What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, if you've just come back from a trip up north or across the Nullarbor, you know the go, that red dust gets absolutely everywhere. I once spent three days cleaning a LandCruiser that had been sitting in the sun with dust on it for a month, and the stains were a nightmare to shift. This checklist is for the blokes and ladies who want to get it off properly without scratching the living daylights out of the panels. We're in for a hot March, so don't do this in the midday sun or you'll just bake the soap on.
The Gear You'll Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Checklist
What You'll Need
The De-Dusting Process
Dry Blowdown
Use your leaf blower or air compressor to blow out as much dry dust as possible from vents, seals, and the fuel flap before getting it wet.
The Underbody Blast
Get the pressure washer under the car. Spend a good 10 minutes flushing the chassis rails and wheel arches. If the water's still red, keep going.
Snow Foam Pre-Soak
Coat the whole car in thick foam. Let it dwell for 5 minutes (don't let it dry!) to encapsulate the grit and pull it off the surface safely.
Contact Wash
Use the two-bucket method. Start from the top and work down. Rinse your mitt after every half-panel. Red dust is abrasive, so be gentle.
Iron Decontamination
Spray your iron remover on the wet paint. It'll turn purple as it reacts with the red dust. Rinse it off thoroughly after 3-4 minutes.
Door Jambs and Seals
Open every door. Use your APC and a brush to clean the hinges and rubber seals. This is where that 'pantry smell' of dust comes from.
Clay Bar Finish
If the paint still feels like sandpaper, run a clay bar over it with plenty of lubricant. This pulls the last of the red out.
Final Inspection Checklist
What You'll Need
Watch Out
Expert Tip
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