Useful Tips To Keep Your Car Clean

Introduction

Car hygiene and cleanliness are some things that all car owners want yet some still struggle with it. Keeping your car clean is essential for maintaining the quality of the car and providing a safe environment for you and your family. It’s not as difficult as one might expect. Read on to learn a few tips and tricks for keeping your car spotless. And, once you’re done with this article, check out this link for rubber uk car mats to keep your car spick and span!

Organisation is key

The simplest way to ensure that your car is clean for a long period is to organise your things. To do so, compartmentalise your things according to categories so that you’ll have an easier time finding what you need.

Files

Yes, you read that right. Get a file or folder to store your papers and mails. Better yet, get a folder that has multiple sections so that you can file your things accordingly. Important car paperwork in one section and personal letters in another, you can separate your documents however you like. Instead of leaving all the loose papers laying around the car, having a file will keep your car clean and organised.

Get a mini trash can and place it somewhere convenient for all. Any empty food boxes or used wet wipes should go in there instead of stuffing them in the holders of the car. A simple yet effective hack. If you don’t wish to spend extra money on one, make your mini trash can by lining a disposable paper box with a small plastic bag.

Boxes and dividers

Perhaps the most useful way to compartmentalise your things is using boxes and dividers. If you have kids, get a basket to store their things such as toys, books, and whatnot. Smaller items like wet wipes and phone cables can be stored separately in other mini organisers. Just make sure to then place these containers and boxes neatly in the trunk or the glove compartment.

To maximise space while keeping things neat, create a double storage layer in the trunk of your car. By following the “DIY pop-up trunk shelf” from “Instructables”, not only do you get an extra layer of space to store your things but the bottom layer is also divided into three sections for you to better organise them. One layer could be dedicated to groceries while the other could be storage for the other boxes. It’s up to you.

Cup holders

Cup holders are often either dusty, filled with crumbs of food, or left with the remains of a drink spill. A simple and useful tip is to line the cup holders with silicone cupcake liners. The silicone liners will catch any dirt and all you have to do is to rinse them instead of having to scrub the cup holders.

Besides holding your cup of coffee, cup holders can be used to store other things as well. Place a round container in the cup holder at the front of your car to store any loose change. All you have to do is to grab a few coins from your side whenever you need to pay a toll. Saves you time and effort.

Cleaning your car

Now that you’ve organised your things neatly, cleaning your car is still necessary for your car to look and feel brand new. While it is ideal to thoroughly wash your car frequently, not everyone has the luxury of time. Or let’s be real, you are probably just lazy! Don’t worry though, read on to find out how to still maintain the cleanliness of your car without having to go through the entire washing process.

Clean the floor mats

The floor mats are arguably one of the dirtiest spots in your car. It accumulates all sorts of dirt, from food crumbs to the mud from your shoes. If they are not cleaned regularly, the dirty visuals of it plus the smell that they may give off will definitely make your car feel and look unhygienic. If possible, you should aim to clean your floor mats about once a week. To make things easier, simply give the floor mats a good shake, then toss them into your washing machine and dryer.

Clean the headlights

Over time, you might realise that the headlights of your car are slowly turning yellow and blurry which screams the word “old”. All you have to do is to apply a generous amount of toothpaste on a rag and scrub your headlights thoroughly. Splash some water afterwards and your headlights will look sparkly clean!

Polish the leather seats

The leather seats take up the most space in your car. Any wear or tear can stick out like a sore thumb. Make your own leather polish by adding a few drops of olive oil into a coffee filter. Use that to polish your leather seats and remove any dust. You’ll be left with a smooth and silky interior.

Maintain the dashboard

The surface of the dashboard is prone to collect dust and scratches here and there. To clean it, use a damp rag to wipe the surface to rid it of the accumulated dust. Next, use a dry rag to wipe the surface dry. And finally, apply a small amount of Vaseline onto a clean and dry rag and use it to carefully wipe the dashboard. That’s it! Vaseline really works wonders.

Add a car freshener

To add the cherry on top of the icing, having a pleasant scent in the car will make the brain think that the car is cleaner than it seems. Buy a scent that you like, or simply make your own with a wooden ornament and your favourite essential oils.

Conclusion

Keeping your car clean can be a simple task if you put in the initial efforts to do so. Incorporate the tips and tricks that suit you best and find a system that you can sustain in the long run. Your friends and family might think that you bought a new car!

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Published: 09-May-2022

Author: Colin Watson

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