randal 0 Posted July 2, 2004 Thinking of getting hold of a steam cleaner to do the engine bay, any caveats? Also, just heard that you can use steam cleaners to bring up upholstery - is this the case? TIA randal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dinkus 10 Posted July 2, 2004 I'd make sure all your electrics are fully insulated and sealed before you go steam cleaning... Not sure about the upholstery... I bought some Autogly Interior Shampoo instead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dr_mat 0 Posted July 2, 2004 Yup, too many hurried steam cleaning jobs result in nightmare electrical problems later down the line. I'd rather have a scruffy engine! :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dinkus 10 Posted July 2, 2004 Yup, too many hurried steam cleaning jobs result in nightmare electrical problems later down the line. I'd rather have a scruffy engine! :) Yeah likewise. If I run out of other things to do I may consider cleaning my engine bay, but it'll be with a bottle of GUNK and some quiet time with a toothbrush I think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted July 2, 2004 An oily engine is better because it protects the nuts and bolts from rusting over winter and oil on the gear linkages is a good thing! For interior cleaning, there is no better than some Persil in a bucket of hot water and floor cloths :wink: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henny 0 Posted July 2, 2004 ...but it'll be with a bottle of GUNK and some quiet time with a toothbrush I think. Okaaayyyy, sounds well dodgy! ;) :lol: Seriously though, spray Gunk, a thick scrubbing brush and a little time will bring up some excellent results, I've always found that the brush on gunk just doesn't quite do as good a job on engines as the spray stuff for some reason... :| I don't have the problem with rusty nuts/bolts Kev... mine are all stainless! :D 8) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dinkus 10 Posted July 2, 2004 Or you could just chuck a couple of litres of petrol over the engine bay. Cleans most stuff off :D I wouldn't try and start your car for a few hours after tho :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scott 0 Posted July 2, 2004 GUNK stinks!!!! :( I prefer to use autoglym engine cleaner and then jet wash it away :wink: I then go round with an air line and blast the lot off before using autoglym tyre cleaner to go over all the plastic / rubber pipes / etc... looks like new as you can see: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dinkus 10 Posted July 2, 2004 GUNK stinks!!!! :( I prefer to use autoglym engine cleaner and then jet wash it away :wink: I then go round with an air line and blast the lot off before using autoglym tyre cleaner to go over all the plastic / rubber pipes / etc... looks like new as you can see: Fair enough, AutoGlym stuff it is then :D Lookin good Scott but err where's your front grille? :shock: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scott 0 Posted July 2, 2004 I took the grill off car whilst I was cleaning so could clean behind it :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dinkus 10 Posted July 2, 2004 I took the grill off car whilst I was cleaning so could clean behind it :) And I thought I was a clean freak! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randal 0 Posted July 2, 2004 Thanks for all the suggestions, unfortunately won't be able to put them into practice until I get my car back :( Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craigowl 0 Posted July 2, 2004 Spot on, Scott! (or should that be spots off Scott?) I do very similar. Use Autoglym engine cleaner, gentle hose and bottle brush, then spray wet engine as recommended, with Autoglym rubber and vinyl protector as rec. by Autoglym. Been doing this for about 3 years on 2 cars. No problems. I have never used stinkin Gunk since it got into the bearing of a Citroen alternator almost 30 years ago - result - constant dry bearing squeak - I chose to replace the alternator - it was for a Dyane - pretty cheap. The original tin of Gunk still sits on a shelf in the garage - mostly neglected! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scott 0 Posted July 2, 2004 I took the grill off car whilst I was cleaning so could clean behind it :) And I thought I was a clean freak! :oops: :oops: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites