Restoring Dirty Door Panels and Removing Red Dust

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with those cheap, greasy 'protectants' you find at the servo. They might look shiny for five minutes, but they're basically a magnet for dust. I learned this the hard way when I did a full interior on a black Commodore, the customer lived on a dirt road and within two days the doors looked like a lamington because of all the dust sticking to the oily finish. Stick to a dedicated interior cleaner like Bowden's Own 'Agent Orange' or 'Inner Space'. They leave a matte, factory finish that actually stays clean.

If you've got red dust trapped in the grain of the plastic or around the window switches, a microfibre cloth alone won't cut it. Chuck a bit of cleaner on a soft-bristled detailing brush and work it in circular motions. This agitates the dirt out of the tiny crevices. I once had a customer bring in a LandCruiser that had been through the Kimberley, and the only way we got that red staining out of the door handles was with a brush and some patience. Just don't go too hard on the window switches, you don't want liquid seeping into the electronics.

The bottom of the door pockets is usually where the real nasties live. Old receipts, melted minties, and dead spiders. (Trust me on this one, check for redbacks before sticking your hand in there if the car's been sitting). Vacuum it out first, then use a damp cloth wrapped around a toothbrush to get into the tight corners. If there's a stubborn spill, a bit of All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) diluted 10:1 usually does the trick.

Our UV is brutal, especially in March when it's still cracking 35 degrees. While you're doing the panels, wipe down the rubber door seals with a damp cloth. Once they're dry, apply a rubber conditioner like 303 Aerospace Protectant. It stops them from drying out and cracking, which is what leads to those annoying wind whistles when you're on the highway. Your partner will thank you for the quieter ride, too.