With summer in full swing, this means fun trips to the beach. Of course, the beach means sand, which ends up in your shoes and clothing. This transfers to your car’s interior. So, we’ll explain how to get sand out of your car and how to prevent long-term staining.

Prevention

Of course, prevention is the best remedy. Consider placing a blanket over the seat. Also, be sure the floor mat is properly positioned and not sideways or curled up. Also, brush off all sand from your clothes before getting inside. 

Clean the Sand out Right Away

As soon as you can after you arrive home, remove the mats and seat covers. Shake everything out and vacuum over the surface. If you wait too long, the sand can embed itself deeper into the fabric, causing discoloration. At this stage, removal will require professional vehicle detailing.

Removing Sand from the Exterior

Remove sand from the exterior of your car, too. Sand may contain salt residue, which can scratch and corrode the paint. We recommend a thorough car wash using osmosized water. 

Be sure to wash the hard-to-reach areas, such as the wheel rims and wheel arches. Salt residue easily accumulates in these areas and can cause rust on the metal surface. We suggest using a wheel wash brush. Arrange for a full wash after a trip to the beach or any coastal area. This includes a wax to protect the surface. 

If you can prevent doing so, refrain from driving directly over sand, especially wet sand.

We Can Get Sand Out of Your Car

Sand may seem harmless and easy to remove, but it can cause quite a bit of cosmetic damage. After a trip to the beach, bring your car to Henry’s Auto Detail for a restoration. We can get sand out of a car and divert potential long-term staining and rusting. 

Getting the Sand out of Car Interior and Exteriors for Lynnwood Residents

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and south Snohomish County

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Posted on July 1, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Car dealerships place all sorts of decal ads on their vehicles. The dealer doesn’t always remove the decal when you make a purchase, leaving you to do the job. Without the right technique, trying to remove the car dealership decal can be a pain. We’ll show you the right way to remove a dealership decal.

Site Preparation

Wash the decal and the surrounding area. This doesn’t require any fancy techniques or cleaning solutions. A simple mix of water and soap will do; this step doesn’t require an entire wash and wax. This process eliminates particulates that can damage the paint as you remove the decal and adhesive.

Removing the Decal

You’ll need a heat source to soften the adhesive behind the decal. A sunny day may suffice; otherwise, just aim a hair dryer at the sticker. 

Next, slowly peel away the decal. If the adhesive is still too sticky, use a tool, such as a spatula, credit card, or even a string of floss. If the sticker still isn’t coming off, then consider using an adhesive remover.

Keep in mind that some decals may be more difficult to remove. Those consisting of a single large shape, such as that of a bumper sticker, should be no problem. However, others, like those in the shape of numbers, may be trickier.

Getting Rid of the Residue

Once you remove the decal, you still need to remove the adhesive residue. Leaving the glue in place attracts dirt or debris. Plus, the residue is often visible up close, making it an eyesore. Again, we recommend using some sort of adhesive remover like Goo Gone. Just follow the instructions on the label.

We’ll Remove the Car Dealership Decal From Your Edmonds Vehicle for You

Our vehicle restoration includes removal of old decals and adhesives. We can do this as part of a vehicle detailing. We especially recommend bringing your car to Henry’s Auto Detail after you purchase a pre-owned car. We can remove car dealership decals and make the exterior appear brand new. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Automotive Exterior Car Dealership Decal Removal in Edmonds

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and all of South Snohomish & North King Counties

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Posted on June 1, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

More motorists are holding onto their cars longer due to advancements in modern automobiles. However, keeping a vehicle longer also means more exposure to dings, dents and scratches. Have you wondered whether detailing can increase car value when you’re ready to sell in Lynnwood?

The Value of a Car Detail–It’s Beyond Curbside Appeal

Your car’s value is dependent primarily on the condition of its parts, which is why you get your oil changed, your tires rotated and replaced, and those odd noises checked out.

