NEWS

4/2/2025

Your service truck is your mobile office, toolbox, or both — and keeping it clean and polished is more than just about looks. A well-maintained rig reflects your professionalism, protects your investment, and helps you spot issues before they become problems (hello, rust and wear).

To help you with the fun task of cleaning and shining, here’s your go-to guide for making everything shine — inside and out — with some of the best products and tools out there. (See link for a printable product/tool list!)

Exterior Care: From Grime to Shine

First Things First: When washing your STI body, be sure doors are latched tightly and run the pressurization system to prevent water infiltration.
Body Wash & Polish: Start with a two-bucket wash system and a high-quality pH-balanced car shampoo like Chemical Guys Mr. Pink or Meguiar’s Gold Class. These lift dirt without stripping wax or sealants. Use a microfiber wash mitt and a microfiber drying towel. Don’t use an old bath towel, it’ll scratch your paint. For polish and protection, Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating gives you long-lasting shine and water beading.
Wheels & Tires: Try Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus to melt brake dust like butter. Follow with Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel for a glossy, long-lasting black finish. A dedicated wheel brush makes the job easier — try the Mothers Wheel Brush or a foam cone for drill attachments if you want to get fancy.
Windows & Mirrors: You can’t go wrong with Invisible Glass cleaner and a waffle-weave microfiber towel. For stubborn spots, a clay bar or fine steel wool (#0000 grade) used gently with soapy water will leave glass ultra-smooth.
Bedliner & Toolboxes: Got a spray-in bedliner? Use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner or Adams Rubber & Vinyl Cleaner with a stiff bristle brush to scrub out oil, dirt, and grease. For polished aluminum toolboxes, Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish will bring back that mirror finish.
Chip Guard, Door Jams & Handles: STI trucks have stainless steel chip guard, door jams, and handles. For these you’ll want to use Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish, which is safe on brushed or polished stainless. Simple Green Stainless Steel Cleaner is also a good choice. Use a microfiber towel (ideally one made metal cleaning) and a soft detailing brush or foam-tipped swab for tight areas. For extra polishing, try 3M Stainless Steel Polish or Rolite Stainless Steel Polish Paste (good for dull or lightly oxidized metal). Avoid any products labeled chrome only as they may be too harsh.
Cabinets & Drawers: If your truck has drawers or cabinets that collect tool grime or grease spills, you’ll want a degreaser that cuts through the mess without damaging surfaces. Try Purple Power Industrial Strength Degreaser (great on metal), SuperClean, or Simple Green Pro HD with a nylon brush and microfiber towel. For tight corners or tracks in drawers, a detailing steam cleaner or even a toothbrush works well.
Large Spill Cleanup (Oil & Grease): If you’ve had a major spill, lay down oil-absorbing mats (like Pig® brand) to soak up excess. Then scrub the area with Oil Eater Cleaner & Degreaser or GUNK Engine Degreaser. Rinse with water or wipe clean with towels.
Tip: Keep a small spill kit in your truck with absorbent pads, nitrile gloves, and degreaser spray. It’ll save you time when accidents happen.
Headlight Restoration: Foggy headlights? To restore clarity, grab a kit like 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System or Sylvania’s Headlight Restoration Kit. These include everything you need.

Interior Detailing: Keeping It Fresh Where You Sit

Dashboard & Trim: Use a UV-protectant interior detailer like 303 Aerospace Protectant (excellent in very hot climates) or Chemical Guys InnerClean to clean and protect from fading and cracking. Microfiber towels are your best friend here. A soft detailing brush will help get into vents and tight spots.
Upholstery: On leather seats, Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner cleans without stripping oils and keeps seats supple. If you should happen to have upholstered seats, try CarGuys Super Cleaner with an upholstery brush to lift stains and deodorize.

Vacuums & Detailing Tools

• Vacuum: Shop vac with attachments is a must — preferably one with a HEPA filter
• Brushes: Interior detailing brushes (boar’s hair or soft nylon) for tight spaces
• Towels: Use microfiber (300-600 GSM); waffle weave for glass, plush for polish
• Steam Cleaners: Great for fabric, vents, cupholders, and stubborn grime
• Drill Brushes: Game-changer for seats, mats, and hard-to-scrub areas

Climate Considerations

Hot Climates:
• Use UV-protective sprays inside and out to prevent fading
• Ceramic coatings last longer than wax and hold up better to heat
• Clean early or late in the day to avoid water spots and product streaks
Cold Climates:
• Rinseless washes like Optimum No Rinse are great when it’s freezing
• Prevent door seals from freezing by treating rubber with silicone spray
• Wash the undercarriage regularly to remove salt and grime

How Did We Choose?

If you’re wondering how we selected the products mentioned in this article, a number of factors were considered. We went with products that have a great reputation with detailers and truck owners. Ease of use and availability were also taken into consideration (most products are available at Amazon, Walmart, and local auto shops).

Disclaimer:
The suggestions are provided by Service Trucks International as a helpful guide. These are recommendations only. STI is not responsible for product performance or any negative outcomes. Always follow manufacturer instructions and test products before use.