Just thought I'd share an epiphany I had this last year. I discovered practically the best interior cleaning method there is. An air compressor. This may be old news to many people, but a decent air compressor can easily get dirt and dust that no vacuum or brush can even think about reaching. It's amazing actually. My car now constantly looks factory fresh with just a couple minutes with the compressor every couple of weeks. It's also great for all parts of the car including the rims, and the engine. Plus with a compressor now you never have to worry about checking the air pressure in your tires. Harbor freight sells a great 125psi, 8-gallon, 2 horsepower compressor for like $120. Best tool I bought for my garage in years.
God bless Harbor Freight. I know all the issue, I know it is not high quality, over seas, non union, low quality, you know what, I don't care, I'm so addicted to that place, I may need a 12 step program to keep me out of that store, ;-)
I know what you mean. A year ago one opened up in a plaza literally across the street from my development. Round trip to the store is less than a mile lol.
This is more a car "organization" tip as opposed to a car cleaning tip....but it IS Harbor Freight related. Harbor Freight sells a really great fold-able trunk organizer. When I bought mine, less than $15.00. Great for a hatchbacks.
any tip for cleaning or keeping your car clean and organized is certainly welcome here. thanks, I'll have to look at those the next time i'm in there.
I can see the value of using an air compressor on hard plastic in the car, but on upholstery too? A couple concerns that I hope you can address: 1) I thought most air compressors have oil inside them to prevent rust and keep moving parts working properly? Seems spraying a light coat of oil, even if it's slight is going to build up over time on the carpet and fabric? 2) Also air borne dust is not good for your lungs, it's important to be careful where all that dust gets blown! Keep it out of your lungs!
This is it. Nothing earth shattering here. But I've had mine now for about 2 years, and I really like it. I think it is designed well, and is as nice as some products costing much, much more. I'd recommend it. The price is great. Trunk Organizer If you keep up with that attitude you're going to ruin the Prius Stereotype of all of you being highly socially concious perfectionists that only eat organically raised vegetables. Didn't you get the memo? You're suppose to care MORE about these things now...not less....
I think I can answer both these questions: 1) I also have a secondary 5 gallon tank that I have my hose connected to. So basically the compressor fills it's own 8 gallon tank plus the external 5 gallon (total of 13 gallons). This second tank (and the 25 foot hose connecting the two) provides a pretty good barrier against any oil getting in the air. I've never noticed anything other than pure air coming out anyways. If there is it's so small I don't notice it. I spray the whole car including my leather seats, garmin screen, steering wheel, headunit, etc... and have never noticed anything different in the look and feel on the seats, screens, or plastics. However to properly address this issue, they do make in-line filters to make sure there is no moisture and oil in the air. They are pretty cheap as well. I should probably get one myself and install it just to be safe. 2) Whenever I air out the car I have all 5 (including hatch) doors open. I basically try to get any dust out the doors, not just spray it around the car. A couple of times I've even used my cordless leaf blower after the compressor to make sure any extra floating dust gets out.
I think the idea of using an air compressor "interesting", I never have. The strange tool I used to use, and regrettably accidently donated to The Goodwill (long story) was one of those portable hand steamers. I found it was really good for keeping the engine bay clean...even keeping corrosion off battery terminals, but also really good at cleaning hard to reach or clean parts of the interior. The BIG and only caveat I would attach is you need to use some common sense and care in where and how you apply the steam. I obviously did NOT use it against gauges, screens or electronic components. But for a variety of the durable interior surfaces, including some upholstery I found it to be a really useful tool. I'm probably going to have to buy another. Too bad Harbor Freight doesn't sell them.
They sell two types of small air compressors, oil and oil less. The ones that have a crankcase with oil probably last longer and are better for continuous operation. The oil less ones usually cost less and are great for tires etc.
For blowing out the car's interior I'll occasionally use our wet-dry with the hose on the outlet. Also use it together with an old paint brush or boa-type duster in the engine compartment, to knock dust off. I also use a more powerful leaf blower, typically to knock the majority of the water off after washing the car.
