11 Tips for Keeping a Clean Car
Updated: Mar. 02, 2023Keeping your car clean can be difficult. There are dirt roads, messy trees, pet hair and food crumbs. Here are 11 tips for keeping a clean car.
Remove Bugs with Cola
If your windshield wipers aren’t doing a good job in cutting through the stuck on dirt, grab a can or bottle of cola and a damp cloth. Cola breaks up those sticky windshield bugs and can also cut through grime from dusty roads. Just pour the soda on a rag and wash the windshield, then give it a good rinse with water.
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Use a Paint Stick
You know those unused paint stir sticks sitting in the garage? They’ll help clean those nooks and crannies inside your car. Spray the area (such as between seat cushions or between the seat and the center console) with an all-purpose cleaner and let it sit for a couple minutes. Then grab a paint stick, cover it with a microfiber towel or rag and wipe the area.
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Grab a Toothbrush
An old toothbrush will make quick work of dried-on liquids or food crumbs in the cracks of the seats. Sprinkle the area with a little baking soda and water and scrub away until you have a clean car.
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Cream of Tartar for Dirt
All the dirt and mud from rural roads can really build up quickly. To cut through the dirt on the outside of your car and on the windshield, sprinkle some cream of tartar on the area and wipe it clean with soapy water. Then rinse the area with clean water. Be sure to read our guide for spring cleaning your car.
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Remove Pet Fur
Fido may like road trips, but his fur leaves a mess behind in your clean car. To collect that fur, blow up a balloon and rub it around in the car to create static electricity. The static will help lift away all that pet fur.
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Clean Vents with Air
Grab a can of compressed air and blast the dust from your car’s air vents. To freshen up the car’s air, apply some essential oils on a cotton ball and wipe down the vents.
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Baby Wipes for Quick Cleaning
Keep a package of baby wipes in your car’s glove compartment. Use the wipes to clean up spills as they happen. You can also use the wipes to clean your windshield.
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Screwdriver for the Dashboard
The dashboard and console can be one of the most difficult areas of the car to clean because of all the angles and grooves. Grab a flat-head screwdriver and cover the end with a clean cloth. Use the cloth-covered end to get in all the tough-to-to clean spots.
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Remove Pollen Buildup
Pollen buildup on your vehicle should be dealt with quickly, don’t just wait for the next rain storm or for pollen season to end. To remove pollen, wash your car as you normally would. To help prevent some of the buildup and making the next wash a little easier, apply a layer of wax to protect the finish. This process should also be used for any sticky leaves or debris from messy trees.
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Bungee Cords and Tarps
To help keep your trunk or hatchback clean, keep a few bungee cords and a tarp (or an old blanket) in your car. Use the bungee cords to keep items from spilling or falling over. The tarp can be used to put under any items that may leave a stain inside your clean car.
Prevent Messes
To prevent messes, use silicone baking cups in your cup holders to help prevent grime from building up after spills. (Paper baking cups will not hold up to much moisture.) Also, keep a small trash bag or can in your car to collect garbage.
Photo: MAHATHIR MOHD YASIN/Shutterstock
