Your work truck is a key part of your trade business success - often doubling as a mobile storage unit-slash-office. Keeping your truck clean helps to present a professional font, particularly when using your vehicle as a way to market your business. Cleaning your truck is also an opportunity to organise your tools and supplies, review which tools should move to storage and find the supplies missing down the edge of the seats.
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There are a few schools of thought when it comes to the supplies needed to properly clean your truck. From the classic soap and water method (note: do not use dish soap to clean your truck as this will strip the protective layer) to rinseless solutions, chemical cleaners and chemical-free alternatives, your supplies will depend on a variety of factors, including price and environmental impact.
As a starting point, we suggest:
Pre-rinsing your truck with water (either with a sponge and a bit of elbow grease, or a pressure washer set to a paint-safe level) means you’ll remove any hard mud and grit stuck on your truck. This step is key as, even if your truck looks pretty clear, pre-rinsing your truck removes the chance you’ll rub grit and debris into the paint and create scratches when using the shampoo. Include the wheels and undercarriage in this step, using a separate bucket, to give the soap the best chance to reach the entire truck.
There are a whole lot of products claiming to give your truck a fresh off-the-factory floor glean. Whichever you choose, first apply a shampoo, exterior foam or cleaning solution and wait the recommended time before scrubbing. Use a cloth, sponge or wash mitt to work the product into the vehicle. Be careful of stripping the sealant — if in doubt look for products suitable to all paint types. Go section by section to avoid missing spots, rinse from the top down and avoid washing on a hot day to avoid streaks. Then, use a microfiber cloth to manually dry the truck, as air drying can leave streaks.
Over time, your truck's underbody will be exposed to corrosive elements such as road grime and salt. Using a pressure washer is the easiest way to remove debris before they cause damage. Alternatively, the old-fashioned rag-and-hose method will work, just make sure to work your way into the nooks. Using different rags or mitts for the wheels and undercarriage will save your paint job from scratches from brake dust and other debris.
Use a window cleaner and a soft, glass-friendly cloth to rinse windows with clean water, and then apply household vinegar with a squeegee for a streak-free shine.
Before waxing, polish the truck to remove imperfections on the surface. Use a degreaser to remove any scratches or thinning car wax. Remove outdated stickers and adhesive residues with rubbing alcohol for a cleaner appearance. Lastly, apply fresh wax with an applicator for protection and shine, avoiding any plastics or trims.
First of all, remove and throw out any trash that's found its way under the seats, in car doors or central consoles (I'm looking at you, lost fries box). The next steps are to remove any seat covers and removable carpets. Vacuum and shampoo the floor mats, wash any seat covers and leave to dry. Dust the dashboard and vacuum the floors and under the seats, ensuring all dust and debris are removed. For an extra luxurious feel, give your leather seats regular conditioning to keep them shining at their best. This can be achieved through either leather conditioner or small amounts of coconut oil gently worked into the leather.
Don't forget to give your bed the attention it deserves! It might be a pain, but during the proper cleaning sessions remove the large objects from the bed, don't just clean around them! Sweep and hose down dirt, dust, pebbles, and liners. A power cleaner should get the job done, otherwise, water, cleaner and a broom should remove the debris. Give it a nice foamy clean with some vehicle-appropriate cleaner, before letting it dry in the sun. Finally, apply wax to the bed to maintain its shine and to offer protection.
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