If you’re a daily commuter or otherwise spend a lot of time in the car, you know that junk and grime has a way of building up. Our articles on detailing car exteriors and sprucing up the interior provide textbook guidance.
But sometimes what you need for tricky car-car issues are a few good hacks. Read on.
Car Cleaning Hack #1: Get Toothy!
Let’s start with a simple but ingenious hack for removing dirt that’s stuck in the seat seams. Use a toothbrush to get into the crevices. Gently brush until the grime is gone.
Car Cleaning Hack #2: Wet Wipes
You probably haven’t thought of using baby wet wipes to clean gunk off your windshield and side windows. But they do a great job. Give them a try and then polish the glass with a piece of yesterday’s newspaper.
Don’t neglect the inside of the glass, which can build up with a layer of film. Use a microfiber rag to make your view of the road crystal clear.
Car Cleaning Hack #3: Microfiber
On the outside, use a microfiber mitt to safely wash your car without worrying about adding scratches and lint. These mitts hold a lot of water for cleaning off the dirt and grime.
When you’ve rinsed the car off, use specialized microfiber drying towels. Also, learn about the “Two-Bucket Car Wash” technique.
Car Cleaning Hack #4: Foam Brushes
Air-conditioning vents can get dusty over time. These spaces are notoriously difficult to clean with a rag. Instead, use foam paint brushes, which are perfect for getting in between the louvers to reach stubborn spots. Spray cleaner on the brush to speed up the job.
Car Cleaning Hack #5: Cupcake Liners
If you like a tidy car, cup holders can be problematic. Spills from coffee and soda, crumpled-up receipts, and spare change get caked into place. To avoid this mess, drop silicone cupcake liners in your cup holders. When they get nasty, easily lift them out and throw them away—and replace them with clean liners.
Bonus Hacks
Hair Dryer on Bumper Stickers
Do you have an old bumper sticker on your ride from that trip to the Everglades? It’s easy to clear it away to make room for new messages. Use a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive. After part of the sticker comes loose, spray WD-40 to finish the task.
Goo Gone for the Sticky Stuff
Goo Gone is a miracle cleaner for, well, getting goo gone and removing crud from most surfaces. If there’s gunk stuck in the grooves of your dashboard, then wrap a flathead screwdriver with a cloth. Spray the cloth with the cleaner and very gently run it down the groove.
A Squeegee for Dog Hair
Pet owners, take note: It’s easy to remove Fido’s hair from upholstery by gently wetting the pet hair with a fine spray of water and then running a squeegee back and forth over the hair until it forms a clump. Wrap a piece of masking tape around the palm of your hand—sticky side out—to grab the clumps of hair.
Baking Soda for Nasty Smells
Baking soda removes nasty odors from upholstery and carpets. Lightly sprinkle a thin layer, let it sit a bit, and then vacuum your interior as normal. While you’re at it, spray some air-conditioner deodorizer into the AC inlets to get rid of any mysterious musty smells. Lysol also works.
Also read: Why Does My Car Smell Like Eggs, Crayons or Other Odd Things?
