Complete Interior Car Cleaning Guide using a Steam Cleaner

[@antonywalker8837]

I never get tired of watching your videos son. Good solid and informative content always. I am sure it will be of value to serious car valeters and weekend warriors. Well done. Dad👍🍺

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Cheers Dad, gotta keep KZbin going it's a constant battle right now

[@jeppenielsen3626]

This is the most wholesome stuff i have ever seen on KZbin, what a great dad to have!

[@relaxationstation5267]

I love watching his videos very informative and easy to listen to. I've just started a bit of valeting on the weekends for extra income and a change from my Monday to Friday job and he's a wealth of knowledge

[@bling2332]

Great video once again! Steaming does an awesome job on Carpets and Fabric seats, helps lift stains and debris embedded. Also have to be careful around window tint too.

[@joevanseeters2873]

Great topic once again Dave. I know a lot of detailing enthusiasts who go out and buy a steamer three weeks after they are decided they are going to be a detailing enthusiast because they have watched a bunch of KZbinr's demonstrate detailing with a steamer, not showing these tips and tricks, and the fact that inexperience with one of these machines can cause some serious and unfixable damage to their interiors. It blows my mind when brand new enthusiast go out and spend a small fortune on products and equipment and they have hardly any experience detailing. I have been detailing for 45 years and only added a steamer to my arsenal about 5 years ago, and to be honest, I hardly ever use it. They are great tools when you need them, but really, about 95% of the time, you just don't need them. They are great for helping to remove odors from an interior when coupled with an odor removing product such as dropping one of the bio-bomb mini's into your steamer tank along with your distilled water. But, could you do the exact same thing or even get better results with the larger bio-bombs where you drop the tablet into the water to create that chlorine gas that you put into the middle cup holder and leave for a while with the windows closed? You probably get better results with the latter and it works way faster and easier than doing it with a steamer and you probably have less of a chance of making a mistake. Or maybe using one of the enzyme products which really work well, but far less of a chance to making a mistake with a steamer. I have used those enzyme cleaners with good success for removing unseen odors and those products are some of the most effective products for carpet and fabric cleaning in my opinion, yet not a lot of people use them. My go to enzyme cleaner is the one from Poor Boys World. It's fairly cheap, smells better than most upholstery cleaning products, and works fantastic at cleaning fabrics and also with removal of odors at the same time. Far more enthusiasts should be using one of those with an extractor rather than a steamer. They could probably get better results cheaper and way more safely than if they are a new detailing enthusiast and go at it with a steamer they have never used before. You make a lot of valid points in this video Dave.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate

[@ItsMeYourRealDad]

I use adjustable cable-ties to keep the cloth on the steamer. Get some Bilt Hamber hydrate-80 on that rust, it converts the iron oxide into a protective layer. Check it out it really does work, stop the damage now before it gets any worse.

[@FinancialStorm7]

Absolutely love how you showed PROOF of the things everyone says not to do.

[@dirkdingle7926]

Bought the sc3 last year love the thing use it more in the house than the cars great vid

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yeah I feel it has more uses around the house than the car

[@ICT_Anton]

I used my steam cleaner to try and get some tough grease stains on the plastic door panel in my Dodge ram, and did exactly what you just told everyone not to do, and not only did it totally dry out the plastic where the gray turned almost white, but it didn't take the stain off. Instead it literally melted it into the plastic. So yes be very careful not to stay in one spot too long, or just stay off the plastic all together. Fortunately it's a work truck so it wasn't a big deal. I thought that I was going to be able to detail the entire interior with the steam, but its not only very impractical, but it can do more damage than its worth. I only use it now on fabric seats and carpet. They work amazing with that. I made a make shift extractor with my steamer and a shop vac. Its worked really well. Just be careful... This is very good information in this video. Thank you Just wanted to say im case you arent aware. Your steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car 😳😆 sorry I couldn't help myself

[@kingsons6674]

Been detailing forever and use a steamer and have had no issue i learn the machine did test to better my craft so i can say do what wokes for you as there are many ways to get to 5

[@eamonkelly2792]

That was a great and informative video Dave, thanks for all the great tips

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Eamon

[@Adam308d]

Very well spent 25 minutes, watching it 👏👏👏

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Adam 🙏

[@marktrower2267]

Once again another fantastic and informative video Dave

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

thanks Mark

[@AngryBritain]

Bought an SC03 recently. Speeded up interiors no end, and really useful on disaster details. As long as careful with it no issues so far.

