FAQ

Performance - Innovation - Solution

QUESTIONS ON INTERIOR CLEANING

WHICH PRODUCTS SHOULD BE USED FOR CLEANING FABRIC CAR SEATS?

You can use VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner nº807-032 (Aerosol nº806-020). Spray on a humid microfiber nº4013 and delicately clean the surfaces. If needed, use the cactus brush nº5201 to dislodge incrusted dirt in the fabrics. Use a vacuum or a dry terrycloth to speed up drying.

ANIMAL FUR; IS THERE A WAY TO FACILITATE THE CLEAN UP?

A great trick is to brush with a hand wearing a nitrile glove. By brushing, the glove dislodges and rolls up the fur, then simply use your free hand to vacuum.

HOW TO CLEAN LEATHER CAR SEATS?

For cleaning, use VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner nº807-032 (Aerosol nº806-020) or CLEAN ALL all-purpose cleaner nº838-032. Spray on a humid microfiber nº4013 and delicately clean the surfaces. If needed, use the cactus brush nº5201 to dislodge incrusted dirt in the leather. Rinse with a humid microfiber to remove all residues from the cleaner on the leather.

HOW TO PROTECT LEATHER CAR SEATS?

Two choices are available to preserve the leather.

The first product, LEATHER CARE interior treatment nº1115 is a cream that enriches and softens the leather. Using a microfiber pad nº4022, apply evenly on surface to be treated let dry if necessary and polish with a soft cloth.

The second option is DRESS-UP rubber & Vinyl dressing nº700-032, which is an enriched semi-gloss lotion. Spray and spread with a microfiber pad nº4022. Let dry and polish if necessary with a clean cloth.

HOW TO CLEAN AND PROTECT PERFORATED LEATHER (VENTILATED)?

For cleaning, use VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner in aerosol nº806-020 with a microfiber nº4013, and vigorously rub the surface.

To protect, we recommend DRESS-UP rubber & Vinyl dressing nº700-032 because it does not fill in the holes.

ROOF LINING DIRTY OR STAINED?

For dry cleaning, use VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner nº806-020 with the microfiber nº4013, and vigorously rub the surface.

In case of stubborn stains, use HD CLEAN water-based degreaser nº830-032, spray and let stand for one minute: using the microfiber, dab and wipe in a circular motion.

COFFEE AND LIQUID STAINS DRIED UP IN THE CUP HOLDERS AND ON SEATS?

Clean with the microfiber nº4013 soaked in hot water and Vinyl Fab fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner nº807-032.

JUICE AND SOFT DRINK STAINS ON SEATS OR CARPET?

Use HD CLEAN water-based degreaser nº830-032, spray and let stand for one minute, lightly moisten the entire surface with water before brushing to avoid dark circles. On carpets, use the universal brush nº5203 and on fragile fabrics, use the cactus brush nº5201. Using the microfiber nº4013 dab and wipe in a circular motion.

INK STAIN ON SEAT, VINYL OR PLASTIC?

We offer two different procedures; in both cases a professional product is used, the ANTI GRAF nº180-016 graffiti remover.

The first technique is extraction; gently spray the graffiti remover so that only the stain is covered. Allow product to enter the fiber and dab with a disposable cloth. This stain transfer procedure must be repeated often to obtain optimal results. Caution: always make a discoloration test on a less visible area.

The second technique is of blowing air; gently spray the graffiti remover so that only the stain is covered. Allow product to enter the fiber and blow the stain inside of the seat with compressed air. Caution: always make a discoloration test on a less visible area.

HOW TO REMOVE A STICKER OR ITS RESIDUE ON GLASS OR PAINT?

First, heat the sticker with a hair dryer for easier removal. If on a window, use the hair dryer and a razor blade to remove the sticker. For the remaining adhesive residue, use the Prep all-purpose solvent cleaner nº716-016. Let the product penetrate the glue for a minute, soak a cloth with the Prep and rub.

