Sales of car detailing products have soared during the lockdown, according a Rutland business that supplies them.

Amanda James, General Manager of Uppingham-based Safe Products Ltd, says the lockdown combned with fine weather has given car enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to spend hours meticulously cleaning and polishing their vehicles.

Amanda said: "Sales of our Scholl Concepts car care ranges, have increased by over 40% and the demand isn't waning! Our specialist online resellers are struggling to keep up with demand.

"Our company, which principally supplies automotive manufacturing and the aftermarket (bodyshops), luxury yacht manufacturers, furniture and rail industries has lost most of its sales overnight with the current closure of these businesses.

"Our goal is now survival of the family-run business throughout the Covid-19 crisis and protecting the jobs of our team. So, although still a very small part of Safe Products' overall turnover, this surge of interest in the detailing sector is welcome. Anything that might help us get through in these uncertain times."

Mark Humphries, 40, from Rutland, works in HVAC sales, looking after customers across the East Midlands and South East of England. He also helps run the family pub The Boot in South Luffenham and normally has limited spare time for hobbies.

But having been furloughed by his employer at the start of April, and with The Boot closed due to the pandemic, Mark now has time to get his car gleaming.

He explained: "My passion for cars started with a Ford Fiesta XR2 (Mk II) that I took to car events. Since then I've had various hot hatches over the years and now have a Mini Cooper S.

"I always enjoyed cleaning them and more recently started to look into the new technologies and detailing products to enhance the car's looks.

"For me, cleaning the car is relaxing, taking me away from daily stresses and letting me enjoy my infatuation for cars. The lockdown has increased my free time and, with the sunshine we've been having, it's the perfect opportunity to indulge in my passion!"

A decade ago, car detailing was virtually unheard of. Now it is a multi-billion-pound industry worldwide, with customers paying thousands of pounds to have their vehicles professionally detailed and passionate enthusiasts pursing the pastime in their own garages and driveways.

Forums such as Detailing World, You Tube influencers testing vast arrays of product, and an ever-growing raft of hands-on training courses fuel and feed the interest.

E-commerce and walk-in stores specialising in detailing products can be found the length and breadth of the UK.

Amanda added: "Machine polishing like a professional takes skill, experience, knowledge and practise, but you don't need a polishing machine to try your hand at detailing.

"There are products for revitalising and protecting every

part of your car inside and out. What's more important right now is that you have the appropriate safe environment to detail outside your home, in your driveway or garage.

"With plenty of free information available on the internet for enthusiasts, detailing is something anyone can do. Now is the perfect time to get off the couch, get some fresh air, learn some new skills and give your car, van, caravan or motorhome a makeover."

For beginner tips on washing, polishing and protecting your vehicle like a pro-detailer click here .

For advice on machine polishing and sealing your paintwork, visit this FAQs section.