Every car owner is different. One of those differences relates to how well maintained the interior of their car is (or isn’t).
People are busy. Depending on your job or lifestyle, it’s likely that you spend a good deal of time in your car either commuting to and from work or transporting your family from one place to another. Your vehicle could even be part of your business.
Although we do encourage getting your car detailed two to three times a year and keeping up with regular washes, we understand that you have limited time and resources. That’s why we’ve come up with some easy tips and tricks for maintaining the interior of your car between those washes and details.
10 Ways to Keep Your Car’s Interior Cleaner for Longer
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Keep a trash container or receptacle in your car
This one may seem obvious, but it’s a game changer. It can be as fancy as the Carhart Car Organizer or as simple as an extra grocery bag. This will ensure that anything that has potential to leak will do so in its proper place and not ruin the mats or upholstery in your vehicle. It will also eliminate clutter and any weird smells if you empty it regularly.
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Invest in a car storage organizer
There are many storage organizers out there with pockets and compartments for all of your go-to items such as umbrellas, ice scrapers, paper towels, kids’ toys, emergency kits, etc. Most of these organizers attach to your headrest and drape over the back of your seat, keeping everything accessible but stowed in its proper place. This way nothing is rolling around and nothing gets lost.
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Keep a lint roller in your center console
Speaking of things to always keep in your car, a lint roller or even a lint brush (if you prefer the eco-friendlier route) is a must-have. Not only will this keep your clothing hair and lint free, but it will keep your seats and other upholstery free from pesky animal hair or other debris that may have made its way onto your floor, seat backs and cushions.
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Consider a car cleaning gel
These squishy little things may bring back memories of childhood toys or science projects, but they are worth looking into for picking up hard-to-get dust or debris. The sticky texture is great at removing any debris or dust that has adhered to your dash, vents and other parts of your car’s interior.
We don’t recommend keeping it in your car, especially in warmer climates such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. The substance may melt in a hot car and ruin whatever it touches. Maybe leave this helper in the garage or your home.
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Cover your seats
Car seat covers were invented for a reason, and that is to protect the upholstery of your seats from spills, stains, hair and dirt. Today there are even kick mats to put on the back of front seats to prevent damage from small children in car seats. They can kick away and the dirt and goo on their little shoes won’t leak anywhere it’s not supposed to.
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Clean up spills right away
Remember that car organizer from earlier? One thing that is always good to have on hand in your vehicle that you could fit easily into an organizer are paper towels or wet wipes.
If you clean up spills right away, they are less likely to stain or seep into your mats or upholstery. Wipe up spills when they happen and then go back to check them later to see if you need to give the spot more attention with something stronger like a fabric cleaner. (Always read the labels on car fabric cleaners to make sure it is compatible with your car’s interior.)
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Get or make an air freshener
When you eat different foods while on-the-go or have people getting in and out of your vehicle, it creates a combination of smells that is not always pleasant. Part of what makes a car feel clean is its odor, or lack thereof. Grabbing a three pack of rearview hanging trees (of your preferred scent) or making a DIY freshener (you can use kitty litter and an old pair of tights or felt and your favorite essential oil) can make all the difference.
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Cup Holder Liners
There are liners made specifically to fit your cup holders, but silicon baking cups also work well and actually fit nicely. They help trap any condensation or spills from drinks and also serve as an extra source of organization for loose change or other odds and ends. Silicon baking cups can withstand extreme heat as they are made to go into the oven, which is an added bonus for Phoenix-area drivers.
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Check your shoes before getting into your car
One of the most common ways dirt and grime makes its way into your car or truck is when you track it in on your boots or shoes. Take a few moments to click your heels together a few times or to stomp the mud and dust off your shoes before entering your vehicle.
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Vacuum or shake out mats regularly
If stomping and wiping your shoes off before entering your car or truck is not enough, it might be a good idea to shake out your mats and vacuum the interior of your vehicle periodically. Many drive-thru car washes have free vacuums you can use after paying for a car wash. There are also a variety of handheld vacuum options available.
Call Us When You’re Ready
We hope you found at least one or two new tips or tricks to help you better maintain your vehicle’s interior between detailing appointments. When it’s time for a more thorough cleaning, our Scottsdale detailers are here to help.
At Bulldog Detail we are experienced in a variety of cleaning, detailing and maintenance services. We know you have a busy schedule, so we’ll even come to you with our mobile services. Contact us online today or call 602.653.3935.