Keeping your car clean will help maintain it and let it feel like a new car. Great car cleaning habits will improve your driving pleasure.
You spend a lot of time in your car and you should want to keep that area clean, just like your house. Cleaning your car doesn’t need to be a stressful chore, it should be something you’re proud to do.
Be Mindful of Food
It’s easy to go through the drive-thru and eat in your car on the way to class or on your way home from work if it’s late. Food is messy, even if you don’t see the crumbs, you can be sure those food particles will find themselves wedged between your seat and the console, on the floor mats, and in the cracks on the seats.
These crumbs will attract bugs and depending on what food is left unnoticed in your car, can leave behind a rancid odor. So when you’re eating in your car, have a designated car trash bag on hand, and be sure to empty it every few days. A good rule of thumb is to clean out the trash in your car every time you fill up for gas.
Manage That Pet Hair
If you have a pet, then you know the constant battle of removing pet hair off furniture, your clothes, and now your car. Keeping your car seats free of pet hair with weekly vacuums, depending on how often your pet rides in the car, will help keep your car smelling free of pet dander and keep their hair from agitating you or your passengers’ allergies.
You can use your current vacuum or buy a small handheld one that stays in your car depending on your preference. You can also buy a seat cover that protects your seats and gives your furbaby a comfy place to chill in the back seats, a win-win product.
Use Gentle Cleaning Tools
From the exterior to the interior of your car, you may need to use a few different cleaners and tools to keep it smelling clean and looking good. For the windows, use a cleaner specifically for glass and use a microfiber cloth because they’re not going to be too rough. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning your dash and doors too. Use a gentle cleanser made for the specific material you’re cleaning, so you don’t damage your interior.
If your seats are leather or cloth, use the appropriate cleaning products on them to keep them free of stains and odors. If you don’t have private access to a hose, take advantage of free car washing stations if you live in an apartment complex or have a shared community space.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Cleaning and caring for your car should be something you get in the habit of doing on a regular basis. You don’t have to do a deep clean every week, but just making sure you’re keeping food and pet hair at bay and cleaning up when you have the time will help your car last longer and look newer than it may be.
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