How to use a Steam Machine to Clean Car Interior Tips and Tricks

[@extman29]

I've detailed cars and trucks fro 30 years plus. I would not budge and buy a steamer and spent countless hours extracting dirt and stains. I broke down and bought a steamer. I first vacuum out the chunks, gum wrappers, cigarettes, money, whatever. Hook up my steamer, break up the stains and extract. Wish I had bought one years ago. Saves so much time. Thanks Larry.

[@vibhorsethi2694]

do you recommend steamer with built in vaccume or is it worth buying just a steamer for detailing business?

[@martinwest4980]

@@vibhorsethi2694 hes not gonna answer you...my advice is just buy a steamer separately...vacuum separately...if hes been detailing for over 30 years and never used a steamer then dont take his advice..these things were around back in the 80s.

[@vibhorsethi2694]

Martin West thanks for replying, that’s what I did I just bought both units separately and it works like wonder

[@martinwest4980]

@@vibhorsethi2694 smart man

[@Itsinayahxoxo]

What is the name of the steamer in this video

[@sully676]

detailing is an art form, i have huge respect for the patience and attention to detail these guys have

[@verdantacres4460]

Steam is a major game changer in both interior and exterior vehicle care. You are able to minimize the use of chemicals and speed drying times. Very nice video. Thank you.

[@mikeshaw6818]

of all the detailers on KZbin, you're the most thorough and your borderline ocd explanations make perfect sense to me. thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@brighamYoungMoney]

I'm obsessed with all of your videos. It's very therapeutic watching these nasty cars get cleaned up it feels so good to watch. I just bought this insanely dirty Infiniti G35 and hopefully all your videos help me make it look like new; I have a steamer on the way. The headliner situation here reminded me of when I was younger in my parents' Suburban and we were going for a drive and smelled dog crap. Everyone checked their shoes and it turned out our neighbor had stepped in it and got it all over the carpet so we ended up getting the carpets cleaned, but the smell didn't go away. We finally figured out that when he had climbed into the back seat, his foot kicked up into the ceiling vents and wiped it all over, so we took it in again to have someone take care of it. If you got excited about the crayon I can't even imagine how excited you would be about that. Anyway thanks again you're the man.

[@fmastif6016]

H

[@cgletts]

+brighamYoungMoney google car shocker biocide i hot water extracted like 3 times and used this product its like a fumigator

[@kylesweeney929]

Yeah i love the videos, 4 years ago 😂

[@AMMO-NYC]

Sweet! Glad I can help. I'm having fun sharing my experiences with fellow detailers. Really enjoying it. -L

[@martywood9299]

You are the greatest! You are fthe irst on the detailing Mt. Rushmore!!!

[@AMMO-NYC]

Me too...(I kinda like these jobs. HUGE before and after. Makes me feel like I accomplished something. :)

[@matthewbeers7746]

I recently bought a steamer for my personal vehicles, I would have been to chicken to use that much steam on the headliner. Thanks man for the video. It’s really cool to see how great this tool is.

[@emsman59]

Larry, you are one of the most detailed persons I have ever seen. I can tell you LOVE your profession and your work is beyond approach. I really enjoy your sharing of your knowledge and experience and helps make me a better person from it.. Thanks again.

[@chamqual6480]

Agreed! But FYI, the saying goes "beyond reproach".

[@marcomark8]

You couldn't find a better guy to detail your car! Amazing work!

[@bledan88]

Your channel is my new favorite show on youtube. Your attention to detail is amazing. I've definitely found myself cleaning my car a lot more often than I used to. I just bought a new to me car this past winter and have been going through it so that I can Drive Clean like you do.

[@EWDAVID94]

I'm an iicrc certified carpet cleaner and when cleaning carpet (including in cars) you should always vaccum because 74-79% of soils are "insoluble" meaning the steamer is just turning the he soils into mud causing them to lock into the the fibers while you can't see it right away they can wick as the fibers dry

[@EWDAVID94]

also in regards to ozone machines, overuse in vehicles with lots of vinyl and plastic can degrade the plastics and make them brittle

[@delbuxton2092]

Also, never use an ozone machine when there is any moisture in the vehicle. It will bleach out the wet areas. Lastly, when running ozone connect the car's battery to a charger and run the fan in every mode to deodorize the ventilation system.

[@ScarredTemple]

I just recently started a Mobile Car Wash and Detailing Business, and your videos have taught me a lot. I've ordered a few of your products also, and they work great. Keep up the good work, and thanks for posting.

