The Mer guide on how to valet you car

2. CLEANING THE TRIM

MER Bumper and Exterior Cleaning Gel can be used on vinyl wing mirror casings, vinyl bumpers, rubbers around the windows and rubber trim on doors.

If you have vinyl or rubber trim on your vehicle clean these parts next.

The gel will give these parts a water repellent surface. Apply the gel with a small sponge or cloth. Wipe over surface and leave to dry. When finished place the sponge or cloth in a food bag and keep in the car. You will find this useful for cleaning the trim when required.

3. WAXING/POLISHING

Waxing/polishing a car is necessary to protect the paintwork from the elements. Regular use will enhance the protection and shine.

Use MER Car Polish to wax the paintwork and follow the instructions on the bottle. You can also use MER Car Polish to clean the side windows (inside and out). However, do not use on exterior of windscreen.

MER Car Polish can be used to clean acrylic sunroofs. Use also on rear view mirrors.

Apply MER Polish on a damp cloth. Cover the paintwork with a light coating of polish. It is not necessary to give a thick coat or to do a panel at a time. Allow the polish to dry to a haze. Buff up to a high gloss shine using a soft clean cloth.

4. WINDSCREEN

Polish your windscreen with MER Windscreen Cleaner, not forgetting to clean the wiper blades, as grease gets trapped inside the blades. This product can also be used on all windows and mirrors inside and outside the car.

For a quick "on the move" clean use the MER Rapid Spray Glass Cleaner, which can be kept in the car at all times.

Use MER Screenwash Additive in your reservoir and check your reservoir regularly, keeping it topped up with water and additive. It contains anti-freeze so it will not freeze in winter at temperatures as low as -4oC. See instructions on bottle for use.

5. WHEELS

To clean your steel or alloy wheels use MER Alloy & Steel Wheel Cleaner.

If you have specialised wheels, always check first with the wheel manufacturer as to what they recommend to clean their wheels.

To use the Mer Alloy and Steel Wheel Cleaner, spray the cleaner on to the wheel, cleaning one wheel at a time. Agitate the dirt with a Mer Wheel brush. Do not allow to dry.

Wash down thoroughly with a hose or a bucket of water and sponge. Dry off surface of wheel and apply MER Wheel Wax with a clean, dry cloth to put on the final touch and make the wheels easier to clean the next time.

Allow to dry and buff up to a shine with a clean dry cloth. To finish off, spray the MER Long Life Tyre and Rubber Dressing on the walls of the tyres for that real showroom look. Mer Tyre Dressing can also be used on mud flaps.

That completes the exterior valet and now for the inside of your vehicle.

6. CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY

Use MER Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner to clean carpets and cloth seats.This product can be used for removing spot stains.

When cleaning seats use the minimum amount of water. We recommend to do this job late in the day or if you are not using the car that evening. This will allow the surface to dry properly helping to keep the carpet and seats much cleaner.

Add 2 capfuls of the solution to a pint of warm water. Using a soft nail brush gently work the warm solution into the fabric. Allow to dry, then vacuum clean.

Never use hot water on carpets etc., as this can lead to shrinkage. Test a small area first for colour fastness.

7. VINYL INTERIOR

Use MER PVC & Vinyl Interior Cleaner to clean vinyl dashboards, vinyl seats, vinyl roof lining, vinyl door panels and steering wheel. Can also be used to clean rubber mats.

First of all use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or dusting brush to clean around the air vents, dials on the dashboard and console. If a vacuum cleaner is not practical use a small soft bristle paint brush.

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean any dirt or grit from carpet and seats. Again, if a vacuum cleaner is not practical use a stiff brush on these surfaces.

Then use Mer PVC & Vinyl Interior Cleaner. Always dilute as instructed and simply spray on and wipe off. When surfaces are clean use MER Superior Vinyl Dressing to give that showroom look. This product also has a pleasant lemon essence and will help to freshen up the interior of your vehicle.

8. LEATHER

Should you have leather seats and trim use MER Leather Cleaner.

This product has a built-in feed, therefore giving your leather a real soft texture. It will clean and feed in the same application. We would recommend you use this product at least twice a year, especially before summer as the sun shining through the windows can dry the leather out and possibly crack it.

Apply with a clean dry cloth, working in a circular motion over small areas. Allow to penetrate and buff up with a soft dry cloth. We would recommend a lint free cloth for this application. MER Leather Cleaner also has a leather fragrance.