adamspremiumdetailing-blog

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Close ups #beforeandafter of a center console. #mazda #prideinyourride

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Did you know? - Your headliner is a sensitive area that requires experience and care to clean properly. It's also the source of most odors that you can't get out of your car. www.mdautodetailing.com

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1 year anniversary

When I decided I was going to start this company, I was still in the beginning stages of recovering from a rare auto immune illness.  It took away my ability to speak, to walk, to read, eat, and write.  Even then, I knew I wanted to get back into detailing as soon as I could.  I was out waxing my car before I could remember how to spell my name.

We moved back home to Maryland in the summer of 2015 after 4 years of living in Missouri.  I ran a successful mobile detailing company there until I got sick.  Though I knew I had a long road ahead I knew that here, I was able to get the help I needed to recover.

In December of 2015 I was cleared to drive again. I had days where I began to feel like my old self.  Thanks to the support of my family, we were able to begin building this company.  We bought a trailer, equipment, chemicals, and everything I would need to get started.

I began offering details in January of 2016.  Though I still was easily fatigued and  could only work occasionally, It was nice to get back out there and work.  I would strive everyday to work just a little bit longer.  To do just a little bit more.

It was March 1st of last year we officially opened our doors.  I want each of you to know that  I am sincerely proud and honored to be your detailer.  You see, it's much more than a job to me.  

I want to make sure each of you receive the best possible service available but, providing you with a premium service is not just a way of earning an income.  It's not taking life for granted.  It's my recovery.  It's me showing my children that you can persevere and overcome any adversity with hard work, dedication, and indomitable spirit.  It's me thanking my wife for all she went through and for still being by my side.  

I put my name on this company because I take complete ownership of it.  I want you to know that when we come to you, we are going to treat you and your vehicle like it's part of the family.  That we strive for nothing less than our best with every service.

I am so thankful to have you all as customers and friends. I look forward to many more years of providing you with the best possible services I can offer.  Thanks for a great first year!

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Doing more than covering up odors.

Our Odor Elimination process is part of our Interior Shield and Signature Series Detailing.  It uses steam cleaning and non toxic chemical enzymes that physically destroy odor-causing bacteria and germs. We leave behind light signature scents like warm apple pie, candied vanilla, crisp green apple, grape soda, and more. Best part, long after the scent is gone, our process leaves you with a fresh smelling environment that is cleaned and sanitized.  #7000times #greattobegreen  

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How many layers of wax should I put on my car?

Applying multiple coats of paint protection is not always beneficial.  In the example of most carnauba waxes, only a thin layer of the product actually bonds to the surface.  All that residue that is left behind that has to be wiped or buffed off is excess.  So applying another layer is really just a way of a detailer saying I'm charging your more money for nothing.

While some products on the market, such as acrylic polymers can be layered on themselves, stacking protections in a proper order is the best way to achieve a premium result.  You can see how we use this combination to your benefit at https://www.mdautodetailing.com/flow-chart.html.  But you don't have to take just my word for it.  Almost every major detailing chemical distributor from Surf City Garage to Meguiars to Chemical Guys has a similar chart defining the same process as the most effective way of applying protections to your vehicle.

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Our Classic Shine takes our Signature protection and tops it with an award winning glaze and concours wax combo. Perfect for luxury, exotic, classics, and anyone who wants a show stopping shine. #nofilter #prideinyourride #realresults

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Safe Car Washing for the DIY Gal and Guy

While there are many products and tools you can buy that can increase your success and quality of your wash, I am going to focus today on things you can access easily and buy locally no matter where you are located.  A good place to start is what you will need

Two 5 gallon buckets

A quality car wash soap (We recommend Pacific Blue Wash and Wax )

Two microfiber wash mitts

A microfiber drying towel

Quality wheel cleaner(We recommend Code Red Active Wheel Cleaner)

6-12 16*16 Microfiber towels or a wheel cleaning brush

Access to water and a hose

A quick detailer (We recommend Speed Demon Wax Detailer )

There are other products that can assist you with your wash process such as degreasers, bug removers, tire cleaners, dressings, grit guards, foam cannons, Drying aids, and general purpose cleaners however, these 8 items will provide you with a quality result if you wash your vehicle regularly. In another post, we will talk about waterless and rinseless wash options if you do not have access to a hose and water, or have water restrictions in your area.