[@hardleyvries2146]

Steam clean is good when there's drink spills in the car interior on those plastics to soften, it works for me without damaging my plastics I use a 1200w power hand held steamer.

[@greatagainmowing8296]

Wow, thanks so much for going into such detail on this. Long story, but I bought a new car that I can't afford, so I have to rent it out, which means I have to clean it. So far I'm mystified as to how hard it is to do!

[@oxwilder]

One mistake I see all KZbinrs making -- you don't have to leave autofocus on, especially when both the camera and subject are in fixed positions. You see at 2:20 how it's focused on the steering wheel? I would have focused on your seat's headrest or something equidistant if you don't have a stand-in. As for the content, it's fantastic. Thanks so much for the cleaning advice, exactly what I was looking for!

[@80skidYT]

I was just about to buy one and thanks to your very detailed video think I'll give it a miss and stick to chemicals, brushes, wet vac etc, thank you very kindly.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you 🙏

[@Keith-re2nw]

Use a dehumidifier or two to dry out the interior when finished with steaming. Be dry in no time. Hope this helps everyone! Keith Austin Texas USA

[@Tx.details]

What kind of dehumidifier?

[@AsentrixYT]

@@Tx.details Literally leave the door open for 2 mins for the same exact affect, steamers don't leave heavy moisture

[@Gamingdadsog]

very honest video and not trying to affiliate steamer

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you. Honestly nothing wrong with affiliate links etc of the products are good

[@Gamingdadsog]

@@epicautomotivedetailing Yes with products that are good but i have seen videos where they glorified steam cleaners by all cost , you was honest is not good for this ,this and this. Is not the miracle machine

[@GypsyRok]

Great video. I have the SC3 and SC1. SC3 is easier to use. There should be a red tip you use when you want to direct the steam like you did into the vents. I found some plastic had whitened after using steam. I used an exterior dressing, solution finish or similar. Buffed off after a few moments and colour was restored. Keep up the good work.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks very much 🙏

[@didierdt5420]

Great video mate, lots of info for us beginners.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate. Yeah for beginners I just don't see the need for a steamer. I will try a commercial one soon though

[@matthewcutter9135]

great video, going to give the glass cleaning a try

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

It works wonders 👌

[@mikeliszemitis8946]

Very nice video!

[@UriValdez]

As a leather worker I always cringe when I see people using heat on leather, its just not a good idea at all.

[@BinarySecond]

I want boiled leather armour for a seat 😈

[@RobbieRobinson-p8n]

well what would you use then

[@L0wSkiller]

​@@RobbieRobinson-p8nleather cleaner / conditioner

[@timothyheil7510]

Agreed... But steam is awesome for plastics and fabrics. ( Which is what the majority of car interiors are made from)

[@lordfakeclothes]

Easily the best detailing channel - too many gimmicks and shenanigans in the detailing scene

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you 🙏

[@TimMarangon-ju4tw]

Really good watch!

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Tim 🙏

[@nicksdragon6929]

Great video on how cautious you need to be with steam. It's good for a lot of things if you use it a few inches away and with quick passes. I think chemicals, brushes, mf towels are the go and some toman extractor.

[@superd4478]

Thanks you Dave for your tips ✌️👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you

[@DTKRDMNK]

Can also steam interior a few inches further away with towel to lessen the heat/possible discolouration, air blower and blow dryer (if needed).

[@daddymoesby_8239]

Wow, I have actually been thinking the same thing the last couple of years. Totally agreeing. Sterilizing requires 3 minutes of constant heat . So that is just a marketing gimmick. A steam cleaner is great for the house.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yeah it's a total scam mate

[@daddymoesby_8239]

@@epicautomotivedetailing , wont call it a scam however it is imo heavily misleading. They are not wrong, however there are consequences, on sensitive surfaces. I also recommend people, to use interior dressing after using a steam cleaner. With that said, I would love to see a youtuber one day, unbiased testing steam cleaning for exterior wash, to see what really happens. 😅

[@vb7200]

Gotta be careful with a steamer on glass if the car has tint. It will heat the glue up and cause the tint to peel, that's a pain to fix. Not sure if it's common in Europe but there are a lot of sates in the US that allow it (and people get it done regardless).