HOW TO REMOVE A STAIN OF OIL OR GREASE?

Apply PREP all-purpose solvent cleaner nº716-016 on the stain. Let the product penetrate the fiber, dab and rub with a microfiber nº4013 soaked in the cleaning Prep.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can use the VINYL FAB fabric, vinyl and leather cleaner nº807-032. Spray on damp microfiber nº4013 and gently clean the surfaces. If necessary, use the cactus brush nº5201 to dislodge dirt from the fibers of the fabric. Use a vacuum cleaner or wipe with terry cloth to speed up drying.

HOW TO REMOVE A STUCK CHEWING GUM?

Apply PREP all-purpose solvent cleaner nº716-016 on the chewing gum and let the product penetrate. Remove excess of gum and gently rub with a cloth soaked with Prep on the remaining residues.

HOW TO REMOVE CALCIUM FROM CARPETS?

First step: if there is a calcium crust, crush and remove the biggest part by dry brushing with a stiff bristle brush nº5200 by Auto-Chem and vacuuming. If necessary, blow with compressed air if available. By separating the fibers the next step will be much easier for cleaning.

Second step: VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner nº807-032 with boiling water, soak and let act for 2 to 5 minutes. Rub vigorously with the universal brush nº5203. Use a vacuum cleaner or wipe with a terry cloth to speed up drying.

PERSISTENT BAD SMELL AFTER CLEANING CARPETS AND SEATS?

Spray ODOUR EXIT nº7015 on the interior parts that can absorb odours such as roof linings, seats and carpets.

Another way to remove stubborn odours is using ODOUR ABSORBER nº7072; leave it 24 hours in the car. If necessary, rub the product on carpets, or any other place, to remove odours.

WHAT TO DO WITH ODOURS COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM?

Spray ODOUR EXIT nº7015 on part of the microfiber nº4013, cover the ventilation hatch with the soaked microfiber and using compressed air, blow on the microfiber to penetrate the product inside ventilation hatches.

WATERPROOFING AND STAIN PROTECTION ON FABRIC AND CARPET?

For optimum protection before winter or spring, apply FABRIC GUARD fabric treatment nº 1110-16 on carpets and seats made of fabric. Waterproofs the fibers and helps counter stains caused by damages of all kinds.

WHAT SHOULD I USE ON MY DASH BOARD FOR SUN PROTECTION?

Use DRESS-UP rubber & Vinyl dressing nº700-032 on a pad applicator nº4021 and apply on the dashboard. Let dry naturally for a brighter finish or wipe with a microfiber for a satin to dull finish.

WHICH PRODUCT TO USE FOR ENHANCING AND PROTECTING PLASTICS?

A good versatile product is ECO WET SHINE plastic and rubber H2O wet shine nº703-032; spray on an applicator pad nº4021 and apply on dashboard. Let it dry naturally for a brighter finish or wipe with a microfiber for a satin finish.

IS THERE A SILICON FREE PRODUCT TO PROTECT PLASTICS?

Yes, we have 2 silicone free products: DRESS-UP rubber & Vinyl dressingnº700-032 and FREE SHINE silicone free dressing nº705-032. Spray onto an applicator pad nº4021 and apply on dashboard. Let dry naturally for a brighter finish or wipe with a microfiber satin to dull finish.

WHICH PRODUCT TO USE TO PROTECT RUBBER ON DOORS?

The use of LEATHER CARE interior treatment nº1115 on an applicator pad nº4021 is excellent for treating rubber on doors before winter. It prevents ice from forming and facilitates opening.

QUESTIONS ON EXTERIOR CLEANING

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY CAR AND WHERE TO START?

A good manual cleaning once a week is recommended (less aggressive on paint than a car wash) provided you use a mild soap such as ULTRA BRITE nº801-032 concentrated car wash with a neutral ph (does not remove wax) and a very soft wash mitt nº4301. You can also use a soap with wax to increase the durability of the initial protective layer (wax) which has already been applied. A good choice is the WASH & SHINE concentrated car wash & wax nº840-016.

Proceed out of the sun and wind. To begin, wet the vehicle (clean the tires and wheels first). For manual washing, always start with the roof and end at the bottom (area where are most contaminants on the body). Rinse and dry the vehicle with a synthetic chamois nº4009 or PVA nº4008 to eliminate any possibility of stains by rinsing with water (hard water contains minerals and can leave white marks on paint).
Procédez à l'abri du soleil et du vent. Pour débuter, arrosez le véhicule avant (nettoyez les pneus et jantes en premier). Pour le lavage manuel, toujours commencer par le toit et finir par les bas de caisse (endroit ou il y a le plus de contaminants sur la carrosserie). Rincez et essuyez le véhicule avec une peau chamoisée nº4009 ou en PVA nº4008 pour éliminer toute possibilité que l’eau de rinçage ne fasse des taches (l’eau dure contient des minéraux et peut laisser des cernes blanc sur la peinture).

CLEANING WITHOUT WATER: WILL I SCRATCH MY PAINT?

Waterless washing is becoming increasingly common in large cities where the water supply is a problem. Washing is done easily with ECO WASH waterless cleaner nº644-016. It helps washing the car without water, while leaving no marks, for a fast and environmentally friendly result.

Spray on a microfiber (using another cloth can cause scratches). Once microfiber is soaked, clean a 1m² section (2-3 sq.ft.) until the appearance of a film on the surface. Using another clean microfiber, polish the film to obtain a high gloss finish. Use different microfibers for the top and bottom areas to prevent scratches. Can be applied in the sun or on hot surfaces.

HOW TO PROCEED WITH CLEANING TIRES?

Spray WHEELS tire & bug cleaner nº812-032 and brush with the tire brush nº5200 to remove all dirt. Spray ECO WET SHINE plastic and rubber H2O wet shine nº703-032 for a glossy finish or DETAIL Rubber & Plastic dressing nº726-032 for satin finish. In both cases, if you let the product dry naturally, you will obtain a shiny gloss.

WHAT SOLUTION IS THERE FOR BREAK DUST INCRUSTED WHEELS?

Wet the wheels with water to help the HI PERFORMANCE mag & wheel cleaner nº732-032 to penetrate the dirty surface faster. If necessary, use a soft rim brush nº5205, and rinse with pressure. If the rims are stained yellow, use HD RIM strong acid rim cleaner nº722-032, let product act for 1 minute and rinse with pressure. Carefully test beforehand because HD RIM nº722-032 may cause damage to the finish of polished rims and whiten polished aluminum wheels.

HOW TO CLEAN CONVERTIBLE ROOFS?

There are two types of roofs: vinyl or fabric.

Both are easily cleaned with VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner 807-032n but the cleaning method is different.

For the vinyl roof, spray the product on a wet surface and brush with the fabric brush n5201, rinse and wipe dry. Protect vinyl using DRESS-UP rubber & Vinyl dressing nº700-032.

For fabric roof, make a 50/50 mix with water and use a soft wash mitt nº4301 to avoid damaging the fabric. Wait until it is completely dry (24 hours) and protect with FABRIC GUARD fabric treatment nº 1110-16 to waterproof the fabric. Do not spray on paint.

HOW TO ELIMINATE WATER SPOTS ON PAINT AND WINDOWS?

A versatile product to use for this application is the SCRATCH OFF scratch remover nº655-008. Apply to a pad nº4022 or microfiber nº4012 and vigorously polish the surface in a circular motion (move back and forth just about 10cm to create some friction (heat) which increases the efficiency of the product).

Note: For very stubborn stains on glass, use a more abrasive polish, the POLY CUT nº627-032 medium liquid compound and use the same technique.

HOW TO CLEAN BIRD DROPPINGS ON PAINT?