STEP 1 - Wheel cleaning

Always start with your wheels.  Fill one bucket with about 1-2 gallons of water and toss your 2-3 16*16 towels or wheel brush into the water.  Spray your wheel cleaner onto the wheels.  Some cleaners will require rinsing first, others will want you to start with a dry wheel.  Always make sure you read your instructions on the bottle

After let sitting for 30 seconds to a one minute, agitate the wheel with your brush or towel, then rinse.

Repeat the process on all wheels

STEP 2 - Pre-rinse and preparation

Empty the bucket used for wheel cleaning and wipe it out with a 16*16 microfiber towel.  Then fill both buckets with 3 gallons of water.  Add 1-2oz of car wash soap to one bucket and agitate the water in the bucket with your mitts or by adding a small amount of additional water. Drop your wash mitts into the soap bucket.

Starting at the top and working your way down, rinse the entire vehicle with your hose removing any loose dirt from the vehicle.

You have two buckets.  The one with the soap added will be your wash bucket and the second bucket will be to rinse and ring your mitt after washing a panel

Typically the top of your vehicle and the side panels are two completely different levels of dirty.  You have two mitts so you can wash the top of your vehicle with one and the bottom with another.  This prevents bringing dirt and contamination up from the bottom of the car to places like the hood and roof.

STEP 3 - Washing

Use on mitt, going panel by panel, and wash the top of your vehicle.  Windows up is a good way to divide the vehicle so you don’t cross contaminate.  After completing a panels or a side of windows, put your mitt into your rinse bucket, ring it out, remove any contamination from the mitt, then put it back into the soap bucket before going back to the vehicle.

Take the second mitt and repeat the process on the bottom of the vehicle.

STEP 4 - Rinsing

Start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down rinsing the vehicle with your hose. 

STEP 5 - Drying

Use your microfiber drying towel and start with your windows and work your way down the side panels drying the vehicle.  I usually save the top of the vehicle for drying last since it typically holds more water then the side panels.  Some quick detailers can also be used during drying to aid in the process  

Step 6 - Final inspection

Use one or two 16*16 microfiber towels and your quick detailer to go over the entire paint and glass of the vehicle.  Many quick detailers have different application processes so make sure to read your label on application techniques.

Again, there are many things that can be added to the process to assist and improve your wash process but if your a DIY gal or guy, you can access many or all of these items easily at local stores, (or from us), and this process will offer a quality result without damaging the vehicle. 

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Textured leather on arm rests can be a storage house for dirt and bacteria. Our Interior Shield detail includes cleaning and sanitation of all your interior surfaces. #beforeandafter #7000times #realresults #detailersofinstagram

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1xMIUsuvf4)

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=297uIJrJ48A)

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Think of our Signature Series detailing as more of a program than individual services.  We believe it is best to base the package you choose on how often you drive your vehicle, and how often you have your vehicle detailed.  For example, if you have never had your vehicle detailed and it is more than 1 year old or more, we recommend our Signature Shield or Restoration service.  If the vehicle is only a year old or less, than the Signature Shine is probably the right amount of service for you.  If you maintain your vehicle regularly yourself, and just need that professional touch, choose our Signature Spruce Up.  If you are still not sure what service is right for you, our Signature Series flow chart easily breaks down what services are typically included in each Signature Detail.   

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The when and why. How often should I be cleaning my vehicle?