[@fabs5317]

Thank you this is exactly what I was looking for. All of my questions I’ve had after watching sooooo many detailing videos and this answered them all. seriously thank you. you’re going at the perfect speed for explaining for me to get it but also just getting to the point.

[@wrxbungle]

I've now watched several of your vids; I appreciate both your perspicacity and dedication! Truly an elite pro.

[@davidmahn4113]

It very much helps to remove the seats sometimes, especially removing the front seats. You can get most of them out with a few bolts, and unhooking a connector. Much easier to work the carpet, make sure you're not missing anything, and clean the full seat.

[@ParadigmUnkn0wn]

Make sure you're reapplying thread-lock compound and torquing bolts back to specification, and even then it's something you should only do on your own vehicle unless you carry insurance and certification, or otherwise want to open yourself up to the immense liability that comes with performing such tasks.

[@lllllllllllllllllllll1lll1]

@@ParadigmUnkn0wn yes the liability goes crazy high once you remove a seat. Most detailers shouldn't remove them, could put livelihood at risk.

[@AaronSpencer]

Loved the video. We have a family van that we try to keep really clean but it gets gunk in it eventually so this video gave me some ideas. I love how you get excited at finding new messes to clean up. These types of jobs must be really satisfying. In fact... I just realized its a beautiful day outside and I'd rather be cleaning out my truck... so that's where I'm going!!!

[@scottypoll7496]

Thank you so much for teaching me how to detail with a steam machine I just got one and wasn't sure how to use it. your so awesome.*)

[@208miuwu]

I have learned so much from these videos, I see these vehicles you work on and can`t imagine getting the bill. Your worth your weight in gold and then some. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us out here in youtube land.

[@AMMO-NYC]

+208miuwu Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@MarioMenoscal69]

+AMMO NYC hows that steamer working out for you? do you have any other steamer you like better now? Thanks for your videos

[@abbyboyone]

AMMO NYC so, u only use the steam machine to clean the carpets and i imagine cloth seats? no detergent? no other chemicals? thanks. good video btw.

[@moderngnosticism7590]

Thanks, very good video. I'm glad you didn't made this video on a new car like most of other videos where does not show the reality of an used car. Very honest, practical and transparent knowledge. Thank you again.

[@ChrisCortez14supremegee559]

EXCELLENT VIDEO,I HAVE TO SAY YOU GOT DOWN ON YOUR DETAILING BY FAR ONE OF THE BEST IVE SEEN.YOUR STEP BY STEP BREAKDOWN OF THE ENTIRE PROCESS WAS THE BEST PART.ALL THAT WORK I GOTTA ASK HOW YOU CHARGED THEM FOR ALL THAT?

[@MM0SDK]

I suspect the chunky mains lead to the Festool vacuum is designed to protect from the harsh environment, being driven over for example, rather than to withstand high current. The vacuum is only 1200watt, so no more powerful than a good domestic vacuum cleaner, although likely more efficient for use in valeting.

[@Shamilt3]

Long cable, thick cord. Probably pulls 12 amps. 10ga for running that on 100' would be neccessary and keep from cooking the brushes in the motor

[@Flavio617]

Bro much respect for these videos , I'm glad your offering these tips for free they've helped me a lot !

[@nemo227]

AMMO NYC, your videos are always useful, helpful. It's easy to understand that it's worth the money to pay for a good detailing.

[@deasttn]

Not to me. I like doing it myself

[@KINGRAIZEN831]

Larry keep on doing your videos I learn so much from watching you, I appreciate in what you do, much respect.

[@steamcleanrenew4197]

Great demonstration of the VX5000 Larry!

[@briansymes2290]

this is a great video to see how its done, im not focused on the neglect, ive learned a lot at someone else's expense!

[@salvage35]

Thank you --- you have the best demo anywhere for vapor cleaning.

[@spacecowboy1924]

IMO this detailing video beats all the other ones out there because he shows his technique in detail and doesn't botch or doctor the results. some people will just go and dye everything inside the car. plus this vehicle was actually dirty! all the other videos from other people just need a vacuum and they're done. that's not detailing. nobody keeps a daily that clean. I detail and I don't keep it that clean. good video. better than the rest

[@AmericanDetail]

This is what detailing is though most commonly. Yes, this is gross, but this is an average vehicle at our shop. Some are 10X worse than the one shown in this video. I like that he shows videos on these vehicles once in a while to mix in with the fancy ones. This is how you teach technique and product use is doing vids like this, good job.

[@In2oil2]

Wow... Great work! I hope you client was happy with the final result!

