Car Care Guides

Begin with safe washing and drying, then add interior cleaning and one paint-maintenance product.

Recommended products: CitrusClean, Wash Mitt, Drying Towel, T2 cloths and Cleanse. Optional: Bio Nano or Graphene Seal.

Application plan

Build a simple wash kit first. Add paint maintenance only after the surface is clean and suitable.

1. Park in the shade. Let paint and wheels cool, and separate wheel tools from bodywork tools.
2. Dilute CitrusClean according to the label. For the current V2 bucket method, use 10 to 50 ml in 10 litres of water. Fill a second bucket with clean rinse water.
3. Rinse loose dirt away. Wash from top to bottom using the shampoo and Wash Mitt, rinsing the mitt frequently in the separate bucket.
4. Rinse all shampoo away before it dries. For the Bio Nano route, keep the panel wet for the next step. For washing only, blot or glide the Drying Towel gently without pressing.
5. If using ready-to-use Bio Nano, apply 3–4 light mists per square metre to a clean, cool, wet panel, unless your bottle directs otherwise. Spread with a clean wet T2, dry with the Drying Towel and finish with a clean dry T2. Do not rinse after application.
6. Alternatively, after drying, apply Graphene Seal to a T2 cloth, spread thinly over a small section and buff with a second T2. Start with one maintenance product.
7. For the interior, vacuum first. Apply Cleanse to a lightly damp T2, test a hidden area, wipe compatible surfaces, then wipe residue with a clean damp cloth and dry with a separate T2.

Final check: The paint should be clean and dry, and the interior should have no cleaner residue. Use fresh towels whenever they become dirty.

See the V2 shampoo dilution reference ↓

Every one to two weeks is a useful starting point. Adjust to the dirt, driving and parking conditions.

Recommended products: CitrusClean, Wash Mitt and Drying Towel. Optional: Alkclean for heavier traffic film and grime.

Application plan

Use routine shampoo for normal dirt. Choose deeper cleaning when contamination calls for it.

1. Inspect the cool car before washing. Remove bird droppings promptly using the gentle method in question 19.
2. For a routine V2 bucket wash, mix CitrusClean at the bottle instructions; the current published range is 10 to 50 ml in 10 litres of water.
3. If heavier traffic film remains, use Alkclean at its bottle-directed dilution. The current V2 bucket range is 20 to 100 ml in 10 litres of water; select the label-appropriate strength.
4. Rinse, wash gently from top to bottom with the mitt, and rinse the mitt in a separate bucket. Use one correctly prepared shampoo solution at a time.
5. Rinse thoroughly before drying occurs, then dry with a clean Drying Towel. Rewash dirty towels before the next use.

Final check: A dirty panel needs cleaning, not an extra layer of maintenance spray. Do not mix shampoo concentrates together.

See the V2 shampoo dilution reference ↓

Go to question 19: bird droppings ↓

Use a dedicated car shampoo. CitrusClean is intended for routine washing; Alkclean is for deeper contamination removal.

Recommended products: CitrusClean or Alkclean, with Wash Mitt and Drying Towel.

Application plan

Choose the shampoo for the dirt present, measure it, and use the dilution for your washing equipment.

1. Read the product name and version. The V2 recipes below do not automatically apply to older formulas.
2. For bucket washing, measure CitrusClean V2 at 10 to 50 ml in 10 litres of water, or Alkclean V2 at 20 to 100 ml in 10 litres of water. Follow the label when choosing a strength.
3. If using foam equipment, follow its bottle recipe and, for a pressure washer, the required panel impact ratio. A foam-bottle mixture is not the same as the dilution landing on the car.
4. Rinse loose dirt away. Wash cool panels with a shampoo-loaded mitt using light pressure, and clean the mitt frequently.
5. Rinse thoroughly before shampoo dries, then gently dry with the Drying Towel. Empty and rinse the buckets and mitt afterward.

Final check: Do not guess dilution from the amount of foam. See the dilution table at the end for the published V2 starting information.

See the V2 shampoo dilution reference ↓

Wash cool panels in the shade and remove loose dirt before making contact with the paint.

Recommended products: CitrusClean, Wash Mitt and Drying Towel.

Application plan

Work through rinsing, contact washing, rinsing again and gentle drying.

1. Prepare a label-diluted CitrusClean solution and a separate clean-water bucket for rinsing the mitt.
2. Clean wheels with separate tools before the bodywork, then rinse loose dirt from the body thoroughly.
3. Load the clean mitt with shampoo. Wash the roof and upper panels first, then lower panels, using light pressure.
4. Rinse dirt out of the mitt frequently before reloading it with shampoo. Replace rinse water when dirty.
5. Rinse each area before shampoo dries. After the final rinse, use the Drying Towel to blot or glide gently.
6. Check for dirt in the towel, door-edge drips and remaining water. Change to a clean towel face as needed.

Final check: Foam can help loosen contamination, but foam alone may leave road film that needs a gentle contact wash.

Related pictorial: Safe washing ↗

Reduce the dirt trapped between the tool and paint, and minimise pressure during washing and drying.

Recommended products: CitrusClean, Wash Mitt and Drying Towel.

Application plan

Use clean, lubricated tools throughout the wash and stop when a tool becomes contaminated.

1. Inspect the mitt and towel for grit. If either falls onto the ground, set it aside for cleaning.
2. Rinse the paint thoroughly before touching it. Avoid dry wiping a dusty or gritty panel.
3. Mix CitrusClean using the bottle instructions, soak the mitt in the wash solution and work in small sections with light pressure.
4. Rinse the mitt in a separate clean-water bucket after each section, then reload shampoo. Keep wheel tools separate.
5. Rinse the car fully. Dry gently with the clean Drying Towel; replace it if it collects dirt rather than pressing harder.

Final check: Good tools reduce risk when used correctly; they cannot guarantee scratch-free washing.

Use the Drying Towel to collect wash water. Use T2 cloths for product application, residue removal and final buffing.

Recommended products: Artdeshine Drying Towel and separate T2 cloths for paint, interior and glass.

Application plan

Assign towels by task and keep clean sides available.

1. After washing, use a clean Drying Towel to blot or glide gently over wet paint. Do not scrub.
2. Fold a T2 into quarters. For maintenance spray, use one T2 to spread a thin layer and a second clean T2 to buff.
3. For interior cleaning, use a separate lightly damp T2 and another cloth for drying. Keep glass towels dedicated to glass.
4. Turn to a clean towel face as it becomes soiled. Keep wheel towels out of the paintwork towel set.
5. Wash used microfiber separately from lint-shedding fabrics, using a gentle liquid detergent without fabric softener or bleach. Rinse thoroughly and dry at low heat if the towel label permits.
6. Check that each towel is clean, dry and free of hard particles before storing it.

Final check: The T2 is a buffing and wiping cloth; the dedicated Drying Towel is the better tool for drying the whole car.

Choose Bio Nano for convenient wet-panel maintenance or Graphene Seal when longer-lasting spray protection is the priority. One is enough to start.

Recommended products: Bio Nano with T2 cloths and Drying Towel, or Graphene Seal with two T2 cloths.

Application plan

Choose one route on clean, cool paint. These are maintenance treatments, not scratch-removal products.

1. Wash and rinse the car, inspect the surface and resolve remaining contamination before applying protection.
2. Bio Nano route: leave a clean, cool panel wet and apply 3–4 light mists of the ready-to-use product per square metre, unless your bottle directs otherwise. Spread evenly with a clean wet T2. Do not rinse after application.
3. Dry that panel with the Drying Towel and use another clean T2 for any remaining residue. Repeat section by section.
4. Graphene Seal route: dry the car first, spray the ready-to-use product onto a T2, spread thinly over a small section and buff with a second T2.
5. Inspect from different angles. Follow the chosen product label for exposure and reapplication; there is no need to apply both during one session.

Final check: Choose according to your maintenance preference. Product quantity and durability vary with use and conditions.

The beginner wet-panel method adds maintenance after the wash and rinse, before the panel dries.

Recommended products: Ready-to-use Bio Nano, clean T2 cloths and Drying Towel.

Application plan

Use on clean, cool, smooth, wet paint. Check that the bottle is the retail ready-to-use version.

1. Wash and rinse away all dirt and shampoo. Leave one panel wet and keep the car in the shade.
2. Shake Bio Nano as directed. Apply 3–4 light mists of the ready-to-use product per square metre to the wet panel, unless your bottle directs otherwise; spread evenly using a clean wet T2.
3. Work a manageable section at a time. Keep the layer thin rather than soaking the panel. Do not rinse after application.
4. Dry gently with the Drying Towel. Finish any streaks with another clean, dry T2.
5. Inspect for an even finish and repeat on the next wet section. Re-wet a section if needed before following this wet-panel method.
6. Wash the application cloths after use. Follow the label for aftercare and when to reapply.

Final check: Professional concentrate needs its specified dilution before use. Use this wet-panel method on cool, wet paint. Do not rinse after application; spread, dry and finish with a clean dry T2.

Related pictorial: Bio Nano application ↗

Use a thin and even application on clean, cool, dry paint that is smooth and in suitable condition.

Recommended products: Ready-to-use Graphene Seal and two clean T2 cloths.

Application plan

Apply through the cloth, then buff with a second cloth. Work about one square metre at a time.

1. Wash and dry the car. If paint remains rough, contaminated or visibly damaged, address that condition first.
2. Shake the ready-to-use bottle. Start with about 2 to 5 light mists onto the first T2, subject to the bottle instructions.
3. Spread a thin, even layer over approximately one square metre. Avoid spraying this dry-panel application directly onto the paint.
4. Use the second clean, dry T2 to buff the section until the residue is clear.
5. Inspect from more than one angle before moving on. Change cloth faces frequently and replace a saturated or dirty cloth.
6. Follow label aftercare. If haze appears, use the damp-and-dry cloth method in question 12 instead of adding more product.

Final check: Graphene Seal maintains the finish. It does not remove swirls, oxidation or etched stains.

Related pictorial: Graphene Seal application ↗

Bonded contamination may remain. Use a Clay Cloth only when necessary and with suitable lubrication.

Recommended products: Artdeshine Clay Cloth, approved clay lubricant and Drying Towel. Optional after treatment: Bio Nano or Graphene Seal with T2 cloths.

Application plan

Wash first, test a small section and check the result before treating a whole panel.

1. Wash and rinse the car thoroughly. Check finish compatibility first, especially on coated, wrapped or film-protected surfaces.
2. Wet the Clay Cloth and lubricate the cool panel generously with a lubricant approved for the cloth and finish. Do not guess a shampoo-as-lubricant dilution.
3. Glide gently over a small section with little pressure. Keep the surface lubricated, rinse the clay face frequently and stop if it drags.
4. Rinse away residue and dry with the Drying Towel. Check both smoothness and the appearance in good light.
5. If fine marring is visible, arrange professional assessment before continuing. Claying is not required at every wash.
6. If appropriate afterward, re-wet the inspected, clean section for ready-to-use Bio Nano: use 3–4 light mists per square metre unless your label directs otherwise, spread with a clean wet T2, then dry and buff with clean towels without rinsing. Or leave it dry and apply Graphene Seal through a T2 before buffing with a second T2.

Final check: Clay removes certain contamination. It does not polish scratches out, and incorrect use can mark the finish.

Related pictorial: Washing and clay ↗

Maintenance sprays do not remove scratches or oxidation. The paint needs inspection before deciding whether polishing is appropriate.

Recommended products: For maintenance after assessment: Graphene Seal and two T2 cloths. Professional paint correction is a separate service.

Application plan

Assess and correct only when needed, then maintain the resulting finish.

1. Have the car washed and dried so the actual paint condition can be assessed in good light.
2. Ask an Artdeshine installer or qualified detailer to identify contamination, clear-coat defects, oxidation or paint failure.
3. Proceed with polishing only if the paint condition and finish allow it. New paint does not automatically require machine polishing.
4. Once any necessary correction and surface preparation are complete, check that the paint is clean, cool, dry and residue-free.
5. Spray ready-to-use Graphene Seal onto a T2, spread a thin layer over a small section and buff with a second T2.
6. Inspect the finish and follow any new coating curing instructions before adding a maintenance treatment.

