Ultimate Car Cleaning Tips & Hacks: Do It Like A Pro
Posted on May 30, 2022
Keeping your car spotless can seem like a luxury, but it doesn’t have to be a full-time job or require a professional-grade setup. Let’s face it: not everyone has a massive garage stocked with every car care product under the sun. And sometimes, you’re stuck with just the basics and have no time to hit the store.
In this blog post, we’ll share practical car cleaning tips and hacks that work with what you’ve got, from your dashboard to your floor mats.
From freshening up your car’s interior and tackling those tricky windshield wipers to reviving floor mats and air vents, these hacks are designed to work with everyday items you probably already have.
Dos and Don'ts in Cleaning Car
When it comes to cleaning your car, knowing what to do and what to avoid can make all the difference between a sparkling ride and a potential mess.
Dos
- Do use dedicated car cleaning solution(s).
- Do use a microfiber mitt and/or microfiber cloth.
- Do use a separate mitt/cloth for the wheels (and any other very dirty part) than for the rest of the vehicle. Also, use a separate cloth to dry the vehicle, ringing it out and/or getting a fresh towel as you go.
Don'ts
- Don’t use household cleaning products (or baking soda or rubbing alcohol - no matter what you may have seen on TikTok).
- Don’t use an old-fashioned sponge or cleaning rag.
- Don’t use the same mitt/cloth around the whole vehicle.
- Don’t ever scrub - always be gentle - stubborn dirt/debris can be handled with soaking and/or appropriate detailing sprays and rinses.
Following the right steps and being aware of what to avoid ensures you get the best results without accidentally causing damage.
10 Tips for Car Cleaning
Cleaning your car doesn’t have to be overwhelming with the right approach. Here are ten essential tips to help you achieve a professional-level clean and keep your vehicle looking its best.
1. Freshen Up the Interior
To get rid of unwanted smells like tobacco smoke, try using an aerosol deodorizer such as Dakota Non-Smoke. Hold the can about 12 to 14 inches away from the surfaces and lightly spray it on the headliner, seats, door panels, and carpet.
Avoid soaking the fabrics. Next, turn your car's fan to high and set the system to recirculate mode. Locate the intake opening near the blower motor by holding a tissue up to it and spraying the deodorizer mist into this opening.
Keep your windows closed for at least an hour to let the treatment work. The car might initially smell like baby powder, but this scent will fade over time.
2. Clean Windows Thoroughly, Including the Top Edges
It’s easy to miss the grime that builds up on the top edges of your car windows, especially when they’re partially rolled down. This often-overlooked spot can leave unsightly streaks and dust.
To tackle this, take a few minutes to clean these areas properly. Use a glass cleaner like Windex or a mix of water and vinegar and a clean cloth to wipe down the top edges to reach every corner.
3. Lubricate Hood Hinges for Smooth Operation
Keeping your hood hinges in good shape is essential for smooth operation and preventing rust.
- Start by wiping the hinge area with a clean rag to remove any dirt or grime.
- Next, apply white lithium grease or a few drops of regular motor oil to the hinge.
- Open and close the hood several times to help the lubricant spread evenly through the hinge.
- Make sure to cover both sides of each hinge.
- Finally, wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent it from attracting dirt and debris.
Regularly lubricating your hood hinges will keep them working smoothly and help extend their lifespan.
4. Rinse Your Car Before Washing
Before applying soapy water to your car, thoroughly rinse it with plain water. If you wash a dry car without rinsing first, you risk scratching the paint by rubbing dust and grit into the surface.
The key is to start with a clear water rinse to loosen and wash away as much dirt and debris as possible. This step helps protect your car’s paint and makes the actual washing process more effective and safer.
5. Clean Out Air Vents
A vacuum with a brush attachment might not be enough to get rid of all the debris. Instead, use a simple, affordable artist’s paintbrush. Lightly spray the brush with furniture polish to help trap the dust.
Gently work the brush into the vents to dislodge and collect the dust. After each pass, wipe the brush with a rag to keep it clean. Continue this process until all the vents are free of dust.
6. Deep-Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Using a carpet cleaning machine is highly effective in getting your car’s carpets and upholstery truly clean.
These machines spray a mixture of water and cleaner onto the surfaces, then vacuum up the dirt and grime. They’re excellent stain removers for reaching deep into the fibers of your carpet and seats and pulling out hidden dirt and stains.
7. Choose the Right Soap for Cleaning
Many people turn to dishwashing liquid because it’s readily available, but it's not the best choice for your car. Dish soap is too harsh and can strip away essential oils from your car’s paint.
Instead, choose a soap specifically designed for cars. Automotive shampoos are formulated to clean effectively while being gentle on your vehicle’s paint, helping to maintain its shine and protect it over time.
8. Fix Squeaky Doors
If your car door squeaks every time you open it, the hinges might be rusted or corroded. To fix this, spray the hinges with WD-40 to loosen them up. Open and close the door several times to work the lubricant in.
After the hinges are moving smoothly, apply a bit of white lithium grease or motor oil to keep them in good condition. Wipe away any extra grease.
9. Brush and Vacuum Your Car’s Carpet
Automotive carpets can be tricky to clean because dirt tends to cling tightly. Simply vacuuming them often isn’t enough to get rid of all the grime. To get a deeper clean, use a stiff brush along with your vacuum.
- Start by brushing the carpet to loosen the dirt and debris.
- As you brush, you'll notice the dirt coming to the surface.
- Then, use your vacuum to suck up the loosened particles.
