How to Clean Your Car Engine Bay – A Safe & Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Detailing your car's engine bay might sound like a job just for pros, but with the right tools and some common sense, it's something you can absolutely do yourself. 
A clean engine bay not only look good when you pop the hood but it also helps with maintenance, spotting early engine issues, and even boosting your car’s value when you decide to sell it.

In this guide, you'll learn how to safely and effectively clean your engine bay, what products to use, and what mistakes to avoid.

Why Clean Your Engine Bay?

Let’s be clear: cleaning your engine isn't just about aesthetics. Here are some real, practical benefits:

Improved Component Performance – Dirt and oil buildup can degrade rubber parts and wiring, affecting performance and lifespan.
Better Cooling – Clean engine bays allow for more efficient airflow, helping your engine stay cooler.
Easier Problem Detection – A clean engine makes it easier to notice oil leaks or worn parts before they become serious problems.
Higher Resale Value – A clean, well-maintained engine bay gives buyers confidence and can increase your car’s market value.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, you should have some of these tools available:

Microfiber cloths
Variety of brushes
A bottle of APC
A water source
Plastic bags and rubber bands (to cover electrical parts)

Safety First: Important Precautions

Cleaning the engine is safe—as long as you follow these basic rules:

Let the Engine Cool Completely – Never clean a hot engine bay. Wait at least an hour after driving.

Cover Sensitive Parts – Use plastic to protect the alternator, fuse box, ignition coils, battery terminals, and air intake.

Skip the Pressure Washer With Super high Pressure – High-pressure water can damage seals and electrical components, we prefer to use a a regular garden hose)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Car Engine

1. Prep the Engine Bay

Make sure the engine is cool. Cover electrical and sensitive parts using plastic bags secured with rubber bands.

2. Apply Degreaser

Spray an APC of your choice on the engine bay. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so it can break down the dirt.

3. Gently Scrub

Use a varierty of brushes to agitate the dirt, make sure to have a couple of different size brushes to really access every nook and cranny, The more precise you are, the better the result will be.

4. Rinse Carefully

Use a pressure washer with low preassure or a garden hose to rinse off the APC.

5. Dry the Engine Bay

Dry the engine bay with a microfiber towel or Air blower, check our drying guide (HERE). 

6. Protect The Engine Bay
Just like your paint, your engine would benefit of having some form of protection to make sure it stays cleaner for longer. We would recommend our ceramic spray sealant Hercules for an easy protection, works on all surfaces. 



Now you can proudly pop the hood for all your neighbors, to show them you have the cleanest engine bay on the block.