Final check: Do not machine polish matte finishes. Seek finish-specific advice for matte paint, wraps or PPF.

Start by removing and evening out excess residue with a lightly damp cloth, followed by a dry buff.

Recommended products: Two clean T2 cloths and clean water. No additional Graphene Seal is needed for this first step.

Application plan

Use this method for fresh Graphene Seal residue on a cool surface, not cured coating high spots or etched damage.

1. Move into the shade and let the surface cool. If there is grit on the panel, wash it safely before wiping.
2. Lightly dampen one T2 with clean water and wring it out well; it should not drip.
3. Gently wipe one affected section to lift and spread out excess residue.
4. Immediately buff the same section using the second, clean, dry T2 until clear.
5. Turn to fresh cloth faces and repeat only as necessary. Do not spray more Graphene Seal onto the patch.
6. Inspect from different angles. If the mark remains, stop repeated rubbing and send the seller a clear photo for advice.

Final check: Patches can have different causes. A stain, scratch or cured coating defect needs its own assessment.

Related pictorial: Graphene Seal patches and haze ↗

Yes. Dirt and traffic film still collect on coated paint. Follow the installer instructions throughout curing and aftercare.

Recommended products: CitrusClean, Wash Mitt and Drying Towel. Optional after curing and compatibility checks: Bio Nano or Graphene Seal with T2 cloths.

Application plan

Confirm the coating is ready for washing and approved for the selected maintenance spray.

1. Check the installation date, curing period and approved products with the installer before the first wash.
2. After curing, mix CitrusClean according to the label. Rinse cool paint before washing gently with a clean mitt.
3. Rinse the mitt frequently and keep wheel tools separate. Rinse off all shampoo before it dries.
4. If a compatible Bio Nano top-up is due, apply 3–4 light mists of the ready-to-use product per square metre to a clean, cool, wet section, unless your label directs otherwise. Spread with a clean wet T2, then dry and finish with a clean dry T2. Do not rinse after application.
5. Alternatively, dry with the Drying Towel and apply compatible Graphene Seal through one T2, then buff with a second T2.
6. Reassess remaining contamination before adding more protection. Return to the installer for problems that normal cleaning does not resolve.

Final check: Neither beading nor a top-up spray proves that a coating is undamaged. Maintain it according to the installer schedule.

Use Cleanse with lightly damp cloths on compatible interior surfaces, keeping liquid away from openings and electronics.

Recommended products: Cleanse and separate T2 cloths for cleaning, residue removal and drying.

Application plan

Clean as needed and check frequently touched areas during your regular interior routine.

1. Vacuum or gently remove loose dirt. Work on a cool interior and test Cleanse in a hidden area.
2. Prepare Cleanse as directed on its bottle. Lightly dampen a T2 and apply cleaner to the cloth.
3. Wipe a small section with gentle pressure. Avoid soaking seams, vents, switches or electrical controls.
4. Use another clean, lightly damp cloth to collect loosened dirt and remaining cleaner. Repeat with a clean face if needed.
5. Dry the area with a separate T2 and inspect the finish before moving to the next section.
6. Wash the cloths after use. Use the vehicle manufacturer method for displays, instrument lenses and delicate special finishes.

Final check: The surface should be clean and dry with no remaining cleaner residue. Cleanse is a cleaner; leather conditioning is a separate step when required.

Related pictorial: Cleanse interior care ↗

Use a gentle method on compatible finished automotive leather and follow the vehicle or leather maker instructions.

Recommended products: Cleanse, Smart Scrub and separate T2 cloths.

Application plan

Start with a cloth. Use Smart Scrub only where compatible and needed for textured dirt.

