My dad owns a body shop and has taught me several tips on how to take care of my car. We recently bought a “new to us” car and it was in need of some cleaning, stocking, and deodorizing.
Deodorize Your Car –
Sprinkle your car seats, floor, back, etc with baking soda. Let sit in the car for 30 minutes and then vacuum it out. This will help neutralize and deodorize your car.
Clean Head & Tail Lights –
Place some regular toothpaste on a microfiber cloth and buff your head and tail lights clean. Wash off the toothpaste and watch them shine. Great for removing bugs too!
Clean & Dust Your Car –
Use a damp microfiber cloth and wipe off all the surfaces of your car including – dash, doors, seats, etc.
Clean Your Vents –
Clean your vents by using compressed air to spray them out, and then use a damp foam paint brush to wipe the vents clean.
Clean Your Inside Windshield –
Use a damp microfiber cloth and clean the inside of your windshield.
Remove Bugs, Tree Sap, & Tar –
Spray WD-40 onto bugs, tree sap, or tar then wipe off with a damp cloth.
Keep Cup Holders Clean –
Place paper muffin cups into your cup holders and replace as they get dirty.
Emergency Equipment & Important Supplies –
I always keep jumper cables, a jack, flashlight, rain ponchos, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, blankets, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and Kleenex in my car.
Disinfectant, Spot Remover, Cleaner –
Mix 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap and water in a squirt bottle. Spray on upholstery & floor mats to clean and spot treat. Spray on door handles, seat belts, etc to disinfect. Wipe up with a microfiber cloth.
Make a Trash Can –
I used a basket from Dollar Tree. I added self adhesive hook and loop fasteners on the bottom of the basket. I inserted a bag and held it in place with a rubber band, and stuck it to the floor.
Air Freshener –
Place a dryer sheet or two under the seats as an air freshener.
Wash Your Car –
I use Dawn dish soap and wash my car from top to bottom. Going in sections and rinsing off it’s best so the soapy mixture doesn’t dry onto the car.
Streak Free Finish –
Use a chamois to wipe your car off for a streak free finish. Start with the windows first, then wipe the rest of the car from top to bottom.
Another great tip! Thanks!
Thanks so much Michele 🙂
Great tips!
Thank you Joanne
I had not idea that toothpaste could be used to clean!
Thanks Michelle and yep I actually did a whole post on it – https://chascrazycreations.com/13-ways-to-clean-with-toothpaste/
Chas, this jumped out at me at #PrettyPintastic (and, yes, I did Pin it!) because I’ve just been telling my husband he needs to clean his car and that I’ll even help!
You are so sweet Jean, thank you for the Pin and I’m so glad you like the post.
Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 1! Pinned ♥
Thank you so much Dee, fun to be a part of the party 🙂 and thanks for the Pin.
Wow, there are some great tips that I will be implementing when I next wash my car. #trafficjamweekend
Thank you so much Antionette, I’m so glad you can use some of these ideas too.
Such great tips. I don’t clean my car anywhere near as often as I should be when I do I’ll give these a try. Thanks.
Thank you so much Julie and you’ll have to let me know how it goes 🙂
Great ideas for cleaning my new van! Thanks for the WD40 bug remover tip! Found you at the #UnlimitedMonthLongLinkParty 1
Thank you so much Sylvia, and I’m thrilled you found some ideas that might help you.
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared.
Thank you so much Marilyn