Quick & Simple Steps To A Cleaner Engine Bay

Why?

Cleaning your engine bay is often an overlooked part of detailing, but it’s an important one. The right products can make the process much easier and less intimidating than you might expect. Here’s the best way to clean and dress your engine bay, with some extra steps for those with modified engines...

Start by assessing the situation. Since you'll be getting your engine bay wet, it’s important to protect any sensitive electrics and intake components. For modified cars with open cone filters replacing the standard airbox, you'll either need to remove the filter and protect the intake, or cover the entire filter with a bag.

Begin with a thorough pre-wash, making sure to avoid spraying directly onto any unprotected electrics or the alternator. Start by cleaning the underside of the bonnet, then move on to the engine bay itself.

Start by cleaning the bonnet to prevent dirt and grime from dripping onto your freshly cleaned engine. A 1:5 dilution of Verso All Purpose Cleaner is perfect for this. Spray it on generously, scrub with a brush, and rinse away the dirt.

For the engine bay itself, Eradicate is a powerful cleaner that tackles grease and grime, yet it's gentle enough for use on plastics, bare metal, paint, rubber, and silicone hoses—making it ideal for modified engines. Simply spray it generously onto all surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes to work.

For optimal results with Eradicate, use a brush to agitate, particularly in the tighter, harder-to-reach areas. Reapply the product as needed to ensure thorough cleaning.

Now, rinse the area thoroughly to remove all residue.

Dry the engine bay using an Ultra Plush Microfibre, making sure to focus on any areas where water may have accumulated.

Finish by applying Dressle All Purpose Dressing. You can spray it directly onto the entire engine bay or apply it to a microfibre cloth to target specific plastic, rubber, and silicone areas. For optimal results, allow it to cure for 4-6 hours before wiping off any excess.

Now you can stand back and admire the difference these super simple steps have made.