How To Clean White Vans

How often should I wash my car? How long does it take to get rid of dirt from a dirty van? A dirty van can be a real eyesore.

If you live near a busy street or highway, chances are you see lots of dirty vans parked along the road. They may also attract unwanted attention.

It’s essential to keep your vehicle clean. This helps prevent rust and other damage. Cleaning your van will also help remove stains and odors.

Cleaning a van takes time. First, you need to work carefully on the truck as to not scratch the paint. In addition, you'll have to use proper cleaning products and equipment.

If you're going to clean your car independently, invest in an auto detailing kit. These kits contain everything you need to get your vehicle looking new.

DIY Car Wash

Step 1

The first step is to clean your car's exterior surfaces using a microfiber cloth or sponge. Next, apply a mild soap solution and wipe down all areas with a soft-bristled brush for best results. Don't forget about the wheels, windows, mirrors, hood, and trunk area. 

In particular, make sure the windows and windshield are clean. Use a window cleaner suitable for glass surfaces and spray the liquid onto the glass with a microfiber cloth.

Give the area a good scrubbing until the coating comes off. Then, rinse thoroughly to ensure no streaks remain.

It can be helpful to start at the bottom of the van, moving counterclockwise around the vehicle. So, apply a soap solution liberally and then rinse with fresh water. Next, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the exterior surfaces of the van.

Wash and shine your van's rear window. Spray the glass with a water hose and let it run for several seconds. Allow the water to soak into the glass for two or three minutes. Then use a clean rag to gently rub the window until the streaks disappear.

Wash the side windows using the same steps. And follow this up with a final rinse. Finally, wipe the window frames without rubbing too hard.

Step 2

Apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid to a microfiber cleaning cloth. Do not use a sponge or steel wool to avoid scratching the paint. Instead, use the microfiber cloth to remove stubborn spots.

For more significant stains such as grease, apply an automotive cleaner. Once clean, rinse the spot with the excess water from the cleaning cloth and then hang it on a hook to air-dry.

Next, spray your van with a hose and allow it to run over a few minutes. After rinsing, use the same brush to clean the inside surfaces of the truck.

Next, wipe the door handles, wheel wells, chrome trim, and headlights with a damp rag. Let the water drip off of the van after you've finished cleaning.

Step 3

To protect your freshly washed vehicle against future dirt deposits, use a soft-bristling brush to dust the entire body of the van. Then, sweep away any loose debris with a dry microfiber cloth.

Spray your van once again with water using a garden hose. Wait for it to flow through before washing it for a second time. The last wash should be done when the sun is shining, and temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4

To prevent scratches while driving, cover exposed metal parts of your van with plastic wrap. This will also keep your van cooler during warmer weather months.

Step 5

During the summer, take care of your vehicle's exhaust system. First, check to find out whether it needs replacing. You might want to get a new one, just because old ones tend to rust. Old mufflers don't sound very good either.

Cleaning The Inside

When working on the inside of your car, wipe up spills immediately. It's best to put paper towels over any stains, so there aren't more problems later.

Use a high-quality vacuum to suck up dust and debris. Many cars come with their own vacuums, too!

Clean Your Car Regularly

Cleaning your car helps to maintain its overall appearance. Not only does regular cleaning help remove accumulated grime, but it also keeps the exterior free of stains, so it doesn't appear dirty.

In addition, a quick vacuum job eliminates most of the dust particles.

You should also mow the grass around your car regularly. This removes tiny bits of grass that might accumulate near the tire rims or beneath the fenders.

Follow the steps listed above to properly care for your van. Remember that it should be properly serviced before you drive it anywhere. And always carry extra gas cans whenever you go on long trips.

After you've cleaned the outside of your vehicle:

1. Follow up by washing all interior surfaces using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-quality attachment.
2. Use warm water and a mild detergent.
3. Never use hot water--it could damage your upholstery or seats.

When your van has been thoroughly cleaned, dry it off with a lint-free towel. Be sure not to over dry it, as this causes cracks in the finish material. Finally, lightly buff away any dried residue with a clean towel that's been sprayed with light furniture oil.

Protect Your Van From Scratches

After washing your van:

1. Scrutinize it.
2. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down all the interior surfaces.
3. Ensure there aren't any sticky spots or streaks caused by soaps or cleaners.
4. Examine the front and rear windshields and other areas where the wipers can leave marks.
5. If necessary, dab these places with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

If you notice any dents or scratches, try applying clear nail polish to fill in the damaged area. 

Check your tires regularly. They should have no noticeable wear or tear. In addition, they should be properly inflated.

A well-maintained engine often runs smoothly. However, if you hear unusual noises coming from your machine, check under the hood to see what's causing the noise.

Make Sure That All Of Its Lights Are Working Properly

When winter comes, turn off all the lights inside your vehicle. Be careful not to leave them on overnight. Do this even though you think you won't need them. Having all the lights on could cause problems down the road.

Also, you'll need to replace the bulbs in your headlights every year. Another thing to consider is the wiper blades. Replace them at least every two years.

Most vehicles come equipped with six blades. But the lifespan of those blades tends to decrease as they age. So, you might want to invest in a spare pair. 

Before putting your car back into service, make sure to test drive it for accuracy. It may require some minor repairs before being used again.

Final Thoughts

Cars have become much easier to work on since there have been such developments in technology. As a result, they constantly become safer to operate. However, they are still highly prone to specific brake wear and oil leakage issues.

If these issues arise, it would be necessary to conduct minor fixings like changing the pads and rotors. If these elements are severely damaged, it would be better to have them replaced.

With some time and proper research, you will be able to quickly identify any potential problem areas of your car.