I’m a professional car detailer – here’s the TikTok cleaning hack you should seriously avoid and what to use instead
A PROFESSIONAL car detailer has urged drivers not to follow a TikTok cleaning hack.
TikTok has gained immense popularity as a source for cleaning tips, but some hacks could, in fact, do more harm than good.
The experts at Auto Trader interviewed car cleaning and detailing professional Iwan Lloyd Jones from Lloyd Jones Detailing to share his thoughts on the trend.
A few TikTok users recommend using shaving foam to remove stains on car upholstery.
Win a Lamborghini from 89p
SUN readers can win a Lamborghini from 89p.
We have teamed up with 7days Performance to offer you a special discounted chance to win the amazing cars this week.
Using the code SUN10, you will get 10p off the normal price of 99p.
Enter the competition HERE
Full terms and conditions can be found here
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply.
They reviewed a specific hack published by @thehewickshome on TikTok.
The expert commented: “I wouldn’t use or recommend shaving gel as a quick solution for car upholstery cleaning.
“Shaving gel is designed specifically designed to shave with and nothing else.
“Repeated use of shaving gel on fabric can cause stains due to the mineral oils contained in the product, and mineral oil stains are some of the toughest to remove.
“If you have high-end car upholstery, shaving foam can cause both discolouration and even irreparable damage.”
The expert gave guidance on what you should be using to clean your car’s interior.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a great deodoriser.
If you have a nasty-smelling area on your seats, sprinkle baking soda generously on the area and leave overnight, before vacuuming it up 24 hours later.
Air freshening spray
Whilst air fresheners in your air vents minimise interior odours, targeting your car’s air intake system can make your car smell nice.
Spray the large air vents at the base of your windshield with an odour eliminator, then turn on the air conditioning for a few minutes.
Silicone bottle brushes
You don’t want to cause scratches with over-vigorous scrubbing.
Drivers should avoid rough scourers and opt for soft silicone cleaning brushes instead.
Paintbrushes
Dip a small paintbrush in soapy water, shake off the excess and brush the areas that need cleaning.
Rinse the paintbrush thoroughly and repeat.
Like silicone brushes, a paintbrush can access hard-to-reach areas and is gentle on all surfaces.
Cotton buds
Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and trace it carefully around small interior car parts such as knobs, gear shifts and buttons to really make them shine.