How To Clean Your Cars Engine Bay

How to Super Clean Your Engine Bay for Beginners—In 5 Simple Steps

I began Mobile Car Valeting Aberdeen over 8 years ago. I am here to save you from the embarrassment of lifting the hood of your car and seeing it covered in years of accumulated dirt! Whether you are a complete beginner with your first car or car detailing enthusiast, you can follow these 5 steps to super clean your engine bay.

What will you need?

• Water hose
• Microfiber cloth
• Detailing brushes/Paintbrushes
• Metal wire brush or rotary tool
• All-Purpose Cleaning Solution
• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask)
• Vacuum cleaner or blower

Step 1: Preparation

• Firstly, we at car valet Aberdeen layout the cleaning supplies and tools on a table or trolley next to your engine bay; it will make the process go smoother and quicker.
• Wear safety glasses and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from chemicals and oils.
• Isolate and remove your battery by disconnecting the power input and output cables. It will help to clean the battery and battery bracket and prevent any circuit shorting.
• Make sure the engine oil dipstick is closed to avoid water entering the engine.
• Check that the brake fluid reservoir cap, power steering reservoir cap, and automatic transmission fluid reservoir cap are closed.

Step 2: Dry Clean

• Wear a dust mask during this step.
• Most of the dust is dried on the surface; before using water, it is best to remove as much dust as possible. Direct water will push the dust in hard to reach spots.
• Use detailing brushes with long handles to fit into the crevasses, or even paintbrushes with thick bristles will do the job. Try using different sizes to remove dust easily.
• After agitating the dust, use the vacuum cleaner to suck the dust or use a blower to remove it.
• To clean the aluminum and metal surfaces, use a metal wire brush. Otherwise, use a rotary tool with a metal wire attachment.

Step 3: Wet Clean

• Tip from car wash Aberdeen; cover the bulk of the engine with a garbage bag. It will help water escape from the sides.
• Begin with cleaning the underside of the hood with water, then apply an all-purpose cleaning solution.
• Use microfiber to dry and remove any dirt or grease.
• Rinse the hood with water to remove the solution.
• Start washing the area surrounding the engine bay. Rinse with water but do not use a high-pressure jet setting on the hose, as this might force water into electrical connectors.
• Use cleaning wipes in easy to reach areas; they will remove dust and also absorb oil and grease.
• Rinse once with water, then spray with a cleaning solution recommended by car valet Aberdeen.
• Use detailing brushes and pipe cleaners for tight spots to agitate the dirt on engine components.
• Rinse with water and repeat the same steps for the rest of the surrounding engine bay area.
• Carefully remove the garbage bag and divide the engine into smaller sections. Work on each section, spray it with the cleaning solution, use wipes to clean the grease, use brushes to agitate the surface dirt, pipe cleaners, and toothbrushes smoothly go around tight spaces in hoses and wires.
• Do NOT use the water hose to wash the engine, instead use a microfiber cloth to soak up soapy water and remove loosened dirt and grease.
• Microfiber wrapped around pipe cleaner will help reach tough spots.

Step 4: Dry the Engine

• Using clean microfiber, start wiping the engine dry, make sure you remove any standing water in or around engine components.

Step 5: Detail

• Spray wax on all the painted surfaces and buff with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Use water-based trim restorer for plastic and rubber surfaces in the engine. Apply the solution with a brush, let it sit for several minutes, and then wipe it down with a towel to remove excess solution. Car detailing Aberdeen emphasis on attention to detail.

Stand back to admire your excellent work! If you do not have the time to clean your car, we offer a mobile car valeting service anywhere in the Aberdeen area. We provide services ranging from full deep clean to specialized cleaning on components such as wheels, carpeting, or seats.