The Ultimate Guide to Door Jamb Detailing and Protection

Open all doors, the boot, and the fuel flap. Inspect for heavy grease buildup, leaf litter in drainage channels, and spider nests. Note any electrical looms or sensitive sensors that must be protected from direct water pressure. In summer, ensure the metal surfaces are cool to the touch; if the car has been sitting in the sun, move it to a shaded area for at least 30 minutes before applying chemicals.

Use a vacuum with a crevice tool or a soft-bristled brush to remove loose red dust, sand, and dried organic matter. Removing this while dry prevents it from turning into a muddy paste that can stain your microfibre towels and clog drainage holes. Pay special attention to the bottom corners of the front doors where road grit accumulates.

Dilute your APC to the required strength based on your assessment. For modern vehicles with light dust, 1:10 is sufficient. For older 4x4s with heavy grease, use 1:5. Fill a dedicated 'rinse bucket' with clean water to clean your brushes frequently during the process. Ensure you have a stack of clean, dry microfibre towels ready.

If you are using a pressure washer or steam, consider covering the door cards and seats with plastic sheeting or large towels. This prevents overspray from transferring chemicals or dirty water onto leather or fabric surfaces, which could cause water spotting or staining in the high heat.

Using a spray bottle or a very low-pressure setting on a hose, lightly dampen the jambs. Do not use high pressure here as it will force water past the weather seals and into the cabin. The goal is to soften the dirt without flooding the interior. Focus on the lower sills where the heaviest contamination sits.

Spray your diluted APC liberally across the entire jamb, starting from the top and working down. Allow it to dwell for 2-3 minutes, but do not let it dry on the surface. In 40°C heat, this dwell time may be shorter. The APC will begin to break down the static film and light oils.

Using your detailing brush, work the APC into all crevices, hinge pockets, and around the door latches. Use circular motions to lift the grime. Dip the brush in your rinse bucket frequently to ensure you aren't just moving dirt around. The natural bristles are stiff enough to clean but soft enough to avoid marring the paint.

If the factory grease is black and gritty, apply a dedicated citrus degreaser specifically to the hinges and door checks. Use a smaller, stiffer brush to break down the old lubricant. This is a messy step, so keep a microfibre towel handy to catch any drips before they reach the exterior paintwork.

Rinse the area using a spray bottle filled with water or a damp microfibre towel. If using a hose, use a 'sheeting' method with no nozzle to gently wash away the chemicals. Always aim the water outwards, away from the interior of the car. Verify that all suds are gone from the hinge pockets.

Spray a pH-neutral iron remover onto the lower sections of the door jambs and sills. These areas often collect metallic fallout from the brakes. Let it dwell until you see a purple 'bleeding' effect (usually 2-4 minutes). Rinse thoroughly. This step is vital for preventing 'pinhole' rust in coastal environments.

If the paint still feels rough to the touch, use a clay bar with plenty of lubricant. Gently glide the clay over the flat surfaces of the jambs. This removes bonded sap or industrial fallout that chemicals alone cannot touch. The jambs should feel as smooth as glass before proceeding to protection.

Dry the jambs thoroughly using clean microfibre towels. Use a dedicated car dryer or compressed air to blow water out of the hinge pockets, bolt heads, and weather seals. Trapped water in these areas can lead to corrosion or unsightly water spots once the car is driven.

Apply a high-quality SiO2 spray sealant or ceramic wax to the painted surfaces of the jambs. Spray the product onto a microfibre applicator first, then wipe onto the paint to avoid overspray into the cabin. Buff to a high shine. This layer provides the UV protection and salt resistance necessary for Australian conditions.

Apply a water-based rubber protectant to the weather stripping. This prevents the rubber from drying out and cracking in the sun, which is a common cause of wind noise and leaks. Ensure the product is non-greasy so it doesn't attract dust later.

Now that the hinges are clean, apply a small amount of white lithium grease or a dry PTFE lubricant to the moving parts of the door checks and hinges. Open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant. Wipe away any excess to keep the area looking clean.

Check for any streaks or missed spots. Ensure no chemicals have dripped onto the exterior panels. If any sealant got onto the plastic trim, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth to prevent staining. Close all doors and verify they seal correctly.