What do you use and how do you do it? I'm talking about the metal parts of the door that are not on the interior but are not exposed to the outside, where the threshold, the hinges, and the door latch and latch opening are. Basically everything on the outside of the door weather seal.

Mine has kind of a grimy buildup. I'm hesitant to just use the same wash mitt due to the dirt buildup and I don't want to rinse with a hose for fear of getting the interior wet (the door would have to be open for access).

Any hints would help...

 

I just use a wet rag and it comes out good enough for my liking.

 

I like to use an assortment of small brushes, (usually available at the grocery store kitchen isle) a 1/2 or 1 Gal mister sprayer, some APC, then some QD or spray wax.
Wet with water or NRWS, then add some spritzes of APC, agitate with the brushes, then wipe dry. Final spritz with a spray wax and your done. The first time is the hardest after that its as easy as rinsing dust off.

 

+1

I wipe these areas with a damp microfiber every time i wash the car so I've never really had any build up. What Excel proposes sounds like it should work good.

 

I usually just use the quick detailer I have and do it every wash. Its always easier to keep up a little at a time then to have to get the big build up off.

 

Precisely. Its much easier to stay ahead of the game.....

 

Same thing I do .. I have 2 WW towels for body drying ... one reg plush towel for wheels and an old drying towel I use for doors/trunk and under the hood .. I wipe down every wash .. takes all of 3 min.

 

If you have time and a warm space, based on everything I read, this is what I did:

Clean all the painted metal parts you can reach- Sonic Scrubber from ExcelDetail is a workhorse on this job. Under the door edges- check the drain holes while you are there. Imagine the road spray that gets up there!
Then apply wax- I like liquid synthetic for this for ease of apply and removal.
All the rubber weatherstrip should get a wipe with Silicone Spray on a rag.
The combo of wax and silicone will keep doors from sticking closed in bad cold weather.

 

This is a very underrated tool..............Its exceptional with coffee stains in and around cupholders, as well as small fabric stains. With nearly every detail, i find a new use for it..

 

Ditto. I think having those entry areas clean and sparkling makes the car just that little bit more classy and refined. Potentially :ghey: but what the hell....

I use a microfiber cloth that's different from the one I use for the body (I also use a chamois on the body). When I got the car, all the rubber and plastic fittings in the door jam areas were dirty, so I cleaned 'em all with Armor-All and treated them with same (something that's kept my 1987 Jeep's seals and rubber doohickies very pliable and fresh). The "laser wash" site I use semi-monthly (apartment car washes are shut off while we endure a drought)) sprays with enough force that some water gets in these areas, so I only need to wipe clean, to avoid spotting.

If it's dirtier in there, I'd use a one of those fluffy mitts (come in packs of 3 at Costco and the like), and use a separate one than from the exterior. You should be able to wipe clean, and rinse clean, without using a hose or an excess of water. Or, as others mention, some spray quick detailer probably works wonders.

 

i keep two chamios, one for the body, and one for the wheels, door jams, engine compartment, exhaust and what not...when i wash my car i dry the body and windows with one and then i get the other one out and do wheels, door jams, pipes, engine in that order...i do this every time i wash my car....

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I recently purchased some waffle weave towels from Patrick so my chamios will be relegated to this "dirtier" work, followed by some QD.

 

just clean it with a wet towel.