Sorting Out Your Door Jambs the Right Way

Never, ever do this in the direct Aussie sun. The chemicals will dry on the paint before you can agitate them, leaving nasty streaks. Find a spot in the carport or wait for the arvo.

I always do the jambs before I wash the rest of the car. That way, any overspray or gunk that runs onto the exterior paint gets washed off during the main wash.

Give the door cards and the edge of the carpet a quick vacuum. If there's loose dirt there, you'll just turn it into mud once you start spraying water.

Quickly run your eye over the rubber seals. If any are hanging off or torn, be extra careful with the water pressure there.

Dilute your APC. For moderately dirty jambs, a 10:1 ratio is usually plenty. If it's a farm ute, maybe go 4:1.

Before adding water, use a dry detailing brush to flick out loose dust and sand from the crevices. This is crucial if you've been off-roading.

Use a low-pressure setting. Hold the nozzle back and aim outwards, away from the interior. You just want to wet the surface, not drench the upholstery.

Spray your cleaner onto the jambs, starting from the top and working down. Don't forget the bottom of the door where all the road grime sits.

Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. You'll see the brown gunk start to run. Don't let it dry! If it's a hot day, work one door at a time.

Use your soft boar's hair brush in circular motions. Focus on the areas around the hinges and the striker plate.

Switch to your stiffer brush for the hinges. This is where the old grease lives. You might need to apply more APC here or use a bit of dedicated degreaser.

Open the door fully and get the brush under the very bottom edge. This is a massive trap for mud and salt spray.

While you're at the bottom of the door, check the little weep holes. If they're blocked with dirt, poke them clear with a toothpick. If these block, your door will rust from the inside out.

Use gentle pressure to rinse the suds away. Again, aim away from the cabin. I like to keep a dry microfibre in my left hand to shield the interior while I spray with my right.

If you still see grease or dirt, repeat the process. Don't move on until it's actually clean.

Use your 'B-team' microfibres to dry everything. Get into the tight spots. If you have a blower, use it to blast water out of the hinges and behind the seals.

Don't forget the plastic or metal scuff plates. These usually just need a wipe with APC and a clean cloth.

Apply a spray sealant to the painted areas of the jamb. This makes the surface slick so dust doesn't stick as easily next time.

Wipe your rubber protectant onto all the door seals. This keeps them supple and helps them seal better against the wind.

Apply a tiny amount of fresh white lithium grease to the moving parts of the hinges. Open and close the door a few times to work it in, then wipe away any excess.