This combination of brushing and vacuuming helps ensure your carpets are thoroughly cleaned.
10. Effective Car Cleaning: Dust as You Go
When cleaning your car, starting with the carpet can actually make things messier. Instead, follow a top-to-bottom approach for a cleaner finish. Begin by vacuuming the headliner, dashboard, console, and door panels.
Next, clean all the glass and dust off any small crevices and nooks. Use a detailing brush to sweep dust out of the cracks and immediately vacuum it up. This method ensures that you don't get dirt on freshly cleaned areas and helps you maintain a neat and tidy interior.
9 Hacks in Car Cleaning for a Smarter Cleaning Routine
Keeping your car clean might seem tough, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be simple and satisfying. Regular cleaning makes your car look great and helps maintain its value and longevity. Here are some easy car cleaning for a smarter cleaning routine.
1. Freshen Up Headlights with Toothpaste
Toothpaste can be a surprisingly effective solution. The mild abrasives in toothpaste help polish away the dullness and grime on your headlights. Just apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cloth and rub it onto the headlight in circular motions. Rinse with water and wipe clean.
For best results, you can follow up with a coat of automotive wax to help promote how long it lasts.
2. Effortlessly Clean Cupholders
Cupholders can quickly become a mess of spilled drinks, snack crumbs, and sticky residue. Cleaning them can be tricky since the space is tight and hard to reach. Here’s an easy method to get your cup holder spotless.
- Start by using a vacuum to remove any loose debris from the cupholder.
- Next, take a thick microfiber towel and roll it up so it fits snugly inside the cupholder.
- Spray the towel with a cleaning solution, then insert it into the cupholder.
- Rotate the towel a few times to pick up any grime and then pull it out while still rotating to keep all the dirt contained.
If needed, repeat the process until the cupholder is clean.
3. Organize Your Cleaning Supplies Efficiently
Keeping your car’s supplies organized doesn’t have to be a hassle. Even if you don’t have a limo to manage, a bit of planning can go a long way.
- Start by grabbing some spare boxes or organizers from home and make it a habit to put everything in its place.
- Secure these containers in your trunk using straps or carabiners to prevent them from shifting around.
- If your trunk doesn’t have mounting spots, you can use spare shoestrings or other makeshift solutions to keep things in check.
For longer trips, consider using a box organizer or even a mini trash can in the passenger or back seat. This will help you keep drinks, snacks, and other essentials within easy reach without cluttering your space.
4. Vacuum Carpet and Upholstery with a Brush
You might already know this, but many car owners overlook a simple trick that can make a big difference: brushing your carpet while you vacuum. To get the best results, use a stiff nylon brush as you vacuum your car’s carpets and upholstery.
The brush helps to loosen and lift dirt and debris trapped in the fibers, making your vacuuming more effective. This technique ensures that you get a deeper clean and a more even finish.
5. Remove Pet Hair Using a Lint Roller
A lint roller is a simple yet powerful tool for removing pet hair and other debris from your car’s upholstery. Just roll it over the affected areas to effortlessly lift away hair and particles. For additional tips on tackling stubborn pet hair in your car, check out these effective methods.
6. Absorb Odors with Black Tea
Place a small container of dry black tea leaves in your vehicle and let them work their magic. Black tea is known for its natural odor-absorbing properties, which help neutralize and eliminate unwanted scents. Just make sure the container has holes in it for the air to get in and out.
Over time, the tea leaves will absorb the odors, leaving your car with a fresher, more pleasant smell. This method is not only cost-effective but also a great alternative to chemical air fresheners. Just remember to replace the tea leaves periodically to maintain optimal freshness.
7. Tidy Up Wheels and Rims with Dish Soap and Water
The warm water helps to loosen dirt and grime, while the dish soap breaks down tough grease. This is just for the tires – don't use dish soap on your car’s paint. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution and gently scrub brush the wheels and rims, making sure to reach into all the crevices and around the spokes.
For stubborn spots, you might need to apply a little extra pressure or use a small detailing brush. After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the wheels and rims with clean water to remove any soap residue.
8. Protect Your Car with a Car Cover
Whether it's harsh weather conditions, falling debris, or dust accumulation, a car cover provides a protective barrier that helps preserve your car’s exterior. By preventing exposure to rain, snow, and intense sunlight, it reduces the risk of rust, fading, and other environmental wear.
Additionally, a cover keeps your car cleaner, reducing the need for frequent washes and minimizing the risk of scratches and dings. Investing in a high-quality car cover can extend the lifespan of your vehicle's paint and maintain its showroom shine for years to come.
Just be aware if the cover has magnets you don’t want to slide it off and have the magnets dragging across the paint which will scratch the paint. Pull the cover off gently and lift up away from the car when removing it.
9. Spark Your Windows with Vinegar and Newspaper
Cleaning your car windows doesn’t have to be a tedious task. Try using vinegar and newspaper for a simple, cost-effective method that delivers streak-free results.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously onto your windows, ensuring all areas are covered.
Next, take crumpled newspaper and use it to wipe the glass, which helps remove smudges and leaves your windows gleaming without streaks. The newspaper’s texture is perfect for achieving a polished finish without leaving lint behind.
Apply These Best Car Cleaning Tips and Hacks to Keep Your Vehicle Looking Brand New
With the right tips and tricks, cleaning your car can be both efficient and effective. By following these pro hacks, you can achieve a sparkling clean and maintain your vehicle’s value without the hassle.
Ready for even more car care insights? Visit our blog posts for additional maintenance tips and hacks to keep your ride in top shape. Happy cleaning!