[@jimbz20]

What I like best is that it's done in real time. You can see how fast to move with the steamer without causing damage.

[@rosendomadriz9871]

I've been wanting​ to start my own business and you make it seem so easy,, I have to congratulate you on you on your professionalism and knowledgement​ on what you do again thank you on sharing your knowledgement to others PS I will really appreciate it if you live a link on the machine that you use and why this compared to others

[@harley092355]

Rosendo Madriz be an electrician

[@cynthiaingram3597]

hey where are u located?. My car is very clean. I just need my driver side seat steamed...Before it get really bad...Man you are the truth when it comes to detailing cars and trucks!....

[@neckbone942]

You the man. Steam is mean, kids are kids and life is good.

[@ragupathynarayanamoorthy2947]

Can I safely use it to steam the dials in the car including the audio player, steering wheel with controllers without causing any damage?

[@sdraper2011]

6:45 HOW did the headliner not come down when you did that?? I have a steamer and I understand it's a "dry" steam but still - holy crap I would never have even tried that. You have a magic touch, sir!

[@jeremiahbachmann3901]

I want to see that when it dried. The ink looks like it spread a little bit. Not just water.

[@photo7839]

Great Video,, if those were my kids... well... you know what I am thinking. But I am kind of glad you had every thing wrong with that interior. Thanks

[@CantonautodetailingLLC]

How long did it take you to clean that Suburban from start to finish, minus the video taping time?

[@quattrogreg]

Larry I love you video always very informative and interesting. I may venture to say that you make the best self shot videos on youtube. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@danmcdo84]

nice work larry watching all your videos helping me become a good car detailer (:

[@jd-one.9468]

Awesome video as usual, Larry. Super informative and step-by-step. Keep it up, Man.

[@Itsinayahxoxo]

What is the name of the steamer in this video

[@abholidaylights6277]

I saw that headliner and the writing and it made my eye twitch LOL! Goodness if my children did this they would be in SO much trouble lol

[@bear7826]

You are the best. I've watched almost every one of your videos in the last week. I can't get enough. You explain so well. I have a 76 Malibu classic. All original. How do I get your hands on it? I'm in Northern California.

[@davidpatterson6589]

a plane ticket and a good chunk of cash. and maybe having some products for him to use since you cant take hardly anything on a plane

[@ELEVOPR]

Wow, That must of been the Brat Mobile 😠 Great Job.

[@548raptor]

Nice detailed video. Should’ve got the seats out. Would be so easy from there on.

[@tujiboy741]

he is da best detailer i seen on youtube in my opinion

[@Smokingpipesozstyle1]

got some car clay yesterday and clayed my car, dam its great thanx for ya videos I have never heard of it until I saw ya videos my car has never been cleaner, cheers from australia

[@Em12k]

bravo!!!! learned to expect nothing but the best from your videos. thank you sir and keep up the amazing job. also for all your tips, been detailing cars on the side and my "customers" mostly family members and friends are happy :)

[@AMMO-NYC]

wow..great idea. Love it. That goes on the list!

[@bloodysinner9456]

Because of this video, I pulled the trigger and purchased the VX5000. I hope it's worth it!

[@mattcervantes8476]

Let me know if it qas worth it Im on the fence about picking one up myself

[@RedDiamondDetailing]

+Matt Cervantes it's worth it

[@angperformance2041]

Larry, at 6:44 between the sound of the steamer and you saying "almost there", you sound like a dentist removing a cavity... lol. Great content, I am very interested in investing in one of these steamers!

[@aadin]

Hey Larry, Thanks for showing these amazing videos. im learning so much im startingto fee like a pro already lol - Serge

[@coywilson8608]

I have dirty cars like that all the time. I live in Washington state and I rarely ever get a car that is in good condition. Most cars I detail look like they havent been cleaned in years. Id love to see a video of you doing the exterior of a DIRTY car.

[@LagunaNiguelMom]

Damn. Nice job, Larry. I hope you charged $1,000 to clean that mess. Worth every penny.

[@springelkamp]

You are a magician! Amazing job! And kids + car = bad combination. Hahaha

[@TheMMBArts]

Shag is a product of his a fabric & carpet cleaner. I just purchased his paint and wheel regimen sets. Can't wait to get it, so I can detail my car after a Buffalo, NY winter!

[@matthewd6306]

How to use a Steam Machine: 1. Buy A steam Machine from Gabe Newells website Steam. 2. Plug In Steam Machine 3. Start Steam Machine ALL HAIL GABEN.

[@FranksShitBoxCollection]

+Matthew D 4. Go back to Windows because you realize how bad Steam OS is.

