Sorting Out Your Door Jambs: The Proper Way to Clean and Protect Them

Never do this on hot metal. If it's a typical 40-degree Aussie day, the cleaner will dry instantly and leave nasty streaks. Get it under the carport or wait for the arvo.

Open all the doors and the boot. Give the area a quick blow with a leaf blower or compressed air to get rid of loose leaves and big chunks of dirt.

If you're worried about overspray, chuck a clean towel over the edge of the seats and the door cards. Better safe than sorry.

Dilute your APC. I usually go 1:10 for jambs. If they're really greasy, maybe 1:4. Don't just guess, use a measuring cup.

Identify where the wiring looms enter the door. Usually, there's a rubber boot. Make sure it's not cracked or loose before you start spraying water.

Use a dry detailing brush to flick out loose dust from the hinges and the rubber seals. This stops you from creating 'mud' when you add liquid.

Using a very soft mist, rinse the jambs. Avoid pointing the nozzle directly at the window seals or the interior. We just want to dampen the dirt.

Spray your APC onto the painted surfaces of the jamb. Start from the top and work your way down to the sills.

Use your softest brush to work the APC into the corners. Don't scrub hard, just move the brush in circular motions to lift the dirt.

This is the dirty bit. Spray degreaser directly onto the hinges. Let it dwell for 2-3 minutes, but don't let it dry. (Trust me, it's a pain to remove if it dries).

Use your stiffer brush or the old toothbrush to get into the hinge mechanism. You'll see the old black grease start to run. This is satisfying as anything.

Rinse the area thoroughly. I like to use a spray bottle filled with fresh water for this part. It gives you way more control than a hose, so you don't soak the carpet.

Don't forget the latch on the actual door. Use a microfibre wrapped around a finger to get inside the latch mechanism. Be careful of sharp bits!

Check the bottom of the door. There are small holes for water to drain out. Use a toothpick or a small brush to make sure they aren't blocked with mud or wax.

Take a clean, damp microfibre and wipe everything. This removes any leftover chemical residue that the rinse might have missed.

Use a dedicated drying towel or a blower. You want every drop of water out of those hinges so they don't start to corrode.

If the paint feels rough even after cleaning, give it a quick hit with a clay bar. Door jambs get a lot of industrial fallout and rail dust.

Apply a spray sealant or wax. I reckon a ceramic spray is best because it's so easy to apply in tight spots. Just spray on a cloth, wipe on, wipe off.

Apply a rubber protectant to the weather strips. This stops them from sticking in the heat and keeps them supple. Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care is my go-to.

Now that you've stripped the old grease, you need to add back a tiny bit of fresh lubricant. Use a white lithium grease or a dry PTFE spray. Don't overdo it, a little goes a long way.

Close the door and open it again. Listen for any squeaks and check that you haven't left any streaks on the exterior paint.