Selling any type of vehicle takes effort. Although it may seem easy in theory, the reality is quite different. A person must complete many steps to ensure the vehicle is ready to be presented in the best possible light to a potential buyer. Therefore, it is imperative that he clean his vehicle thoroughly, inside and out. If he has a van, it will take hours to clean, but the extra effort should pay off. He may have a better chance of getting his asking price with a clean, shiny vehicle than one that looks dirty and old.
Spray engine degreaser lightly over the entire engine compartment. Soak for around five minutes to remove buildup, and then remove with a damp rag or by spraying water over the compartment.
Clean the carpet and fabric upholstery. Remove any stains with a fabric stain remover, following the directions on the container. Once the stains are gone, spray carpet shampoo over the entire carpet and all upholstery. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to how long to let the shampoo set, and vacuum up the carpet and upholstery shampoo after the appropriate time.
Spray a deodorizer in the interior. Vehicles retain scents, so it is important to get any lingering smells out of the interior. Spray all the seats of the van as well as the floor.
Fill a bucket with soap and water, and scrub the exterior of the van with a sponge. Start with the tires, and then proceed to the rest of the van. When the water in the bucket gets dirty, dump it out and replace with clean water and fresh soap. Spray the van with a hose when all areas have been scrubbed, and allow to dry.
Apply a rubber and plastic protectant. Apply it to the exterior areas first, such as the tires, window seals and moldings. Do the interior areas next, focusing on the dashboard and all areas that are plastic, rubber or vinyl.
Clean the windows inside and out with glass cleaner. Make sure the windshield is extra-clean for any potential buyer taking the van for a test drive.
Apply car polish to the exterior of the van with a clean soft cloth. Allow the polish to set on van for the allotted time stated by the manufacturer. Remove the polish with a second clean cloth.
