If you drive a lot for work or have kids and pets, you know how hard it can be to keep the inside of your car clean. Here are 10 cleaning tips and tricks to make your car’s interior sparkle again
1. Clear trash
Before you pull out the vacuum and cleaning supplies, clear out all the obvious trash. Check everywhere thoroughly. There will likely be trash on the floor, under the seats, and in the seat cracks. Toss out any wrappers, bottles, toys, and other objects that your vacuum can’t handle.
2. Tackle floor mats
Pull the floor mats out of the vehicle and shake them out as much as possible. This will make vacuuming easier. Scrub them with soap and hot water or a foaming carpet cleaner and allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling them.
3. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum
Vacuum both front and back seats, the floor, and, if necessary, the trunk. Vacuum every area of the vehicle where you can get the nozzle, including under the pedals and along the side door panels.
4. Wipe away grime
Now that the car is vacuumed, grab a soft cloth or cleaning wipes to wipe up all that dirt, sticky stuff, and dust. You can also spray a small amount of car-specific cleaner over the console, steering wheel, and the area between the seats to restore that new-car look.
5. Clean cup holders
Cup holders can harbour grime, spilled coffee, and dead hair and skin cells (yuck). Try using a cotton swab dipped in a little cleaning solution to reach those difficult areas. In some vehicles, the entire cup holder is removable for easier cleaning.
6. Wipe windows
Spray a window cleaner solution on windows and wipe clean with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. You can also mix one cup of water, two tablespoons vinegar, and one cup rubbing alcohol for an effective homemade window cleaner.
7. Attack stains
If there are stains on the seats or on the carpet (and we guarantee there will be, especially if you have kids!) try this homemade solution. In a spray bottle mix two cups water, one cup vinegar and about a tablespoon of dish soap. Spray on the stains and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wipe clean with a wet cloth.
8. Remove pet hair
If you have a dog, you know the pain of dealing with pet hair in the car. If the vacuum does not remove all the fur, try using a rubber-dipped glove. Simply brush the hair away with your hand, and it sticks to the glove like magic!
9. Get into crevices
Grab a paint stirrer or two next time at you are at the hardware store. Wrap an end with a microfiber cloth and use the stick to get into those hard-to-reach areas between the seats and around the centre console.
10. Freshen up
Create a homemade car freshener with one cup of baking soda and five drops of your favourite essential oil. Place both the soda and oil in a sealable plastic bag or glass jar for 24 hours. Then shake it up, sprinkle on the car’s floor and let it sit for 20 minutes. When the time has passed, vacuum up the baking soda. The scent will linger, making your car smell fresh and clean!
