Don't Forget the Door Jambs

It's the Details that Matter

Detailing is all about, well, the details. Door jambs are a perfect example—often overlooked, always dirty, and sitting right in that gray zone between the exterior and interior. The question is: how do you clean them without making a mess of everything else?

There are a few areas on a car that, if left dirty, make even a freshly detailed car feel incomplete. For me, it's the wheels and the door jambs. Sure, the engine bay belongs on that list too, but let's take this one step at a time. I'll admit it, door jambs are easy to skip. But every time I do, I regret it.

Why Door Jambs Matter

"Mike, who cares?" I hear you. I just wrote a whole post about door jambs. But it's not just about the jambs—it's about what they represent: the complete, finished look.

Aerodynamic forces push dirt, water, and debris into this hidden pocket, so neglect shows fast. However, when they're clean, the entire car appears well-maintained.

And here's the kicker: nothing ruins a night out faster than brushing against a dirty jamb in your white shirt. The same goes for ladies in dresses; you don't want fabric brushing against greasy hinges or getting pinched when the door shuts.

If that doesn't convince you, here are two practical reasons:

• Corrosion prevention: Trapped dirt holds moisture. Over time, that moisture can eat into paint and initiate corrosion in places you may never notice until it's too late.

• Better experience for passengers: Whether it's your clothes or your passenger's, nobody wants hesitation before stepping into your car. Clean jambs signal care and attention.

Common Mistakes People Make

• Skipping jambs entirely.

• Hosing them down (or worse, pressure washing) and soaking the interior.

• Using dirty rags that scratch the paint. Hidden or not, scratches weaken paint.

• Forgetting to dry, which leaves moisture to cause musty smells or rust.

How to Clean Door Jambs the Right Way

1. Prep: Open doors. Have a microfiber towel, bucket of shampoo/water solution, and a second dry towel ready.

2. Primary Clean: Soak your microfiber in the shampoo solution, wring slightly, and wipe. This method handles 90% of dirt without fuss.

3. Tough Spots: For greasy buildup, switch to an All-Purpose Cleaner like Nextzett Blitz APC (mixed at 1:30). Spray onto your towel or brush to avoid overspray. If you must spray directly, apply it lightly.

4. Agitate: Use brushes or swabs for hinges, latches, and tight areas.

5. Rinse/Wipe: Follow with a clean, damp microfiber to remove residue.

6. Dry: Wipe completely with a fresh towel.

7. Finish: Add gloss and protection with a detail spray, such as Nextzett Perfect Shine. Treat rubber seals with Nextzett Gummi Pflege to prevent sticking or cracking. For more extended protection, apply a sealant wax or SiO2 spray.

Pro Tips

• Work one jamb at a time to control drips.

• Dedicate specific "jamb towels." Color-coding your microfiber towels helps.

• A good detailing brush is your best friend in this situation.

• Condition seals regularly with Gummi Pflege. Summer heat dries them out, and winter causes them to stick.

Closing Takeaway

Door jambs are a small step with a big payoff. The shampoo towel method makes it simple, and once you add it to your routine, you'll never skip it again.

Because here's the truth: skipping the jambs skips the detail. And detailing is all about the details.