity to do a maintenance check\u003C/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWith your car looking this good, you want to be able to hit the road, so while you’re up close and personal with your ride, give the fundamentals a once over. Do an oil check and, check and change all other fluids. Measure your tyre pressure (don’t forget your spare) and check the wear and tear on your tyres with a\u003Ca href=\"https://pub.email.vivaenergy.com.au/winter_driving?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=vivaenergynewsletter_hygiene_nov-dec_2020&utm_content=hygienenewsletter03_link_001_\"\u003E \u003C/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://pub.email.vivaenergy.com.au/winter_driving?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=vivaenergynewsletter_hygiene_nov-dec_2020&utm_content=hygienenewsletter03_link_001_\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Etyre tread depth check\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E. Make sure your headlights, breaklights and indicators are working. Finally, check your battery and clean off any mineral buildup with a brush.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EDisclaimer\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003E\u003Ci\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/i\u003E\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested in"}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/author_copy_copy_cop_645814132","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Nov. 13 2023\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Clean and green: car cleaning the natural way","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/natural-car-cleaning-products.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/_jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/author_copy_copy_cop_645814132.shellimg.png/1723696662212/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/author_copy_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Feb. 14, 2024\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"How to get sand out of your car","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-get-sand-out-of-your-car.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/_jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/author_copy_copy.shellimg.png/1723696707975/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.XF","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy/experience_fragment_","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Car cleaning tips for a spotless ride","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Car cleaning tips for a spotless ride","text":"Discover essential car cleaning tips with our ultimate car cleaning guide. Learn DIY tips, best products for exterior and interior, and car maintenance tips.","date":"2024-08-15T12:49:00.000Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Car cleaning tips for a spotless ride | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-cleaning-dos-and-donts"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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