Does your car sometimes resemble a bin on wheels? It’s easy for your car to become a bit messy. Coffee cups, crumbs, dog hair and the odd receipt - it all piles up. But nobody likes to drive around in a messy car, or be a passenger in one.
With a few simple habits and maybe some small luxuries, you can keep on top of your car maintenance, making each ride all the more enjoyable. Here are 10 tips to help you keep your car looking fresh, inside and out.
1. Declutter little and often
Most people let the mess build up in their cars before doing something about it after a few months. But if you keep on top of things, it won’t feel like such a chore.
Invest in a small bin for your car, and as soon as it’s full, make sure you empty it to stop things from getting out of control.
2. Shake it out
Your car mats go through a lot. Between muddy shoes, crumbs and general grime, they can start looking shabby quickly. You’d be surprised at how much difference a quick shake can make! Shake out your mats once a week to get rid of any excess, or better yet, give them a quick vacuum. It may be a simple task, but it will instantly make your car feel much cleaner.
3. Wipe down high-touch areas
Your car comes into more contact than you realise. Your steering wheel, gear stick, door handles and touchscreens can quickly collect fingerprints and bacteria, especially if you have kids and pets in the car! Keep some interior-friendly wipes in the car for some quick refreshes, and learn the best way to clean the inside of your car for those deeper cleans.
4. Treat yourself to a mobile valet
While you can keep your car clean yourself, nothing beats a professional clean. A mobile valet service can be just what you need to get your car looking sparkling inside and out. Using a mobile valet can give you a thorough clean, tackling all of the dirt that’s built up over time, and leave your car looking new again.
A regular valet service is great if you struggle to keep on top of your car maintenance, taking care of the hard work for you. And the good thing about a mobile valet is that they will come to your home, letting you carry on with your day instead of having to wait around on a plastic chair with a rubbish cup of coffee!
5. Keep microfibre cloths handy
Cars can get dusty really quickly - which can be surprising for such a small space! But if you’re noticing the dust piling up, then a microfibre cloth will be your best friend. A microfibre cloth can make light work of picking up dirt, cleaning your screens or even mopping up any spills. A microfibre cloth is gentle but effective, and won’t scratch any of your surfaces.
6. Protect your seats
Your seats are one of the first things people look at when they get in your car, and they also take the most wear and tear. Dirt from clothes, coffee spills and your pets can leave your seats looking tired in no time at all. Where possible, use seat covers to protect your car seats, helping them look newer for longer. This will also save you from having to do deep cleans - all you need to do is put them in the wash!
7. Wash the outside regularly
It’s easy to put off washing your car, especially when the weather isn’t great, but regular exterior cleans can make a huge difference to how your car looks. Your vehicle is constantly exposed to the elements, including dirt, road salt, bird mess and tree sap, ruining the look of your car but potentially damaging the paintwork too.
Cleaning your car doesn’t have to take up too much of your time. You can learn how to clean your car twice as well in half the time, or you can visit a car wash if you’d prefer to have someone else do it.
8. Don’t forget your interior windows
It’s easy to overlook your interior windows, but they collect fingerprints, dust and all kinds of grime in no time at all. This build-up can cause glare, especially when driving at night or in bright sunlight. A quick wipe with a glass cleaner and either a microfibre or glass cleaner can instantly improve visibility and even make your car look fresher. It’s a small job that takes minutes, but can make a noticeable difference whenever you get behind the wheel.
9. Organise your boot
If the inside of your car is a mess, then it’s likely your boot is too! It can easily become a dumping ground for shopping bags, gym gear, umbrellas and anything else you’ve stashed away. This can make it hard to find what you’re looking for, and hard to store anything you really need.
Start with a clear out, making sure you get rid of anything you don’t need. Use organisers and storage boxes to help keep your belongings tidier, while also keeping things secure. You can also use this as an opportunity to make sure your car is equipped with everything you could need when you’re on the road - especially in the winter. Make sure you’ve got items such as a first aid kit, warm clothes and some water/snacks to help prepare your car for winter, ready for any situation.
10. Invest in some accessories
Beyond cleaning and maintenance, adding some well-chosen accessories can make a big difference to how your car looks and feels. From seat organisers to phone mounts and even a fancy air freshener - it all makes a difference to how your car looks and feels. Car accessories are generally inexpensive, so you can stock up on the things that will help keep your car tidy, comfortable and easy to maintain, ensuring your car looks its best, while also adding some personality.
Keeping your car looking fresh doesn’t have to involve hours of cleaning every weekend. Building a few habits into your routine can help you stay on top of the mess before things get out of hand. A clean, organised car is nice to look at, but it’s also more enjoyable to drive. Take it one step at a time to help you get your car under control and looking its best once again.
Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons
