We love keeping our cars looking their very best at all times. Most of us have got an arsenal of various car cleaning products and equipment at our disposal, but do you know how you should be storing it all? Nope. Well, fear not. We’re here to show the best practices when it comes to storing your car detailing products.
As passionate car enthusiasts, we know that detailing your car and maintaining the showroom shine and finish of your car is high on your list of priorities. No doubt, you’ve invested in high-quality car detailing products designed to keep your car looking its best.
However, simply purchasing these products is not enough; proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving their effectiveness and extending their shelf life. In this guide, we will take you through the best practices for storing various car care products, ensuring they remain in their best condition for all your detailing needs.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Detailing Products
Before delving into the nitty-gritty details of product-specific storage tips, it’s important to understand why proper storage matters. Exposure to unfavorable conditions such as extreme temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and contaminants can significantly impact the performance and shelf life of your detailing products. By following our recommended storage practices, you can safeguard your investments and guarantee optimal results every time you clean your car.
1. Store Products in a Cool and Dry Place
Ideal storage conditions for car shampoos, polishes, and waxes involve a cool and dry environment. Extreme temperatures can cause the ingredients to separate or degrade, impacting their performance. Additionally, moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, rendering the products useless. Store them in a climate-controlled area, away from direct sunlight or humidity.2. Organize by Type and Date
Maintaining an organized inventory of your detailing products helps ensure easy access and helps you keep track of expiration dates. Arrange your car shampoos, cleaners, quick detailers, interior detailers, polishes, and waxes by type and label each container with the date of purchase or expiration. This practice avoids confusion and allows you to use the oldest products first.
3. Keep Wheel Cleaners in a Secure Place
Wheel cleaners are potent substances designed to tackle tough brake dust and grime. Due to their powerful nature, it’s crucial to store them away from other detailing products in a secure place. This prevents accidental spillage or cross-contamination, ensuring their effectiveness when it’s time to clean your wheels.
4. Store Interior Cleaning Products Away from Sunlight
Interior cleaning products often come in spray bottles or aerosol cans. To maintain their quality and prevent potential leaks or damage, store them in an upright position in a cool and shaded area away from direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause pressure build-up or induce chemical reactions, decreasing their efficacy.
5. Properly Hang Wash Mitts and Wheel Brushes
After using wash mitts and wheel brushes, allowing them to air dry completely is crucial. Once dried, hang them using specially designed hooks or hangers in an area with good ventilation. This prevents mould growth and ensures good hygiene for future use.
6. Carefully Wash and Store Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber car cloths are delicate tools used for various detailing tasks. Careful handling and proper storage can significantly extend their lifespan. They can be washed in your home washing machine on a simple 40-degree cycle – don’t add fabric softeners as this will clog the pores and reduce the cloth’s ability to absorb moisture. After washing and drying, fold them neatly and keep them in a designated storage bin or container. Start implementing these storage tips today and witness the long-lasting benefits they bring to your car care routine.7. Storing your pressure washer after use
If you’ve spent decent money on a pressure washer, look after it. Follow these simple steps and prolong the life of your new machine.
- Turn off and disconnect the water supply.
- Pull the trigger to purge any remaining water from the lance and system.
- Disconnect the lance from the hose reel and briefly turn the machine on again to pump out any water left in the hose.
- Shake out the lance and gun, let everything drain, and then reel the hose in neatly so it’s ready for next time.
- Slide away the telescopic handle and store in a dry and frost-free place ready to use again next time.