[@stevedenucci6273]

Matthew D ugh

[@harley092355]

Matthew D I guess some of these guys want to be kissed and tucked in bed.

[@richc573]

Can't wait to see you again at Lime Rock Park this weekend! -Richard/ KIA Racing

[@digitalmediaproductions7976]

I tried steam cleaning my vinyl dashboard and car doors. I got white drips and white spots all over. Does anyone know why? Larry does this happen for any reason?

[@AMMO-NYC]

4-5 hours

[@steamcleanrenew4197]

I'd sure like to get my hands on a VX5000. Can't believe the steam output. I use some steam cleaners from McCulloch for my videos, but the 5000 looks like a total beast.

[@JC240]

Larry, That was a great video. It's funny because I was looking at getting the VX5000 or something similar for cleaning the interior as well as for other things around the house and what not. Thanks for the video and keep up the good work! P.S. Told you to expect a comment from me :)

[@h2t26]

I got a steamer a while back, which does really help with tough cleaning, but dame that is one powerful long lasting steamer you got there. Wish he gave a link or name of it. I would upgrade in a second.

[@Antonioforest]

steam-cleaners-direct.com/ found this link to a steamer on his website

[@loveblessings212]

I just purchased a used vehicle and it needs a good cleaning. You can see the vinyl and leather seats are dirty and hey have that oily residue as well. My questions are... Can you use the steamer on all materials (vinyl, cloth/headliner, leather, etc)? Should you spray the area you'll be steaming with a cleaner? After steaming leather, vinyl and headliner, what/how should you treat it? Conditioner? I'm sorry if these questions seem basic, I've never detailed like this. I've only done your basic wipe down. Thanks in advance

[@AMMO-NYC]

I have a bunch of videos on how to clean different interior materials so check them out, but a quick answer, yes you can use steam on all those materials you mentioned above. Thanks for watching and supporting AMMO.

[@cacadog67]

ThanQ. This was a great video to watch. Can you please list the cleaning products you've recomended??! Cheers~!

[@samsnead7]

Thank you for your thorough and professional video.

[@crabbyhayes1076]

Great job. Eating chicken in the car is probably not a good idea. That is one wicked steam machine by the way - I love it.

[@collettewilson5768]

awesome ''you confirmed my thoughts on how i should clean the ''itty-bitty-areas'' i sometimes forget to clean the car hinges and those other areas thanks for the video

[@simplytuned1623]

crazy how that thing works. I'm thinking of getting a new car and a mazda I really liked has cigarette smell (was really faint) doesn't bother me but my parents hate stuff. hopefully one if,ithese should do the trick

[@seencity1747]

Wow, amazing skills. Looks like quite time consuming as well. How many cars can you clean (vacuuming) in 1 day?

[@TannerWood2k1]

Great info here, thanks for uploading. A couple questions from this though. Why didn't you pull the seats for better access? How do you deal with shoe marks on the door sill and door panel plastics?

[@airgunwarriors7491]

Have asked this question to others and have yet to receive a reply, but was wondering if using a steam vapor cleaner that also has an extraction feature, would be best for detailing interiors. Thanks in advance and for sharing this video.

[@HotRodKush]

Yes, it's called a carpet extractor.

[@JeremyERevo]

Thanks for the video! Quick question I hope you can answer. How are you liking the VX? How has the reliability been with it? I just ordered one today. I opted for this over the Dupray ONE. I look forward to hearing from you. Great job detailing! Love the videos and subscribed!

[@joevs21001]

Thank you very much for posting this video. I picked up several things I am going to use at home from your video. I really like the way you explain everything you are doing and your down to earth approach and explaining so every layman so to speak can understand what you are doing. I am going to purchase three of the items you noted in this video. The Festool vacuum, the VX5000 steam vapor system, and the ozone machine. I have one question, what is the name & model of the ozone machine?

[@Normanroberts]

Hello Larry, your videos made my car look totally different now. but please make a video on how to detail soft tops.

[@AMMO-NYC]

Thx bud.

[@57Carlibra]

During inspection (timer 13.43 minutes) it seemed a bit too dark, but overall a very informative video, well done, thanks for sharing.

[@nitrokyosho]

Larry can you recommend a car steam cleaner ,i just started a part time detailing business and wanted to add a steam cleaning machine that would not break the bank and was wondering with so many cleaners out there which one would be good , thank you in advance Raymond

[@AMMO-NYC]

vx5000. I have a link on my website ammonyc.com

[@santa1563]

I love the idea of the owner watching in absolute horror as he calls it disgusting and horrible lol. but hey looks great now.