1. Vacuum seat seams gently. Inspect for damaged finish, colour transfer or delicate leather and seek specialist advice when needed.
2. Test Cleanse and, if used, Smart Scrub in a hidden area. Let the test area dry and check for changes.
3. For light soil, apply label-prepared Cleanse to a lightly damp T2 and wipe a small area gently.
4. For remaining textured dirt on an approved surface, lightly dampen Smart Scrub, apply Cleanse as directed and agitate gently without soaking perforations or seams.
5. Collect loosened dirt with a clean damp T2. Dry with another T2 and repeat only when necessary.
6. Rinse Smart Scrub thoroughly after use and allow it to dry. Wash the cloths separately according to their care labels.

Final check: Do not use this general plan on suede, Alcantara, aniline leather or damaged finishes without specific approval. Conditioning is a separate decision.

Begin with routine glass cleaning. Use Clarity only for suitable exterior-glass stains, and add Window Coat only after correct preparation.

Recommended products: Dedicated T2 glass cloths. Optional: Clarity, Window Coat or Window+, Prep, and the coating-specified applicator.

Application plan

Choose routine cleaning, stain treatment, or optional coating according to the problem. Coating steps depend on the exact version.

1. Routine cleaning: cool the glass and remove loose dirt. Apply a suitable automotive glass cleaner to a dedicated T2, wipe the glass and finish with a second clean T2. Use tint-safe instructions for interior glass.
2. Optional Clarity treatment: confirm the surface is unfilmed exterior glass and compatible with abrasive treatment. Protect adjacent trim. Wash and dry the glass, then test a small area.
3. Use a small amount of Clarity with the soft applicator specified on the label. Work gently on a small dry section. Wipe away residue and complete any rinsing or cleaning specified on the bottle; dry and inspect.
4. Optional Window Coat preparation: verify the exact product guide, glass compatibility and curing arrangements. Use the required PPE and ventilation. Finish decontamination, then use Prep on a clean T2 as its label directs to remove oils; wipe residue with a second T2 and allow the glass to become completely dry.
5. Apply the Window Coat quantity stated in that version guide to its specified applicator. Spread a thin, even layer over a small section with overlapping passes.
6. At the exact guide-specified flash time for the conditions, level excess with one clean T2 and buff with a second T2. Inspect carefully for streaks and haze; glass must be completely clear before driving.
7. Keep the glass dry for the guide-specified period. For the retail Window Coat routine, allow at least 24 hours before wiper operation, or longer if the bottle specifies it. Plan installation when the car can stay parked and sheltered.
8. Resume washing and other treatments only after the coating guide permits them. Keep wipers working properly and use them whenever driving conditions require.

Final check: Clarity is an abrasive exterior-glass polish. Keep it off mirrors, interior glass, tint and protective films. Polishing may remove an existing glass coating. Window Coat does not replace wipers.

Clean cool wheels with products suitable for their exact finish. Wheel Coat is an optional protection step after thorough preparation.

Recommended products: Alkclean and dedicated wheel tools. Optional: Wheel Coat or Wheel+, Prep, coating-specified applicator and separate T2 cloths.

Application plan

Separate ordinary wheel washing from a planned coating installation. Arrange trained help for coating if you are unsure.

1. Let the wheels cool. Check finish compatibility, including any bare, polished, anodised or special finishes. Keep wheel tools away from paintwork tools.
2. Rinse loose dirt away. Prepare Alkclean at the bottle-directed wash dilution compatible with the wheel finish. For the current V2 bucket method, the published range is 20 to 100 ml in 10 litres of water.
3. Clean one wheel at a time with dedicated soft tools. Keep the cleaner wet while working, rinse thoroughly before it dries, and dry with a wheel-only towel.
4. Optional coating preparation: finish decontamination and any required finish correction. Wear the PPE specified by the coating and use suitable ventilation. Apply Prep via a clean T2 as directed, remove residue with another cloth and let the wheel dry fully.
5. Load the applicator with the exact quantity in your Wheel Coat version guide. Apply a thin, even film to a small accessible section; a coating-specified block, pad or small cloth can help with different shapes.
6. At the guide-specified flash time for the conditions, level excess with one clean T2 and buff using a second T2. Inspect spokes, edges and recesses for residue.
7. Keep the coating dry for its required initial cure and postpone shampoo or chemicals until the guide permits them. Do not put coating on tyre tread or brake friction surfaces.

