The Professional Guide to Detailing Brush Selection and Application

Ensure the vehicle is out of direct sunlight and the surfaces are cool to the touch (ideally below 30°C). In Australian summer, metal panels can reach 70°C, which will flash-dry any cleaning chemical instantly, leading to chemical etching. Use an infrared thermometer if available.

Before introducing liquids, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a dedicated 'dry' detailing brush to remove loose red dust from crevices. Wetting red dust immediately creates a 'mud' that can be harder to extract from tight gaps.

Prepare your cleaning solutions in spray bottles. For Australian conditions, slightly weaker dilutions are often safer because the heat increases chemical activity. Label all bottles clearly to avoid using a wheel cleaner on a leather seat.

Inspect your brushes for any trapped debris from previous sessions. Run your fingers through the bristles; if you feel any grit or stiffness, wash the brush in warm water with a dedicated microfibre detergent and spin dry before use.

Start with the interior. Use a medium-stiff synthetic brush to sweep out dust from seat rails and door pockets. Work from the top down, allowing gravity to bring the dust to the carpet where it can be vacuumed. This prevents 'muddying' the interior later.

Using a dedicated vent brush, gently agitate the slats. If dust is heavy, spray a tiny amount of interior cleaner *onto the brush bristles*, never directly into the vent, to avoid moisture entering the electronics or the blower motor.

Apply zero pressure. Use an ultra-soft synthetic brush in a light, circular motion to lift dust from infotainment screens. These surfaces are notoriously soft and will scratch if you use even a standard microfibre cloth without pre-brushing.

Moving to the exterior, spray a pH-neutral APC onto the badges. Use a boar's hair brush in a 'stippling' (dabbing) motion rather than a scrubbing motion. This pushes the bristles into the gaps around the lettering to lift salt and wax residue.

Fuel doors are magnets for red dust and spiders. Use a medium boar's hair brush with APC to clean the hinge and the rubber seal. Rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure stream of water to ensure no chemical remains in the hinge mechanism.

Australian UV eats rubber. Use a soft brush to clean the felt and rubber window tracks. This removes the grit that causes vertical scratches on your glass when you roll the windows down.

Wheel brushes are often too large for lug nut holes. Use a dedicated 1-inch boar's hair brush. Agitate the iron remover inside the holes to prevent the 'bleeding' effect of rusted brake dust from staining your rims.

Modern cars have complex grilles that trap insects. Use a long-bristled brush to reach into the honeycomb. Work in small 10cm sections to ensure you don't miss any areas where bug guts could cause permanent staining.

Switch to your stiffest synthetic brush. Apply a dedicated tyre cleaner and scrub the sidewall vigorously. You are looking for the 'brown' foam to turn white, indicating that old dressings and 'blooming' (antiozonants) have been removed.

Apply a degreaser to the door jambs. Use a larger boar's hair brush to agitate the grease and dust build-up. Be careful not to spray high-pressure water directly into the cabin; use the brush to do the heavy lifting.

On a cool engine, use various brush sizes to clean plastic covers and hoses. Brushes allow you to clean around electrical connectors safely without drenching them in water. Use a 'dry' microfibre to wipe away the agitated grime.

After the detail, rinse all brushes in clean water. Flick them sharply to remove excess water and hang them upside down. This prevents water from settling in the ferrule, which can rot natural bristles or rust metal components.