6 top tips for keeping your car clean and organised
23rd Jul, 2024
Keeping your car clean and organised can often feel like an uphill battle, particularly family vehicles with busy schedules and daily use. Of course, it’s probably not a huge priority if you’re planning to scrap your car anytime soon (although goodness knows some odd things can turn up in vehicles that haven’t been properly cleared out). If you still intend to keep it on the roads for the foreseeable though, it’s always nicer if it looks and feels clean and clear. So here are a couple of our top tips on how to help it stay that way!
Regularly clean out the interior
Maintaining a clutter-free car starts with regular clean-ups, so it’s always a good idea to dedicate a few minutes each week to remove any rubbish or unnecessary items from the car. One good plan is to invest in a small, discreet bin or a reusable bag to collect rubbish during your journeys. It’s also helpful to do a more thorough clean every month, including checking under seats and in the boot, as these areas often harbour hidden waste and forgotten items. Regularly cleaning out your car helps to prevent the build-up of clutter and keeps your vehicle feeling fresh and inviting.
Vacuum frequently to remove dirt and debris
Vacuuming is essential for maintaining the cleanliness of your car’s interior. Over time, dirt, crumbs, and debris can accumulate in the carpets and upholstery – not only does that look unattractive, but it can also attract insects and similar unwelcome visitors. To avoid that then, aim to vacuum your car at least once a month, but increase the frequency if you have pets or young children. Use a vacuum with a range of attachments to reach under seats and into tight spaces. For an even deeper clean, you might even want to use a specialised upholstery attachment to lift embedded dirt and pet hair. This helps to keep your car’s interior looking pristine and free from allergens.
Wipe down surfaces to prevent dust build-up
Dust can quickly accumulate on the surfaces inside your car, making it look unkempt and affecting air quality. Regularly wiping down these surfaces with a microfibre cloth can help to keep dust at bay and maintain a clean appearance. Don’t forget to focus on high-touch areas like the dashboard, steering wheel, and centre console, as these areas tend to attract more grime. Using a specialised interior cleaner can enhance the effectiveness of this process, helping to remove stubborn stains and add a pleasant fragrance. And of course, don’t neglect to clean the air vents and screens, which can also accumulate dust and affect your car’s air quality and visibility.
Keep essentials in designated compartments
An organised car is easier to keep clean and manage, so make full available use of the various storage compartments in your vehicle, such as the glove box, centre console, and door pockets, to keep everyday items in their place. If you’d like, you can even utilise organisers or small bins to prevent items from rolling around or getting lost. In the boot, use storage bins or organisers to keep emergency kits, sports equipment, or shopping bags neatly arranged. This goes a long way to reducing clutter, and also make it simpler to locate things when needed. An organised car also means fewer items to move around during cleaning!
Avoid eating or drinking in the car
So yes, okay, this is probably a bit stricter here, but you can decide how draconian you want to be with it – especially if it’s just you in the car, rather than a partner and children too. Preventing food and drink consumption in the car can significantly reduce the amount of mess and stains you have to deal with – as we’ve touched on above, spills and crumbs from snacks or drinks can attract pests, and even lead to some quite unpleasant smells if they’re not found promptly.
If eating or drinking in the car is unavoidable, use spill-proof containers and keep cleaning supplies, such as wipes and a small vacuum, handy for quick clean-ups. Plus, it’s a good idea to make a habit of clearing away any food wrappers or containers immediately after use. This simple practice helps to keep your car’s interior cleaner and more pleasant, making maintenance easier in the long run.
Use car-friendly cleaning products
Choosing the right cleaning products is crucial for maintaining your car’s interior. You’ll go a long way with products specifically designed for automotive use, as these are formulated to clean effectively without damaging surfaces. For instance, use upholstery cleaners that are safe for your car’s fabric and glass cleaners that leave no streaks.
One thing to avoid is household cleaning agents, as they might be too harsh or leave residues. Also, maybe consider using car-specific air fresheners or odour eliminators to keep the interior smelling fresh. Investing in high-quality, car-friendly products will ensure that you maintain your vehicle’s appearance and hygiene without causing any harm to its surfaces.
Those are all our top tips – you may well have some cleaning hacks of your own! And of course, when the day comes that your car finally gets past its prime, and you’ve decided it’s not worth cleaning anymore, that’s where we come in here at Scrap Car Network. With decades of experience to our name, we’re committed to helping you get the very best price for your scrap car. All you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode into the fields on our site, and we’ll get you an instant online quote before you can say cash for cars. It only takes a few seconds. Curious to find out how much your car is worth?