Above all, do not rub. Rinse with water. To wash, use the ULTRA BRITE concentrated car wash gel nº801-032 with a neutral ph and a wash mitt nº4301. Rinse and dry the vehicle with a synthetic chamois nº4009 or PVA nº4008.

However, if the stain or cracks persist after washing, rub with SCRATCH OFF scratch remover nº655-008.Apply to a pad nº4022 or microfiber nº4012 and vigorously polish the surface in a circular motion (move back and forth just about 10cm to create some friction (heat) which increases the efficiency of the product)

HOW TO CLEAN INSECT STAINS INCRUSTED ON THE PAINT?

Insects release an acidic substance that breaks down the paint, causing surface stains if they are not cleaned quickly. Spray BUG OFF bug remover nº834-016 or HD CLEAN water-based degreaser nº830-032 diluted, leave 30 seconds and wash with a sponge for mosquitoes. Do not apply or allow to dry on a hot surface as it may stain the paint.

HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM RESIN OR PINE (TREE SAP)?

It is important to know which tree the resin stains come from. If the "gum" is or seems tacky to the touch eg pine gum, use Prep Cleaner Multi Purpose Cleaner # 716-016. Soak a Microfiber Prep and cover the stains, leave for 2 to 3 minutes and wipe.

If it seems "dried", hard or "cooked" try with the HD Clean Water Based Degreaser Cleaner # 830-032. First, soak the sap with boiling water, then spray the HD Clean by letting it work for 2 to 3 minutes and rub with a microfiber.

Whatever the resin, it is very important to intervene as soon as possible before the resin has attacked the paint. In the event, polishing will be required.

HOW TO REMOVE BLACK SOOT ON EXHAUST PIPES?

The fastest way to clean chrome exhausts pipes is to use HD RIM strong acid rim cleaner nº722-032. Spray the product on a wet surface to accelerate the penetration of acids and active surfactants; let stand 1 to 2 minutes, brush and rinse.

HOW TO REMOVE WAX RESIDUES ON MOLDINGS AND PLASTICS?

While waxing, it is possible that you may overlap on plastic parts. Waxes leave white marks that will be easily removed by rubbing with a microfiber soaked in PREP all-purpose solvent cleaner nº716-016 or VINYL FAB fabrics, vinyl and leather cleaner nº807-032 diluted 1 for 1 with water.

Pro Tip: Rub the stained surfaces with a white pencil eraser.

HOW TO REMOVE TRAFFIC LINE PAINT ON MY CAR?

For yellow or white traffic line paint, PREP all-purpose solvent cleaner nº716-016 will safely remove it only if it is fresh. Use ANTI GRAF graffiti remover nº180-016 if the paint has been there for some days (Warning: this product acts as a remover and can damage plastic). In both cases, soak the product with a cloth and let it soften the road paint. Once it's softened, scrape off the excess and polish with BUFF & GLAZE machine cleaning wax nº615-016.

YELLOWISH SPOTS ON WHITE CAR: BREAK DUST OR RUSTED PAINT?

More apparent on light colors, industrial fallout affects the finish on cars. The small metal particles rust with acid rain, forming a small spot about the size of a pinhead. With FALL OUT liquid fall out kleen nº845-032, the elimination of these particles occurs rapidly without effort. Rinse the vehicle before spraying the cleaner on the affected parts, leave for 5 minutes then activate with the wash mitt nº4301. Rinse and wash with ULTRA BRITE concentrated car wash gel nº801-032.

CLEANING THE ENGINE.

Cleaning the engine can really give the appearance of a new vehicle to your car. For very dirty engines, use ENGINE DEGREASER heavy duty degreaser nº820-05. The application of HD CLEAN water-based degreaser nº830-032 is an excellent compromise. A powerful water-based degreaser, it cleans diesel engines in no time. In both cases, spray 1 litre of either products and leave for 5 minutes. To prevent staining, spray water on wings, bumper and the windshield of the vehicle.

Note: Protect the ignition system with a plastic bag.