[@jamesthesecond1123]

After using a steamer for a few months now on the internals of cars, I think i'm done with it. It just makes a mess with water dropping everywhere, destroys plastics and doesn't give a uniform finish. I think some apc on a detailing brush with a moist/dry macrofibre does a better job.

[@GreenArrowNZ]

What is the thing you mentioned at 22:55 please? Thinking of purchasing this model Karcher after watching your vid and reading comments. Cheers!

[@Mdetailing]

Great video again, nice garage congratulations!!! Can i ask your opinion/help? I own only a just wet vac and a karcher sc4 steamer+chemicals,. I feal i hard time with cloth seats. I want to avoid buy/use extractor. What process you suggest with my 2 tools to get , cloth seats job done, at least on most scenarios ( with no liquid spils that need to attack) My kind regards

[@peemick]

nice,yes would agree that the sc3 maybe not the correct tool for cleaning a 15 yo car. I bought one for the house, and they work great on carpets and hard floors + bathroom. As for smells in the car, you should probably look at chlorine dioxide tablets for heavy smell removal + a fish tank air pump :)

[@lukejackson9848]

Using an APC in conjunction with the steamer isn’t necessary? Example: Apply an APC to the floor pedals, dwell, then utilize the steamer? Same example with the door jams, etc.?

[@spicygaming8779]

What I understood is that we shouldn't use a steam cleaner on the interior or exterior of a car, unless it's for glass.

[@huseyinalskan5539]

Saw hundreds videos who use steam.

[@Whaddle31]

For carpets homie

[@erzincanli]

🤪

[@mcentertainmentiom]

i use chemical then steam clean it and remove it with microfiber cloth!

[@astburycarwash]

What steam cleaner Is good

[@gabbiest365]

12:03 people shouldn’t do the windows if it’s cold though right?

[@Ayush-Hazarika-7777]

Love from India🇮🇳 Good night😴😴 It's been 2:00 AM here 😴😴

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Hello from the UK 🇬🇧

[@delmilligan4584]

I see you have a motorcycle 👍🏼 good man 👍🏼

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Not mine mate, not into those deathtraps lol

[@delmilligan4584]

Geezo ! Was gonna give you some credit 😂 there 👌, keep up the good work & get your bike license asap 👍🏼

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

@@delmilligan4584 we are featuring bikes on new channel this year hopefully

[@delmilligan4584]

@@epicautomotivedetailing if you need any help let me know 👍🏼

[@goredknight3017]

I am buying a Velcro in a roll with some buckles for about £4.00. This would hold the cloths in place. Then with the Velcro roll of about 4 meters left with some buckles. You can go completely O.C.D on this Velcro. Holding loose hoses and power cables, I have even used it to put around my plastic 12v car battery cover. So this should save me a bit of money.

[@nowyouareoneofus9684]

When all the black plastic interior panels are clean scratches are more obvious. Do you know how to remove those?

[@mayosriracha]

in my opinion, the back to black materials seem to help “fill” in the scratches. doesn’t erase them, but helps with them blending in

[@ICT_Anton]

Sorry I have a question after I left my way too long comment before you got to the headliner... Besides the possible safety hazards, wouldn't the steam on the headliner possibly break down the glue,causing the fabric to start sagging? Just curious. Ive never tried it

[@James-bc1jk]

When is the best time to use a steam cleaner? Pre wash or when you a finishing off ?

[@Anthonybrother]

When you begin a deep clean.

[@aaronmarinelli7006]

Im going to Wet Vaccum after I steam, the two in 1 vac and steam are weak at both and more expensive, I got the karcher steamer and a 50 dollar wet vac, that how you dry

[@robertoobando21]

Best video ever

[@kd-bc1lz]

I Turo my car and some chick left it smelling like a whole bottle of perfume was sprayed in side the car. I think she smoked in there and also had body odor. Will steam cleaning help get rid of these odors?

[@gened9632]

This reminded me of watching The Crocodile Hunter. "This is the LAST thing you should ever do! Watch me do it now!"

