docboy

What's the best way to clean underneath the 996tt?

Car is currently in for service, and tech has recommended I get the 996tt's underside to be pressure washed to get rid of east coast salt/grime/pebbles to avoid corrosion.

Short of taking it to a detail place, I'm thinking this could be a easy thing to do at home.

Any ideas for a DIY? Take a garden hose and spray it underneath the car? Should I try taking my pressure washer and blasting the car's underside? Would the pressure washer cause any damage?

Thanks!

993GT

If you can get satisfactory results with garden hose then do so, otherwise pressure washer is fine(naturally, be carefully how strong/close you use it and avoid pounding it into electrical connections and such) ...all-purpose cleaner and a standard paint brush are effective.

Turbodan

steam is also a good way to loosen up dirt under there.

docboy

That's good to know. Can you elaborate on how use steam?

FRUNKenstein

When I bought my 928, I put it on my 4 post lift and spent a ton of time under it with a spray bottle of degreaser and a wire brush and a spray bottle of water. I put several layers of newspapers on the floor to catch the falling crap. Be sure to wear goggles and a stocking cap to guard against cleaner.

KC-CarGuy

KC-Attorney I bet you and Spencer would get along great.

docboy

Some keyboard research suggests that Easy-Off Oven cleaner is very effective at removing grime/crap from underneath the car (in addition to the grease on the BBQ). '

I'm tempted to pick one up at Walmart, spray it underneath the car, and wash it off with water.

993GT

are you trying to remove the cosmoline or just clean the car?

docboy

The car is currently at the shop getting new mounts/water pump. Tech suggested I get the underside cleaned to remove visible East coast salt/grime/road debris. He recommends a detail at a local detail shop, but shop here wants $995 for a full detail!

Figure I try and do it myself.

993GT

are they offering a cyro/CO2-detail?
I'd just use dish soap or all-purpose cleaner and a brush and wash off

docboy

Pretty good idea. I think I might goggle up, get underneath the car, and spray the underside with an Oven degreaser. Let it soak for a few minutes, and stick a regular lawn water sprinkler underneath and see what comes off.

993GT

unless you are trying to remove carbon, I don't see the need for oven/wheel cleaners...except for maybe some brake area detailing...need to watch it doesn't etch the metals and paints...

T10Chris

Ive used brake parts cleaner for under-car clean up purposes. Get it up in the air and spray it directly on it and it evaporates off after eating up the grime/dirt/debris. I've been meaning to do it to my car, but I haven't had a chance as of yet.

docboy

I think you're right. Looks like this oven degreaser can remove paint. Think I'll pass on the oven cleaner idea.

Good idea! Brake parts cleaner seem more gentle on the car but volatile on the skin. CRC Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner at NAPA seems highly rated and cost effective. I might try this or just plain dish washing detergent.

jeanmarcboilard

Start with regular soap and water. That should get most of the salt and dirt off.