How to Clean Your Car to Prepare for Selling
Like any product to be sold, cleanliness does matter. A used car is no exception. Buyers will hesitate and think twice about buying a dingy, dirty, litter-filled car. A less-than-clean car may be fine for a family who is in and out of the car on a regular basis. But, when that same car is offered to the buyer without an attempt to spruce it up, the buyer wonders if you have been as lax in caring for the car's engine and mechanics as you seem to be with the overall appearance. However, there are things you can do to make your car look better and ensure a better asking price.
Go through the vehicle and throw out every bit of trash you find. Look over, around, behind and under the seats. Clean out the glove box and all those little edges around doors, windows and around and under carpet. Take out all personal information, papers, toys, tools, equipment and anything else that belongs to you other than those things, like the car manual, that should remain with the car.
Vacuum the car from one end to the other, including the glove box, under the seats and the trunk. A hand-held vacuum can start the process, but a high-pressure vacuum will get into all those places that are more difficult to see much less to get to.
Remove stains with a stain removers before washing seats, carpets and other parts of the car interior using mild soap and water. Use only enough to get the job done. Blot excess and dry thoroughly. Use a hair dryer if needed to complete the drying. You don't want mold to set in.
Fix any broken handles, knobs or fasteners, including the steering wheel. Clean and polish them. Clean windows inside and out. Wash and wax the exterior of the car. Use car soap. Do not use regular dish washing detergent as it strips the protective covering from the paint.
Soak the tires with the hose before scrubbing them with a stiff brush. Rinse when finished. Don't forget to clean the license plate holders.
While it is great to make the car look good, it is also important to make sure the car runs well. Have the car checked over for any major problems. Change the oil. A little work before you sell gives you a vehicle you'll be proud to present a potential buyer.
Go through the vehicle and throw out every bit of trash you find. Look over, around, behind and under the seats. Clean out the glove box and all those little edges around doors, windows and around and under carpet. Take out all personal information, papers, toys, tools, equipment and anything else that belongs to you other than those things, like the car manual, that should remain with the car.
Vacuum the car from one end to the other, including the glove box, under the seats and the trunk. A hand-held vacuum can start the process, but a high-pressure vacuum will get into all those places that are more difficult to see much less to get to.
Remove stains with a stain removers before washing seats, carpets and other parts of the car interior using mild soap and water. Use only enough to get the job done. Blot excess and dry thoroughly. Use a hair dryer if needed to complete the drying. You don't want mold to set in.
Fix any broken handles, knobs or fasteners, including the steering wheel. Clean and polish them. Clean windows inside and out. Wash and wax the exterior of the car. Use car soap. Do not use regular dish washing detergent as it strips the protective covering from the paint.
Soak the tires with the hose before scrubbing them with a stiff brush. Rinse when finished. Don't forget to clean the license plate holders.
While it is great to make the car look good, it is also important to make sure the car runs well. Have the car checked over for any major problems. Change the oil. A little work before you sell gives you a vehicle you'll be proud to present a potential buyer.
Source...