Deep Clean and Protect Door Jambs: The Complete Technical Guide

Ensure the vehicle is parked in a fully shaded area and the metal surfaces are cool to the touch. In Australian summer conditions, applying chemicals to 50°C metal will cause instant flash-drying, leading to permanent chemical staining or 'tiger stripes' on the paint and plastics.

Mix your APC in a dedicated spray bottle. For standard Australian road grime, a 1:10 ratio (100ml product to 900ml water) is sufficient. For 4x4s with heavy red dust or grease buildup, use a 1:5 ratio. Label all bottles clearly to avoid cross-contamination with interior cleaners.

Identify sensitive electronics, such as exposed wiring looms in the door bellows or aftermarket speaker components. If the rubber boots are perished or loose, cover them with low-tack painter's tape or plastic wrap to prevent water ingress during the rinsing phase.

Use a vacuum or compressed air to blow out loose leaves, dead insects, and dry sand from the bottom of the jambs and the drainage channels. Removing this while dry prevents the creation of a 'mud slurry' that can clog drain holes once water is introduced.

Using a low-pressure setting, rinse the jambs to remove loose grit. Apply your diluted APC liberally to all painted surfaces, starting from the top and working down. Allow the product to dwell for 2-3 minutes, but do not let it dry. This step softens the bonded grime and begins breaking down organic matter like bug splatter.

Use a soft-tipped detailing brush to agitate the APC. Work in small circular motions around the striker plates, door handles, and window seals. Focus on the 'pinch weld' area where the metal panels meet, as this is a primary collection point for coastal salt spray.

The hinges often contain old, grit-filled grease. Apply a stronger degreaser (1:5) and use a stiff boar's hair brush to scrub the metal components. If you have a steamer, this is the time to use it to liquefy the old grease, allowing it to flow out of the mechanism for a truly deep clean.

Using a pressure washer with a 40-degree nozzle, rinse the jambs from a distance of at least 30cm. Angle the spray outward, away from the interior of the car. The goal is to flush the chemicals and dirt out the bottom of the door frame without soaking the carpets or seats.

Spray an iron remover onto the damp jambs. In Australia, metallic fallout from industrial areas or heavy braking can embed in the paint. Wait for the 'bleeding' effect (usually 2-5 minutes) as the product turns purple, then rinse thoroughly. This prevents the formation of tiny rust bloom spots.

Feel the paint with your fingertips. If it feels 'gritty' even after cleaning, use a fine clay bar with plenty of lubricant. This removes the final layer of bonded contaminants like tree sap or industrial fallout that survived the chemical stage, ensuring the surface is perfectly smooth for protection.

Dry the jambs using a dedicated microfibre towel. For professional results, use a leaf blower or compressed air to blast water out of the hinges, bolt heads, and behind weatherstripping. This prevents unsightly water spots and ensures no moisture is trapped where it could cause corrosion.

Clean the rubber seals with a damp cloth. Apply a water-based rubber protectant (like 303 Aerospace) to keep them supple. In the Australian heat, rubber can dry and crack; this step ensures a perfect airtight seal and prevents the doors from 'sticking' to the frame in summer.

Apply a high-quality spray sealant or ceramic-infused detailer to all painted surfaces within the jamb. This creates a hydrophobic barrier that makes future cleaning much easier and provides the UV protection necessary to prevent the clear coat from failing in the sun.

Now that the hinges are clean and dry, you must replace the grease you removed. Apply a small amount of white lithium grease or a high-quality PTFE spray to the pivot points. Open and close the door several times to work the lubricant into the mechanism, then wipe away any excess.

Wipe down the interior door card edges that may have received overspray. Check the drain holes at the bottom of the door to ensure they are clear of debris. The final result should be a high-gloss, slick surface that matches the exterior of the vehicle.