DRIVERS have been warned that a “seemingly harmless” TikTok cleaning hack could cause “permanent damage” to their cars.
The trick, which makes use of a cheap household item, has gone viral on social media but attracted criticism from motor experts.
GettyDrivers have been warned that a popular TikTok cleaning hack could do ‘permanent damage’ to their cars[/caption]
Ben Custard, from dealership franchise Motorpoint, urged Brits to be cautious when picking up ideas online.
He said: “Most of the tips and hacks popular online haven’t come from an expert – meaning there’s no guarantee that they’ll work, and they could even cause permanent damage to your vehicle.
“They might seem harmless but you should treat them with caution.
“For example, if you do damage to your car’s interior or upholstery, it can be expensive to repair and, in some cases, might require costly replacement parts.
“Any damage to your vehicle will have a serious impact on its resale value, so it really isn’t worth taking any risks.”
He singled out one trick in particular that uses a 69p kitchen essential.
Social media users have been recommending the use of washing up liquid to clean car rather than buying expensive specialist products.
But Ben explained that this good actually do more harm than good in the long run.
He added: “If used over a long period of time, it can affect the finish of the paint and, in some extreme cases, lead to cracks that will require the panel being refinished.
“I’d also avoid using washing up liquid when cleaning your car’s interior as it can be difficult to remove from upholstery without excessive water, which could leave you at risk of mould.”
Instead, he urged drivers to pick up some basic “essential products” as a start kit for a perfectly clean vehicle.
A couple of buckets, some washing mitts and a few microfibre cloths are all that is needed to get going.
A bottle of car shampoo and glass cleaner are also a good idea to get some extra shine.
Ben went on: “Once you’ve got these essential products, you’ll be able to use them several times – meaning the overall cost of cleaning your car at home will be much less than paying for a valet or heading to an automatic car wash.”
It comes after another expert revealed how a little-known button found in nearly all cars could help stop foul smells creeping in, and even beat hayfever.
Experts urged against using washing up liquid on your motorGetty”}]]