How to Achieve an Excellent Condition Rating

A vehicle detailing, though, can play a secondary factor, especially when trading in your car at a dealership. A dealer will list the car as in excellent, good, fair, or poor condition based on Kelley Blue Book guidelines. A dealer will look hard for even small imperfections to lower your vehicle’s classification and reduce the trade-in value.  Dealers look for mechanical defects first, but after that, they look for faded paint, clouded headlights, nicks, and other surface-level blemishes. A dealer may list a car as poor if—aside from major operational defects—it has clear signs of oxidized paint, rust, medium-sized dents, upholstery stains, etc.

Your vehicle doesn’t have to be perfect to acquire an excellent condition rating. You may be able to get away with a few light scratches and dents if everything else gets a thumbs up.

We Increase Car Value with a Professional Detailing in Lynnwood

Although a simple detail or wash and wax probably won’t elevate your car from poor to excellent, bringing your vehicle to Henry’s Auto Detail for a restoration before putting it up for sale can make a big difference, provided all major parts are in working condition.  Contact us today to set an appointment, and be sure to check out our special offers for great deals on the services customers ask for most often.

Complete Auto Detailing to Increase Your Car Value in Lynnwood

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway & South Snohomish County

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Posted on May 1, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

New cars have a natural glossy shine. However, as the years go by, the paint begins to fade or develop a cloudy appearance. This is due to oxidization. Fortunately, it’s possible to remove car paint oxidation in most instances in Lynnwood.

How Oxidation Happens

A car’s paint is constantly exposed to oxygen, causing the molecules in the paint to disintegrate. Visibly, the paint will begin to look duller. In more severe cases, the paint’s surface will develop a chalky appearance.

The consequences aren’t just aesthetic, though. If left untreated, car paint oxidation can eventually eat away the paint’s outer clear coat. This causes the paint to dissolve completely, leaving the metal frame exposed and vulnerable to rust. Rust weakens the metal frame on a structural level. Once this occurs, you’ll need more than just a costly auto repaint job.

How to Remove It

1. Move your car to a shaded area.
2. Wash the car thoroughly to remove surface dirt and debris.
3. Apply an oxidation remover. These are readily available at your local automotive store.
4. Once signs of oxidation are gone or minimized, apply a coat of wax.
5. Polish the headlights as well because the covering can also become oxidized.

Can Oxidation Be Prevented?

Paint oxidation isn’t 100% preventable, but you can slow down the process. Waxing once a month is highly recommended because this keeps a barrier between the paint and the oxygen in the air. If possible, keep your car parked in the garage as often as possible. If you must park in the driveway, use a car cover.

Need Car Paint Oxidation Removed in Lynnwood? 

Our exterior restoration process includes a combination of waxing, polishing and clay treatment. This vehicle detailing removes the majority of existing oxidation. Bring your car to Henry’s Auto Detail to remove paint oxidation and get back its natural shine. Contact us today to for more information.

Car Paint Oxidation Removal Specialists in Lynnwood 

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and all of South Snohomish & North King Counties

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Posted on April 1, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

On the surface, car detailing might look like something you do just to give your car some extra shine. But there are some executive auto detailing benefits you may not be aware of. Not only will your car look great, but a thorough detailing will have some personal benefits for you as well.

First, the Exterior

An exterior car detailer works on your car to ensure the paint job looks as good as it did when you first took it off the dealer’s lot. Detailers polish the wheels, tires and rims, as well as clean the windows until they shine. Any accumulated dirt or grease is no match for determined car detailers; it soon washes away.

Next, the Interior

Detailing the interior includes vacuuming and cleaning the carpets and seats. The dash and console are cleaned. Any stains or blemishes on the fabric receive special attention so they return to their original condition.

Executive Auto Detailing Benefits

If you decide on an executive auto detailing, your package will additionally include:

• Exterior surface clay treatment
• Exterior hand wax to high gloss
• Steam clean & dress engine
• Steam clean & dress rims and tires

Think about an executive detailing they way you might think about doing business with an executive. Having a professional, well-groomed vehicle lends confidence to the driver.