[@playmovingpictures]

I enjoy your videos. You and are few others are great 👍🏻

[@mtothem1337]

I really need to buy a steam cleaner, i always have problems cleaning properly, this looks really powerful it even took away the ink.

[@danishwaqar7065]

wawooo i gives so much ideas thank u very much i dont have a big industrial steamer but i have small katcher steamer macxhine and i really works good thanks 4 the tips and keep diong these marbelous vids ....thanks

[@DavesGamez]

Very nice work man! On the headliner will the steam unglue it? and at what temperature do you use the steam on the headliner? thanks man.

[@olsvoll93]

Would be cool just to see time laps of you doing just å random car that you are working on! Just to se you do your everyday job:) support from Norway

[@mrandycrawford]

Thank you for the video and sharing your knowledge. I wonder if you have any tips/videos/links on how to steam older cars (I have a 71 Chevelle SS that's got ground in dust but I'm afraid of over steaming it).

[@seannot-telling9806]

I was told you can also do the glass. I had hoped that you would show that when removing the stickers. Thanks

[@mygtxful]

It works great

[@seannot-telling9806]

mygtxful What is the best way to clean glass on the inside? Thanks

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Sean M short pile microfiber towel and a good car glass specific glass cleaner (don't use Windex or any other ammonia based product). Make sure you spray the product onto the towel and not directly onto the glass (because it'll get all over everything if you do that). If it's really dirty you may have to work at it and work at it until it is clean or you can use a clay bar - that works pretty well. Then once you get it clean, you can keep it clean by just spending a few minutes once a week going over it. Glass is one of those things that is a pain in the ass to clean if you let it get too dirty, but if you maintain it with regular quick cleaning, it's not so bad - actually pretty much everything is like that - but glass is particularly difficult to get a good result without a lot of work if it is really grubby.

[@ecoquemicalimpeza-jardim-m3612]

Hi, thanks for your videos, very informative and helpful tips. have a question for you, how do you get around the electric bits in the vehicle, dosen`t the condensation of the steam go everywhere? I am in the process of starting my own car/house cleaning company here in Madeira, Portugal and i haven`t read all the comments but US cars are a dream to work in as they have way more space than European cars lol

[@MaxedMatt]

What kind of steamer should i get? I detail when i can because im in school. I dont have a very large budget but i feel that a steamer would come in handy!

[@stann1987]

Larry where do you plug in your steam cleaner? Do you use the car owners electric or do you have a generator in your mobile unit? If you use a generator what watts is it rated for?

[@stacyhathaway4017]

Children should be raised from their earliest age to respect cars. Even if they ride in a crappy, dreary minivan otherwise, they grow to adults that bang their doors into the side of my Jag! Great video lousy kids!

[@SamnissArandeen]

At least minivans have sliding doors!

[@03bonneville]

looks like the kids had some really sharp parents

[@tulsibeepat3453]

That's a solid school of thought!

[@sc1338]

Stacy Hathaway I totally agree, it’s disgusting when people let their kids destroy their vehicle. I would whip some ass if they disrespected my car this way.

[@stfuandLiftBtCh]

Stacy Hathaway ha! That’s nothing. Seen wayyyy way worse

[@chadthiem8371]

great video. was it just my phone or is this volume super low

[@bsilhasek]

I'm inspired to go home and clean my car...any tips for quickly getting dog hair out of the carpets? I have a golden retriever, so it's longer hair and it won't budge with the vacuum.

[@tfranc347]

Hey Larry, I have a couple questions regarding steam cleaning vs. hot water extraction. Is using a steamer better than a hot water extractor, or is it just case by case? Also, are there some fabric surfaces that an extractor would be inappropriate for?

[@AMMO-NYC]

Thank you!

[@ralphmendoza4563]

Love the steam process! Great video, was wondering, after you have ozone the cabin, do you also replace the cabin filter, just wondering!, Have been viewing your videos, there all fantastic.

[@d3tth]

Larry, have you tried cleaning exterior with a steam mashine? I heard a lot of pros and cons and I'm a little confused - is it good or rubbish? BTW great videos - I learn a lot from you! :)

[@helenharley7595]

great information on your videos. thanks so much for posting them.

[@473incognito]

Hi there loving the channel. I have a quick question. Is it possible to detail a car in winter or rainy season if there is no garage? Is a car port ok to use for shelter?

[@robyntisc]

Great vid! Awesome steam machine! What brand are you using for the steamer?