So, your car has seen better days. The upholstery is looking a bit worn, and the once-shiny windows are now…well, not so shiny. Sure, you could take your car to a professional cleaner—or you could save your money and spruce things up yourself. Here are our top car-cleaning hacks.
1. Before any scrubbing or wiping, start by cleaning out your car of any trash, loose change or other items you have stored in it.
2. Use a firm bristled toothbrush and an all purpose cleaner for cleaning crevices.
3. For even tougher spots that require a little more elbow grease, use a flat head screwdriver with a cloth over it to clean out small crevices.
4. Use a foam paint brush to clean dust out of vents.
5. For hard to clean scuffs, a magic eraser is your best friend.
6. To get pet hair off seats, spray seats lightly with water and then use a plastic squeegee to scrape away the hair.
7. Use a small handheld vacuum to clean up debris throughout the car.
8. To clean upholstery and floor mats, make a simple solution of laundry detergent and water to spray on and then scrub.
9. For hard to get out stains in upholstery, use a scrubber attachment on your power drill.
10. Clean your pedals using a different brush that you won’t use elsewhere to clean. Think of all the stuff you’ve tracked in the car!
11. After scrubbing out cup holders, use silicone cupcake liners in them to help keep them clean easily.
12. Clean your windows using vinegar and newspaper.
13. Make a DIY air freshener by soaking a clothespin in some essential oils and clipping to your vent.
14. Help keep your car clean by having a cleaning kit with wet wipes and microfiber cloths in the glove compartment or center console.
15. Avoid trash building up by having a reusable cereal container or tote bag in the car to use as a trash can.
Make sure you and your vehicle are covered for anything that happens on the road. Visit geico.com for a quick auto insurance quote today!
Keep reading…5 Cleaning Hacks for Your Home
Martha Frias says,
Learned a lot – awesome advise. Things I did not know or think about. Will keep in mind information learned.
Alvin Hill says,
Having a good set of tools and cables in the garage or your other vehicle will not help you in an emergency. Place those tools in the vehicle you will be driving each day.
angie says,
Old newspapers is not a very good idea they will also leave a film on your windows .
Michelle O. says,
I use the Magic cleaner sponges on my white car to pull the hard to get dirt out of the paint. They really make the fine stratches and dings disappear. Only water is needed, no chemicals, and it is almost effortless. No painful fingers after!
Trish says,
Thanks !!
Jerry snyder says,
It takes dents out. Really
orimarjr says,
What’s is the best way to fix a squeaky windshield. Those wipers seem to work extra hard during rain.
Thank you
Patrick Jones says,
Many thanks for the tips. I feel this is a great service.
Ed tupper says,
Tried downloading the geico app from the App Store and all I get is a constant loading without anything actually happening.
Sandy says,
I’ve heard that toothpaste trick doesn’t work!!!
Kris says,
You shared a great tip for using toothpaste to clean the plastic headlight covers kind like . Does it require anything in particular like a formula with baking soda? Thank you for the clarification.
Michael Andrella says,
This is not the proper way to fix headlights. Yellowing is caused by the outer plastic being damaged by UV degradation. This damaged layer needs to be removed to properly resolve the issue. This requires using several grades of sandpaper and polishing compound. A coat of auto paint sealant after repair every 4-6 months will help prevent this from reoccurring.
A quality auto detailer in your area would charge approx. $50-75 for this service and it takes about a hour.
Frances DeLuca says,
Meguiar’s PLASTIX, sold in the auto section. Wipe on with a cloth. Wipe off with a clean cloth. Clear headlights!
Ana Lemus says,
Waterspots on a new red clearcoat how to remove
Joseph Primm says,
Waterspots on a new (or old) red and/or black finish can be a real pain. I use Meguiar’s M30516 Ultra Finishing Glaze. Works excellent, is easy to apply, price is great at about $1 an ounce, gets rid of the spots and really makes your finish pop. I apply with microfiber cloth just turning the cloth to keep it air dried. Works great!
tabitha says,
what about pine sap/tar on your car how do u remove it without scratching up your windows and car
Michael Andrella says,
Clay bar is your friend in this situation. Meguiar’s sells a kit that is just what you need for around $20. Claying is extremely simple and fool proof as long as you follow the directions.
Good luck!
frank says,
Use Eucalyptus Oil on tar spots. Rub with soft cloth dipped in Oil on affected area till spots are absorbed. Rinse off and dry.
oasis sanchez says,
I like these. Thanks (especially the window polish)!
Dave says,
Another alternative to remove bugs is to use fabric softener sheets. Wet car and use the sheets to scrubs off bugs. You will be surprise!
El1ceo5 says,
Wow, gotta try that!
wayne wood says,
thanks for the tip geico