How I restore vehicles that haven’t been cleaned in years
Step 1: Full Dry Extraction (Before Any Liquids) Most people make the mistake of spraying first. I start with: - High-power vacuum - Compressed air in seams - Drill brush agitation (dry) Why? Because mud turns into sludge when you wet it. Dry removal first = cleaner results. Step 2: Fabric & Carpet Deep Extraction For work trucks especially: - Salt - Coffee - Grease - Red clay (common in Oregon) I pre-treat stains individually — not one chemical for everything. Agitate. Extract slowly. Multiple passes. The key most people miss: Slow extraction = deeper pull. Step 3: Plastic & Vinyl Restoration Not just wipe-down. I: - Steam crevices - Use soft detailing brushes in textured plastics - Neutralize old dressing buildup Shiny dashboards attract dust. Clean + natural finish lasts longer. Step 4: Leather Protection (If Applicable) After deep cleaning: I apply ceramic protection to leather. This: - Reduces dye transfer - Makes future cleaning easier - Extends seat life For fleet owners — this alone reduces long-term replacement costs. Step 5: Final Air Purge + Odor Neutralization Stale interiors usually mean: - Moisture - Old spills - Embedded bacteria Final compressed air + targeted odor treatment makes it feel reset. Not masked. Reset.