[@jackmason8958]

Hi dave is there anything you would recommend for getting rid of dog vomit smell please I tried valet pro and still cant get rid of it please

[@scruffalafugus7745]

Use Chlorine Dioxide tablets, will get rid of smell but BEWARE as it is very potent and can burn sinuses. Super strong stuff but as long as you follow the directions then you should be good. Professional carpet cleaners use them

[@andrewmcglashan5041]

What do you think of anion and ozone diffusers to remove smells?

[@meanodustino9563]

Ozone machines works amazing. As long as you do it for your final part. After shampoo and all clean as you should have technically removed the dirt and debris from the vehicle the ozone will work for the surfaces and usually i runt it over night air out throughout the next day.

[@rickbarg3980]

A heat gun on low will restore faded plastic to new,don’t hold to close and keep it moving

[@Anthonybrother]

So if you have real leather upholstery, it just cracks apart when drying from the steam cleaner? I wonder what is the science behind the cracks forming in the leather.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

So basically it was a combination of steam and the pressure from the steamer I believe. I'm trying to get a commercial steam cleaning company on board for some videos soon to help shed some light on it

[@TidyGameplaya]

Not really sold on steam cleaning. Hand me a brush, towel and blow gun and I’ll have it detailed in not time. I can see it being beneficial to attack very specific things and cleaning carpets and upholstery.

[@rawtalent257]

It looks good for the inside of the vents. And maybe a good pass for disinfected the area a bit better.

[@ggtwiggy5618]

Dave - would you recommend any alloy cleaner that’s safe for all alloys?

[@ggtwiggy5618]

?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Oh neutral is safest bet but often very weak

[@JoshJecklinDetailing]

I go to town with the steam cleaner. I love cleaning the headliner with hot water or steam. Steam can wreck the plastic like you say. Just don’t hold the steam too close or for too long in one spot. 😂

[@Anthonybrother]

Does it melt it?

[@JoshJecklinDetailing]

@@Anthonybrother Steam can leave marks on plastic interiors or dry out the plastic changing the color. This happens because you hold the steam cleaning head too close to the plastic for too long. I just make sure to hold my steam cleaner farther away from plastic parts and not allowing the steam cleaning head to blast steam on the same spot for too long. I never have any issues because I don't let the surfaces I'm cleaning get too hot or blast too much pressure into surfaces.

[@Rushizzxx]

I use a steamer now and then, But I find it a bit of a pain if I’m honest, Once you’ve ran out water In the steamer you cannot remove the lid to re fil until it’s cooled down !!

[@Mysterio2024]

With the model in the video you can refill straight away and go again

[@Rushizzxx]

@@Mysterio2024 thank you! I didn’t know that. I have the karcher sc2

[@kevinc9416]

Can you do an engine ?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

yes

[@Keith-re2nw]

Also, buy a steamer that produces DRY steam. Much hotter, and quicker cleaning.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Filming with a commercial steamer soon

[@gunsmokezz]

Is this good for taking off paint protection films ?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yea

[@vyseerx]

Steaming is good for the carpets and foot mats and that is it. Don't overdo it, for the glass, palstic and seats, it is not worth the risk of destryoing expensive materials that can not be fixed.

[@johnmelling9950]

I do like using steam but i always combine it with chemicals and other tools. Id never try to valet a car with steam alone. I also like boiled eggs and toast.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Can't go wrong with eggs 🍳

[@jfne457kjj]

Jesus it's 2000s style. You should buy an Optima steamer, you can reduce the indoor cleaning time by three times.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Already on my shopping list for spring.

[@d.6593]

Youre so funny actually

[@andyrantshumanphilosopher7571]

Wtf is a tornador?

[@Whaddle31]

🌪️

[@michalp2362]

After watching this I’ve decided to return my steam cleaner without even taking it out of the box. Seems pretty useless to me.

[@marioskosmidhs9454]

You bought steamer because of some video...and return it because of...another video. Why you don't just test the product on your situation and decided on your own if it good or bad for you? You don't want to have your own opinion? The same chanell has 2-3 more older. videos with the same steamer showing how amazing are they....

[@CyberLogicus]

Steam cleaning takes way too much time to clean and is impractical in removing salts and muds off the car.

[@jakubhladil5340]

steam sleaner not worth it