A Well-Groomed Car Increases Its Resale Value

When the time comes to sell or trade-in your car, you’ll want to get top dollar for it. If you’ve taken good care of it, inside and out, you can expect to get more than if you have neglected your car’s appearance. Investing in keeping your car looking good while you own it will pay off later on. Contact us at Henry’s Auto Detailing to schedule an appointment today. We’ll wash and wax, detail, and restore your vehicle. Check out our special offers for great deals on the services customers ask for most often.

Every Lynnwood Car Would Benefit From Executive Auto Detailing 

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and all of South Snohomish & North King Counties

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Posted March 3, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related local business

You may have heard of a car polish known as nano coating. Supposedly, this coating is so durable that a single application lasts for the life of the car. Do nano coatings deliver as promised? Let’s find out.

What Is Nano Coating?

Nanoman brand car polish, or “nano” coating for short, uses very thin polymeric chemical substances that are highly resistant to corrosion and other chemical reactions. When you apply the liquid, it forms an adhesive bond with the car paint. The coating claims to be so durable that it won’t erode when you wash the car or when it rains. In short, nano coating forms a barrier designed to protect the car metal from oxidization. 

Is Nano Coating Legit?

As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We believe this partially applies here. Some nano coating makers claim once you apply the coating, you’ll never have to wash and wax again. This is pure bunk. No polish lasts forever. If this were true, vehicle detailing services would have gone out of business long ago.

Another claim made by these coating manufacturers is that the coating protects against rock chips. The coating is too thin to protect against pelting pebbles. You can, however, minimize chips by applying nano coating over a thicker clear bra polyurethane film.

We should also note that nano has a 9H rating. This means it’s resistant against lead, such as from a pencil. Contrary to popular belief, the 9H rating is not the same as a 9H on the Mineral Hardness Scale. If it were, the coating would be nearly as strong as diamond, which is certainly not the case.

Unlike Nano Coatings, We Protect Your Vehicle Surface

We restore your car using time-proven washing techniques. Henry’s Auto Detail doesn’t rely on gimmicky fads. While you may certainly use nano coating, it’s not a permanent fix-all solution. Contact us today!

The Truth About Nano Coatings From Your Wash & Wax Professionals Serving Mill Creek

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and all of South Snohomish & North King Counties

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Posted on February 1, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, which, for many of us, means chocolate.  When it’s consumed in the car, it’s easy to stain the upholstery. We’ll explain the process for how to remove chocolate stains from your vehicle’s upholstery.

How to Remove Chocolate Stains: A Step-by-Step Process

Even a small piece of chocolate candy falling on your seat and being smooshed into the upholstery–not to mention your clothing–can result in an ugly stain. DIY removal is possible if you treat the stain right away. Here’s how to do it.

1. Remove as much of the chocolate as you can with a plastic spoon

2. Create a homemade cleaning mixture using two cups of cold water and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap.

3. Dip a cleaning cloth into the mixture and use it to wipe the stain away. Start from the edges and work your way in. The stain should begin to lighten.

4. Rinse using a second clean cloth until the area is free of color.

5. Apply three drops of cleaning solvent and blot the area with a towel until the stain is completely gone.

When to See a Professional

The stain may or may not go away completely. It may linger if the stain had time to dry or is from dark chocolate. In this instance, a professional will need to restore the upholstery.

Vehicle Restoration Near Woodway

Does your car have a chocolate stain? Bring it to Henry’s Auto Detail for a restoration. We remove such stains year-round, though they’re especially prevalent around Valentine’s Day. While you’re at it, why not consider a wash and wax in the process? Removing chocolate stains from the car upholstery will eliminate an ugly stain. Contact us today to schedule vehicle detailing!

We Remove Chocolate Stains for Woodway Drivers

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and south Snohomish County

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Posted on January 15, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Do you have the ideal gift in mind for every person on your Christmas list? Every December, loved ones are treated to a full wash and wax, a car detailing or a restoration. We explain why car detailing as a Christmas gift is a growing trend in Mill Creek.

Why Car Detailing Makes the Ideal Holiday Gift

You probably know how challenging it can be to find the right gift for some people. These are the non-materialistic folks. You can always settle for a gift card, but if you think that’s kind of lame, we have a better idea. Surprise and delight someone on your list by having their car detailed.