Final check: Wheel Coat is protection after cleaning; it is not a wheel cleaner. Flash and curing times must match the exact version and conditions.

See the V2 shampoo dilution reference ↓

Apply Tyre Seal thinly to clean, dry sidewalls for a darker finish.

Recommended products: Tyre Seal and a dedicated tyre-dressing applicator.

Application plan

Dress tyres after cleaning and drying them. Reapply when the appearance needs it, according to the label.

1. Wash the tyre sidewalls with a suitable cleaner and dedicated brush, rinse thoroughly and let the rubber dry.
2. Prepare Tyre Seal according to the bottle. Put a small amount onto the dedicated applicator.
3. Spread a thin, even layer around the sidewall. Keep it away from tyre tread, brakes and areas that require grip.
4. Even out excess product with the applicator. Do not keep adding product to wet-looking patches.
5. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes to dry, or longer if the bottle instructions or conditions require, before driving.
6. Inspect for excess before driving. After rain, rinse away accumulated dirt when safe and reassess the finish before reapplying.

Final check: Use on car tyre sidewalls only in this plan. Tyre dressing does not repair damaged tyres or maintain their air pressure.

Related pictorial: Tyre Seal application ↗

Remove them promptly by softening and lifting the deposit without scraping or grinding it into the paint.

Recommended products: CitrusClean and a dedicated clean T2 cloth, with clean water. Keep a separate cloth for drying.

Application plan

Treat promptly on a cool surface; wash more of the panel when loose dirt is widespread.

1. Move into the shade and let the panel cool. Rinse loose surrounding dirt away without rubbing.
2. Use clean water and a label-diluted CitrusClean wash solution to wet the deposit. A water-soaked T2 can rest over it briefly to help soften it; keep it wet.
3. Allow the deposit to loosen, then lift it gently with a clean, wet cloth face. Do not drag a dirty cloth repeatedly over the paint.
4. Repeat softening if needed. Rinse the area thoroughly and wash the panel normally if contamination remains.
5. Dry gently using a separate clean towel. Inspect for remaining stains or etching rather than scrubbing harder.
6. Wash the contaminated T2 thoroughly before reuse and keep it out of the clean paintwork cloth set until cleaned.

Final check: On a freshly installed coating, follow the installer emergency-cleaning instructions; shampoo may be restricted during curing.

Maintain the exterior and interior regularly, and keep vehicle safety checks and servicing on their own schedule.

Recommended products: CitrusClean, Wash Mitt, Drying Towel, Cleanse and T2 cloths. Choose Bio Nano or Graphene Seal. Use Alkclean, Clay Cloth and Tyre Seal only when needed.

Application plan

Wash every one to two weeks as a starting routine. Clean spills promptly and inspect surfaces before deciding on extra products.

1. Routine wash: label-dilute CitrusClean, rinse loose dirt away, wash top to bottom with the mitt and rinse before drying occurs. Keep panels wet if using the Bio Nano route next; otherwise dry gently with the Drying Towel.
2. Interior: vacuum, apply label-prepared Cleanse to a lightly damp T2, test and wipe compatible surfaces, collect residue with a damp cloth and dry with another T2.
3. Paint maintenance when due: apply ready-to-use Bio Nano to clean, cool, wet paint at 3–4 light mists per square metre unless your label directs otherwise, spread with a clean wet T2, dry and final-buff without rinsing; or dry fully, spread Graphene Seal through one T2 and buff with a second.
4. For heavier traffic film, substitute a correctly diluted Alkclean wash. Rinse fully. If bonded contamination remains, use the Clay Cloth only with approved lubrication, light pressure and a test section, then rinse, dry and inspect.
5. For tyre appearance, clean and dry the sidewalls, apply Tyre Seal thinly with a dedicated applicator and allow the label-specified drying time before driving.
6. After each session, wash and dry cloths and tools, and store them clean. Follow exact coating curing restrictions before any washing or top-up.
7. Check cold tyre pressures monthly against the vehicle maker recommendation, inspect tyres, lights and wipers, and follow the vehicle servicing schedule.

Final check: Choose treatments for the condition present. Do not clay, deeply clean or add protection automatically at every wash.