Aug 22, 2019

There’s nothing like getting behind the wheel of a car that is free of debris and smells good. A clean car is a pleasure to drive and with these helpful tips, you can keep your car looking its best.

  1. Prep Cleaning

    “Wash Your Car, Sir?” by MTSOfan, used under CC BY 2.0

First, clear out any trash that may have fallen between the seats, lodged in cracks, or slid under the seats. Remove the floor mats and shake each one vigorously to remove excess dirt. Use hot water and soap to remove any mud stains and hang the mats in the sun to dry. Next, thoroughly vacuum the interior, using the nozzle to reach between the seats, under the pedals, around the console, inside cup holders, and storage bins. Vacuum the trunk as well.

  1. Cleaning Upholstery

Dirt, dust, debris, and other particles can become embedded in the upholstery. Depending on the type of material used in your car, use the appropriate cleaning compound. Whether you’re cleaning leather, vinyl, or cloth seats, determine the depth of cleaning required, if there are stains that also need to be removed and if the material has an undesirable odor. These factors will help you choose the right cleaning product.

  1. Windows and Mirrors

Keeping your windows and mirrors clean and clear is important and the process takes only a few minutes. For glass windows, use a glass cleaner and a clean microfiber towel to remove buildup. For tinted windows, be extra careful as some cleaning products can damage the tinted sheet covering the glass. A helpful tip to prevent damage is to apply the cleaning product to the cloth versus spraying directly onto the glass to protect areas susceptible to harsh chemicals.

  1. Dashboard

Buttons and grooves are susceptible to dust buildup. To clean the nooks and crannies of vents, buttons, and dials, wrap the tip of a cotton swab or screwdriver with a thin piece of cloth and use it as a cleaning implement to reach difficult places.

  1. Cleaning Tools

Keep your cleaning tool kit fully stocked to ensure you have everything you need to keep your car sparkling clean. Along with a vacuum cleaner, keep on hand a variety of chemical cleaning products designed for the different interior surfaces of your car such as vinyl, carpet, leather, and plastic. Materials to use for interior and exterior polishing includes non-abrasive fine cloth rags, terry cloth, and lint-free rags, and microfiber towels. Each time you use these for wiping or polishing, ensure that they are clean and free of any chemicals.

  1. Air Freshener

Add a fresh scent to your car with a simple homemade recipe. Mix 5 drops of essential oil with 1 cup of baking soda and place in a sealed container for 24 hours. Then, shake the container and sprinkle the mixture over your car’s floor. Let stand for at least 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming.

Keep your car feeling like new and every on-road journey will be a pleasurable driving experience.