Ideal Gift for Spouses

Buying a gift for your spouse is perhaps the most challenging of all. How do you find a gift your significant other will find useful and sentimental? This is an especially nice gift for someone who commutes or owns a luxury car. Plus, with a spouse, you have easy access to his or her car. 

Car Detailing Options for Mill Creek Shoppers

We offer two vehicle detailing options: a super and an executive detail package. The former is the more common option and includes an exterior wash by hand and interior vacuuming and shampooing. The executive package includes all of the above plus some extra treatment, such as a hand wax and surface clay treatment. The executive package works especially nice as a corporate gift.

We Detail Cars for Christmas

Are you still seeking out that ideal gift for that special someone? Why not bring that person’s car to Henry’s Auto Detail for an interior and exterior detail? Car detailing as a Christmas gift is terrific for people who treat their cars as if it’s their child.

See Us for Car Detailing for Christmas near Mill Creek

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and all of South Snohomish & North King Counties

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Posted on December 6, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Tinted  car windows add a certain glamour to a street performance car in Edmonds. However, the tint also requires specific regular maintenance. Otherwise, bubbles will start to form. 

Washing Tinted Car Windows the Right Way

The two materials you need are a microfiber cloth and ammonia-free soap mixed with water. We suggest that you wash the windows last when washing your car, and avoid washing the edges of the window. Water and soap can seep between the glass and tint, leading to the dreaded bubbles. If bubbles do form, force the air out of the bubble by pushing the air out using a credit card or similar object.

Wipe in a vertical direction across the entire window and again horizontally. Do the same when you’re wiping the window dry with a dry microfiber cloth. If streaks remain, repeat the process. You may also have to repeat the process once or twice for grimy areas.

Keep in mind that these tips apply to the side of the window that the tint is applied on. This is usually the interior side. This portion of the cleaning can be done as part of an interior vehicle detailing.

Hand Washing is Best

We recommend a car wash by hand rather than an automated car wash if you have tinted windows. The washer in an automated car wash may include low-quality abrasive soap or wipers with an abrasive surface. Even if the tint is in the interior, abrasive material isn’t good for any part of the vehicle.

We Clean Vehicles with Tinted Windows

Tinted windows require special care to prevent streaks and bubbles. Contact us at Henry’s Auto Detail for tinting, a washing or a restoration. Washing tinted car windows is an intricate process that we perform with the utmost care.

Tinted Car Windows for Edmonds Drivers: Your Washing and Detailing Experts

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway and south Snohomish County

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Posted on November 4, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Cleaning the windshield seems like a straightforward job. However, the process is more intricate than most people realize. The method many car owners use can scratch the surface of the glass. In this article we explain the ideal way to clean automobile glass in Lynnwood.

Use the Right Cleaning Materials

We’re very selective about the materials we use when detailing a vehicle. This is because common materials, such as paper towels and Windex, can be abrasive.

Instead, use a microfiber cloth, which has an electrostatic charge that helps pick up surface particles. A plain towel just spreads the particulates around your windshield. If you don’t have access to a microfiber cloth, newspaper is an acceptable alternative. The ink won’t leech off the paper onto the glass. Both microfiber cloth and newspaper leave less lint, smudging and streaks on your windshield.

We also don’t recommend typical household window sprays. These contain ammonia, which can dehydrate the surface, causing cracks and discoloration. A mineral spirit is a good natural cleaner.

Use The Proper Cleaning Technique

For the best automobile glass finish, clean the windshield when it’s cooler outside. Heat accelerates evaporation, which leaves behind a residue. When wiping, use a straight up and down motion rather than a circular motion. This method seems to remove dirt more effectively.

This holds true for both the interior and exterior glass, as well as rearview mirrors. These are the processes we follow as part of our wash and wax package.

Let Us Restore and Clean Your Automobile Glass in Lynnwood

Our restoration includes all glass components. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Henry’s Auto Detail. We clean the windows inside and out. With winter on its way, full visibility is more important than ever. 

We Clean Automobile Glass & Restore Windshields for Lynnwood Drivers

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Woodway & south Snohomish County

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Posted on October 8, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business