You have probably heard me say, or maybe read on my site that every vehicle is different. So of course there is no one size fits all answer to the age old question of "How often should I detail my car?". However, I have put together a fairly comprehensive check list on the when and whys of detailing your average daily driver so you can maintain that Signature Shine for the life of your ride. Enjoy The Weekly What - Wash, Wheel and tire Cleaning, glass cleaning, dress tires, door jamb cleaning, interior dust, spot treat carpets and interior vacuum. Why - washing heavy build of dust and dirt can cause scratching in the paint. Using proper technique and staying ahead of the build up is key to maintaining a signature finish The Monthly What - Wax, Glass Sealant, leather conditioning. Why - these types of protection need regular reapplication to stay effective but over doing it can actually weaken their effectiveness. The Seasonal What - Clay bar, Paint and Wheel Sealant, interior plastic conditioning, carpet shampooing, And fabric guard. Why - Over cleaning your carpet can be as damaging as not cleaning it regularly and actually cause it to harden. Use proper chemicals and don't over saturate it with water or product. As far as the paint, the beginning of every season is a great time to strip down your protection and start over with a fresh coat. The Semi Annual What - paint polishing Why - Once after winter and once after summer is when I recommend polishing the paint. It is the likeliest of times any damage may of occurred from outside contamination like road salt or sand. It is also the two periods of time the average American spends more time in their vehicle due to vacation travel. The most important aspect to maintaining a signature shine, in my opinion, is to know your car and driving habits. It's why I take the time with each customer to learn about their concerns and what they use the car for. The average drivers puts 1,000-2,000 miles on their car a month. If you drive 3,000 miles a month you might need to polish, seal, and wax more often. Vehicle owners who travel with kids may require more regular attention to the interior. Black and dark cars will need protected more often in hotter months. Especially if they are kept outside. So take some time out each week and rediscover the pride in your ride. You would be surprised how therapeutic detailing can be but, that's for another post. Until next time, Adam

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Create a healthier driving experience.

Each year, you will spend on average, a total of 10 days in your vehicle just driving back and forth to work.  You will grip your steering wheel 520 times and turn your turn signal left or right over 7,000.  Every day there will be body oils, makeup, french fry grease, and more all building up on your turn signal, steering wheel, radio, dials, knobs, cup holders, arm rest, and vents.

(Before and after of the steering column and turn signal)

Auto detailing is important to maintaining a clean and healthy traveling environment.  Just like in your home, bacteria can build up causing the spread of viruses.  Many times, fluids or food is spilled in between or under seats and left without notice.  While not solely a problem for parents who travel with children, this is especially true in back seats and third rows where adults may not often look.  Extended stay of substances that contain food, especially sugar, can lead to ants, mice, and other critters. Severe odors and even mold can grow potentially making it necessary for carpet and upholstery replacement if left uncleaned.

(Before and after on drivers door panel)

A proper auto detailing should be more than just aesthetic improvement and a coat of wax.  A quality detailing also includes sanitation of your interior surfaces.  I personally pH neutralize or steam sanitize all fabric, leather, and any other touched surface in the vehicle on every detail.  This is especially important on door handles, steering columns, window controls, seat belts, and center consoles.

(Before and After leather arm rest)

If you are a DIY person, I recommend looking into a quality auto cleaner that also kills bacteria or is pH neutral.  Also always have a fresh clean microfiber towel.  Using antibacterial wipes is ok on your doors and dash, but make sure you follow up with a good conditioner to not dry out your surfaces. Do not use anything that wet on your controls.  Steamers made for home use do not typically have pressure adjustment controls or custom tips and heads for auto detailing so if your looking for that kind of deep cleaning, I’d leave it to the professionals. 

Feel free to email me at adamchurchwell@icloud.com if you have more questions regarding improving your driver comfort and creating a healthier traveling experience. You can also find more information on our detailing services at www.mdautodetailing.com        

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The difference in detail sprays (via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K58fyekd6qc)

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Using our #ecofriendly waterless wash, we cleaned and sealed this #hyundai today. When we started it was only 36 degrees outside. Rediscover the #prideinyourride

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Circles or Straight Lines?

There is back and forth in the industry on if you should clean, wax, or touch your paint in general using either a circular motion or straight lines.  The real questions you should be asking; Should I clay, polish, or both? What towels, applicators, and products should I use?

Truth is, a properly cleaned and prepped paint is not going to swirl if you use quality applicators, products, and towels.  The smoother the painted surface, the more even the wax coat goes on and the easier it is to apply and remove.

So start with a quality soap and clean mitt.  Use a drying aid and a clean microfiber towel to dry.  Do the sandwich bag test and see how smooth your paint actually is.  Then clay and polish when needed before waxing.  Your reflection will appreciate it and your protection will last longer.   

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Since we were there already, we also gave this truck a wash, clay, and sealant. Our clay process is really the way to getting a nice reflection. Just Look at that shine #prideinyourride #detailersofinstagram