It’s the real first sign of spring when you can finally roll down your car window and let the wind blow through your hair! As you cruise along, enjoying the fresh air and warmer weather, take a minute to look at the vehicle you’ve been neglecting all the long dark winter. Is your vehicle looking a bit glum? Not to worry – the following quick tips will help you easily give your car a refreshed and clean feeling so you can get back to enjoying the ride.
Top to Bottom
As you clean, dust and other particles will spread and slowly fall down from the air to settle. Start at the top of your project and work your way down to the bottom. Vacuum and then clean the dash, the control panel, the doors and cup holders, and then seats before tackling the biggest project- the floor.
Brush Out the Air Vents
The air vents are a real magnet for dust, and a vacuum with a brush attachment just won’t get it all. Take an inexpensive artist’s paintbrush and give it a light shot of furniture polish or olive oil as an alternative. Work the brush into the crevices to collect the dust. Wipe the brush off with a rag and continue.
Nooks and Crannies
Detailing means finding and cleaning all the trim lines and recesses that a quick once-over cleaning job misses. Wrap a cloth around an old, worn screwdriver (without sharp edges) and spray an all-purpose cleaner on the cloth. Vinegar and dish soap work well as an all-purpose cleaner. Move it gently along the trim lines to pick up the gunk. Keep refreshing the surface of the cloth. Go around all the buttons and controls as well.
Homemade Upholstery Spot Cleaner
Fabric in cars take the hardest hit, no matter how clean the driver is. Spills become stains that are hard to scrub up and dirty seats from normal wear. To clean, mix 1 tablespoon of blue dish soap with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into a spray bottle. Add two cups of warm water and shake. Sprinkle a deodorizer (or simply baking soda) on the soiled upholstery, let it sit for a few minutes or even overnight. Vacuum and scrub with a stiff brush to really bring up the crud. Once finished, spray your mixed solution liberally onto your carpet. Scrub and dab with a rag at the excess solution. Once dry, your upholstery and carpet will look spotless!
Finish with the glass
For the final step in cleaning your car, fill a spray bottle with vinegar. Spray on your windows and wipe off with a lint-free rag or newspaper. Paper towels and cotton rags will leave debris on your glass. Roll down your window and clean the grime that builds at the very top of the window for an extra touch.
Now that you’ve freshened up your vehicle, sit back in your sparkling ride get back to enjoying the journey!
