301-330-1170
If you and your family spend any amount of time in your car, you know that it can get messy – fast! Trips through a drive thru, shoes tracking in dirt and debris, change falling out of pockets, and just naturally occurring dust can make your car feel a bit dingy.
A deep clean and detailing can make your car feel like new, but there is no need to spend hundreds to get it done by a professional. You can do it yourself at home with a few materials that you probably already have laying around!
Check out our tips & tricks to get your car sparkling clean:
First Things First
Before you can get to the deep cleaning, you first need to remove any extra objects or large debris that may get in the way. Be sure to slide seats forward and back to get everything underneath, and check any door pockets or small spaces around seats.
Once you have removed everything, give your vehicle a good vacuum so you can better see any stains or other messes that require a little more attention.
Windows & Mirrors
Just like with any cleaning job, it is best to work from the top, down. Start with giving your windows and mirrors a good wipe with your favorite window cleaner. Don’t forget to roll the windows down a bit to get the grime at the edges of your windows.
Brush out Air Vents
Air vents get very dusty over time, which affects the quality of air you are breathing while riding in your vehicle. A small paint brush makes dusting easy, just be sure to follow it with a vacuum hose to suck up the dust as you go.
Another option for cleaning air vents is to use a foam brush. The dust will stick to the foam and can be cleaned off later.
Clean & Oil the Dashboard
A coffee filter is great for cleaning the dashboard! They are inexpensive, biodegradable, and surprisingly effective. Dust off the dash with a coffee filter, and then stash a few in your center console. You can easily do a quick dusting while stopped in your car as needed.
To really make your dashboard shine, rub in a little olive oil. Not only does it look great, but it keeps moisture in the area, making it less likely to crack over time.
Upholstery Care
If you occasionally transport a pet in your vehicle, vacuuming may not have gotten out all of the fur. Your shower squeegee should get the job done quickly and effectively! Just lightly dampen it (don’t soak!) with a spray bottle, and the fur should come right up!
Now that the crumbs and fur are gone, are you left with unsightly stains? No worries! If you have lighter upholstery, you may be able to remove stains with diluted hydrogen peroxide and a gentle scrub brush. Always test in an inconspicuous spot beforehand, as hydrogen peroxide can affect coloring.
If you have darker upholstery or are nervous about using peroxide, you can also make a paste with baking soda and vinegar, rub into your seats and floor, and then rinse. It will not only take out stains, but it will treat any smells, too!
Cleaning Leather
If your vehicle has a leather interior, it is super easy to clean! Leather wipes are readily available at most stores and are very inexpensive. Just wipe clean, using a little extra elbow grease for stuck-on food or drink stains.
Nooks & Crannies
As you are cleaning your car, you will probably realize that there are a ton of tiny, hard-to-reach places. There are a few things you can use to get any lingering filth out of small corners.
- A wet toothbrush can help with stuck on stains
- DIY cleaning slime can remove debris from really tiny or deep areas
- A rag or paper towel over a screwdriver can help clean up edges
- Cotton swabs are great for cleaning small spaces
Brush Your… Headlights?
The secret to cleaning your headlights? Toothpaste. Yes, you read that right.
Use a sponge or cloth to rub toothpaste onto your light covers in circular motions, using light pressure. Wipe with a microfiber cloth to reveal crystal clear headlight covers. Who knew?
The Final Once-Over
Take a look around and see if you need to do another quick vacuum, or if you missed any spots. Then sit back and then enjoy a job well done!
Local Towing in Maryland
Car care requires so much more than the occasional cleaning. Even the most diligent car owners experience a breakdown once in a while. When you do, you can trust Morton’s Towing & Recovery to respond quickly and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Call (301) 330-1170!
