Keeping the Rig Mint: Your Monthly Deep Clean Checklist

Never, ever wash your car in direct sunlight. If you're in a spot like Perth or Brissie, wait until the late arvo or do it under a carport. If the panels are hot to the touch, you'll just get water spots and dried soap streaks.

Spray your wheel cleaner on cool rims while they're dry. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to eat the brake dust. If you've got those fancy European pads, you'll see it turn purple almost instantly.

Open your doors and give the sills a quick wipe with a damp rag. It's the most forgotten part of any wash, but it makes a massive difference when you get in and out.

I always do wheels first. Why? Because if you wash the car then do the wheels, you'll spray dirty brake dust back onto your clean paint. Use a dedicated brush to get into the barrels and around the lug nuts.

Give the whole car a good blast. Focus on the wheel arches and the underbody, especially if you've been near the beach. We want to get rid of the loose grit before we touch the paint.

Cover the car in a thick layer of foam. Let it dwell for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens, the foam encapsulates the dirt and drags it off. While it's dwelling, I usually grab a detailing brush and go around the badges and window trims.

Rinse the foam off. Now, spray your iron remover on the lower half of the car. If you're in an industrial area or near a train line, you'll be shocked at how much purple runs off. This removes tiny metallic shards that get embedded in your paint.

One bucket with soapy water, one with clean water. Dip the mitt in soap, wash a panel, rinse it in the clean water bucket to get the grit off, then repeat. Start from the top and work down.

Don't forget to open the fuel flap. It's usually a mess of dried petrol and dust. Use a bit of APC (All Purpose Cleaner) and a brush. Same goes for the exhaust tips, a bit of metal polish if they're chrome.

Flood the panels with a low-pressure stream of water. If you've got a bit of wax on there, the water should just sheet right off, leaving less for you to dry.

Use your big drying towel. Don't scrub; just lay it across the panel and pat it or pull it slowly. For the mirrors and cracks, if you've got a leaf blower, give it a crack. It saves those annoying drips later on.

Clean the glass inside and out. I reckon a waffle-weave towel is best for this. Also, give your wiper blades a wipe with a damp cloth, you'll be amazed how much black gunk comes off them.

Since this is a deep clean, you need to put some protection back on. Apply a spray sealant or a good wax. It'll make your weekly washes much easier for the next month.