What Car? Q&A - What can I do to clean up my car?

Q: I'm selling my car privately but I'm worried that the dirty engine and tobacco-tainted interior will reduce its value. What can I do?
Julie Pierce

A: Tobacco odour is difficult to banish from a car. You could try covering the interior fabrics with bicarbonate of soda because its absorbent nature is said to reduce such smells.

Clear out the ashtray, clean the windows, vacuum the carpets and seats, wipe the dashboard and using a good quality interior shampoo should reduce the smell considerably.

Cleaning the headlining in the roof with a soft damp cloth and a gentle shampoo may also lessen the smell, but be careful not to use too much water, because it could leave stains.

If you have a leather interior, treat it with a separate leather cleaner spray and nourishing cream. This will revive its appearance and help to reduce the pong.

Most valet centres offer a tobacco odour treatment, but these can be pricey, so obtain a quote before you commit.

Use an engine degreaser, stiff brush and blasts of water from a hose or pressure washer to spruce up your engine. Wrap all electrical components in plastic bags, and only work on a cold engine.

Professional valet companies will offer an engine cleaning service if you don't feel up to the job.

A clean interior and engine bay can help to show the car has been cared for and impress a buyer, but beware of steam cleaning the engine back to a bare sparkle. Many buyers will be suspicious of such a clean engine bay, thinking it's been done to cover up leaks.