A car can represent a major investment and one that you’ll want to look after and protect. This means occasionally treating the vehicle to a little bit of care and attention. Basic maintenance should extend to cleaning and tidying both the exterior and the interior, since this not only makes the vehicle better to look at – it also makes it more comfortable to drive, and protects the resale value, too. I also hate it when our car looks filthy, there’s nothing better than a nice clean car – inside, and out!
It might be that you can recover some of the value of a used car by simply treating it to a deep clean. Look at the options at your local dealership. For example, if you’re in Yorkshire, you might look for Leeds used cars. Let’s run through some of the key steps to cleaning and tidying a vehicle.
Declutter First: The Golden Rule of Car Organisation
Your cleaning efforts should start with getting the space tidy. If your car has been accumulating junk, then now is a good time to get rid of it. Either find a home for the items you discover, or dispose of them. I usually find crisp packets, random school paperwork, sunglasses, a few quid and.. you get the gist.
Essential car items, like chargers and first-aid kits, might be stored properly using the right storage solution. There are plenty of options to choose from, each of which might make it easy to find the item you’re looking for.
Deep Clean Your Car’s Interior Like a Professional
Getting the interior in good condition might mean spending money on a professional valet service – or, doing the job yourself. Start by hoovering the whole thing out, including the upholstery and carpets to remove all of the loose dirt. If you’re feeling like a pro you could even give the carpets a scrub with shampoo that’s made for car upholstery, working it in with a scrub brush.
Then use a wet/dry hoover to remove any suds. Any stains should be addressed as quickly as possible. Blot up the affected area, then spray with mild detergent. Test any product you’re using on an inconspicuous area just in case it goes a bit funny!
The Best Products for a Streak-Free Dashboard and Windows
Keeping your dashboard, touchscreen, and windows clear is essential. After all, you need to be able to clearly see the world outside the vehicle, and there’s nothing worse than the kids fingerprints all over the windows – how do they even manage to get them on the windscreen? There are a number of products that will help you to do this. Turtle Wax’s Dash and Glass cleaner comes in a spray bottle and is reasonably affordable. Or, there’s the Total Wipe Out cleaner from Dodo Juice, which comes in a very big bottle. It’s perfect for repeated cleans.
Smart Storage Hacks for a Clutter-Free Car
Often, minimising your clutter is a simple matter of developing the right habits and using a combination of tricks. You might use organisers built into the backs of your seats, your gloveboxes, or your boot. At best, these devices keep the clutter out of sight, as well as make it easy to store and access when it’s needed. We have two organisers in our middle console that gives us levels and compartments. We really ought to find something for our boot, though it’s always full of our coaching kit at the moment.
Keeping Your Car Smelling Fresh
When most of us think of aesthetics, we think about what we can see. But keeping the car smelling great is also critical. Think about the odour-absorbing products, like air fresheners and sprays, that might help to deal with the odours of pets, food, and dampness. If your car is sitting on the drive for long periods, then the smell of the latter might be a longstanding problem.
Weekly & Monthly Car Maintenance Routines
Car maintenance is most effective when it’s done regularly. If you’re in the habit of inflating your tyres, or checking your oil levels every Sunday, then you’ll be much less likely to run into problems. Wiping the dashboard, vacuuming the carpets, and scrubbing the mirrors can be done quickly at the same time. Speaking of which, that’s just reminded me I need to top up the water in the washers!
Protecting Your Car’s Exterior for a Lasting Shine
Finally, we should consider how we might protect the exterior. A pressure wash might be able to get rid of caked-on grime – but it might also put your paintwork at risk. If you’re looking to protect the paint in the long term, then monthly waxing sessions might be worthwhile.
How do you like to keep on top of cleaning your car? Especially with kids?