Professional Door Jamb Detailing and Protection Guide (Jan 2026)

Ensure the vehicle is parked in a fully shaded area. In 40°C heat, metal door jambs can reach temperatures that cause chemicals to flash-dry instantly, leading to permanent staining or etching. The metal should be cool to the touch before any liquid is applied.

Use a vacuum or a soft, dry brush to remove loose red dust, leaves, or insect remains from the sills and hinge pockets. Removing this dry prevents the creation of 'mud' once you introduce liquids, which can be much harder to extract from tight crevices.

Prepare your APC solution in a spray bottle. For general cleaning, a 1:10 (Product:Water) ratio is standard. For heavy grease around hinges or neglected sills with heavy salt buildup, use a stronger 1:4 dilution. Use distilled water if you are in a hard-water area to prevent spotting.

If you are a beginner or working on a vehicle with delicate leather/alcantara interiors, drape a clean, dry microfiber towel over the edge of the seat and the door card. This prevents overspray of degreasers from damaging interior materials.

Working one door at a time, spray your 1:10 APC solution onto the lower sill and the B-pillar area. Allow it to dwell for 60-90 seconds. Do not let it dry. This dwell time allows the surfactants to break the bond between the road film and the paint.

Apply the stronger 1:4 APC solution directly into the door hinges. Use a stiff boar's hair brush to agitate the old, blackened grease. Work the brush into the pivot points. This is where salt and dust accumulate, forming an abrasive paste that wears down the hinge pins.

Using a smaller, soft-bristled detailing brush, clean around the door latches, wiring looms (the rubber bellows), and the striker plate. These areas often house spiders or egg sacs in summer; brushing ensures they are physically removed rather than just wet down.

Using a pressure washer from a distance of at least 1 metre, or a low-pressure garden hose, rinse the jambs. Aim the water outwards, away from the interior. The goal is to flush the chemicals and grit down the sills and out onto the ground. Avoid direct high-pressure spray on the wiring bellows.

If stubborn grease remains in the hinges, use a steam cleaner with a detail nozzle. The heat will liquefy the grease instantly. Follow immediately with a microfiber towel to 'wipe' the liquefied mess away before it cools and re-solidifies.

Locate the drainage holes at the very bottom of the door shell. Use a small pipe cleaner or a toothpick to ensure they are not blocked by red dust or wax buildup. Blocked drains are the primary cause of internal door rust in humid coastal environments.

Use a dedicated 'dirty' microfiber towel to wipe the bulk of the water from the jambs. Start from the top (A-pillar) and work down to the sills. This prevents dirty water from the bottom contaminating the cleaner upper sections.

Use compressed air or a dedicated car blower to eject water from behind the hinges, weatherstrips, and latch mechanisms. In high-heat conditions, water trapped here can lead to rapid mineral spotting if not removed.

If you feel 'grittiness' on the paint after drying, apply an iron remover (e.g., CarPro IronX). This is vital in coastal areas where airborne metallic salt particles bond to the paint. Rinse thoroughly after 2 minutes of dwell time.

Apply a high-quality spray sealant to all painted surfaces within the jamb. Spray onto a microfiber applicator first, then wipe on to avoid overspray into the cabin. This layer provides the UV protection necessary to prevent the clear coat from failing in the sun.

Apply a water-based rubber dressing to the weatherstrips. This prevents the rubber from drying out and cracking under the intense summer heat, ensuring the cabin remains sealed against dust and noise.

Once the hinges are bone dry, apply a small amount of white lithium grease to the pivot points. Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant. Wipe away any excess to prevent it from attracting new dust.