Dry cleaning can be done with FREE SHINE silicone free dressing nº705-032. Simply spray on the dirty engine and let it dry, if necessary wipe the most filthy visible parts, reapply and let dry.

QUESTIONS ON PAINT FINISH

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEANING WAX AND LIQUID WAX?

The cleaning waxes contain abrasive fillers which are used to remove the film of oxidized paint or micro scratches. Oxidation is developed over time while the vehicle remains outside and is thus exposed to the weather. If the car is washed, perfectly clean and dried and remains dull, it means it is oxidized. So use a clearing wax.

The liquid waxes do not contain abrasive charges. They are designed to give a high gloss by depositing a protective film, based on copolymers and waxes, which protects from climate hazards and pollution. The polymerization is also enhanced if the vehicle is exposed to heat in the hours following the application. However, if the vehicle is exposed to rainy conditions shortly after application, the wax will not polymerise completely. After washing the car, if paint looks undamaged, a liquid wax is more appropriate.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WAX MY CAR?

Two good waxing, one before summer, and the other before winter will protect the paint, making washings easier and less frequent because the dirt will slide off. In addition, they prevent the agressive seasonal weather to attacks the body and tarnish the paint

CAR IN SHOWROOM AND FINGERPRINTS?

Spray the SHOW ROOM nº604-016 polishing lightly with a microfiber nº4012. It's applied and wiped at the same time. Does not stain rubber or plastic moldings and gives a high gloss.

POLISHING A RECENTLY PAINTED SURFACE?

Apply in circular motions POLY GLAZE Polymer Liquid Wax nº600-016 for a deep shine and long lasting protection. It's quickly applied without effort, let dry a few minutes and polish with a microfiber cloth nº4012.

SPIDER WEBS, HOLOGRAMS AND SCRATCHES ON SURFACE?

HSF 3 Advanced Finishing Glaze nº673-032 is excellent to remove small scratches and spider webs. Use a variable speed polisher and apply a good amount of HSF 3 on the surface to be treated with a finishing black velcro foam pad nº4237. Work at an average speed moving somewhat faster during the polishing. To protect paint, use POLY GLAZE Polymer Liquid Wax nº600-016 in circular motion, for a deep shine and long lasting protection.

WHICH PRODUCT SHOULD BE USED TO POLISH TARNISHED PAINT?

Before undertaking this restoration, make sure that the body is perfectly clean. Work on a dry car, not exposed to sunlight. Always start with the upper parts of the car and work lengthwise.

We recommend using PREP all-purpose solvent cleaner nº716-016 before buffing, to clean the surfaces of the previous wax build up. Use POLY MAX Cleaner & Polymer Sealant nº636-016 for a deep shine and long lasting protection. It's quickly applied without effort, let dry a few minutes and polish with a cloth nº4012 or a variable speed polisher nºPO2013. Always work at low speed.

HEADLIGHTS TARNISHED, YELLOWISH OR DULL?

To restore and give a new finish to oxidized, yellowed or scratched plastic surfaces, use the headlight polishing kit nºP2011 (sandpaper, polishing pad and scratch off) with a power drill or variable speed polisher.

If the headlights are not too damaged, you can directly use the SCRATCH OFF nº655-008 with a variable speed polisher and a wool polishing pad nº4038 or manually while moving from right to left, applying a good pressure to create some friction (heat) which increases the efficiency of the product, until you reach a glossy finish. An applicator pad nº4022 or microfiber nº4012 is recommended for the manual polishing.

METAL POLISHING?

Use ALU BUFF Aluminum and Chrome Polish nº607-008. Its liquid formula does not dry out like paste, allowing a very fast and brighter polishing on all metals including chrome, aluminum, brass, copper, gold, silver and stainless steel. Shake well before use, pour a small amount on a dry cloth and rub vigorously in circular motions. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth. Using a felt disc or a wool polishing pad nº4038 (at low speed to avoid overheating) accelerates and improve polishing (on steel in particular).