Most of us end up spending way more time in our cars than we even know—commuting to work, running errands, picking up kids, sitting in traffic while treating ourselves to snacks we promised we would never eat. And since we are going in and out, we don’t even realize the wear and tear on our cars. Some of us enjoy just sitting in our cars, including me. Not even doing anything, just sitting, relaxing, looking around. I love it.
When life gets busy, the first things to go on our to-do lists are often cleaning the car. The reality is that we just don’t have the time to vacuum under the seats and scrub down cupholders when you can barely remember to pick up the groceries and get to your appointments, let alone clean the car. But here’s the good news—you really don’t have to spend a ton of money at the car wash or call a pro detailer to make your car look half decent again.
With a few simple tricks—and a little motivation—you can do a clean-up at home quickly and easily. These easy car-cleaning hacks will help you freshen things up without taking over your entire weekend (or your whole paycheck.)
1. Toothpaste
If your headlights are dull, slightly scratched, or look a little foggy, just coat them in some toothpaste. Use a toothbrush or other small bristle brush to gently scrub at the lights, then rinse and dry. Your headlights will be scratch-free and shiny afterwards!
2. Baking Soda
Since we spend a lot of time in them, our car seats can trap in gross odors. Simply sprinkle your seats with baking soda, let them sit, and then vacuum up the baking soda. It will work to absorb any unpleasant odors.
3. Cleaning Slime
Cleaning slime may sound like an odd invention, but it’s quite effective at cleaning dust and dirt from hard-to-reach places in your car. Use it for getting underneath your car’s control buttons, in and around the radio, in the air vents, and in the crevices of your gear shifter.
4. Eliminate Hairy Seats
If your pet has caused your car seats to be covered in hair, all you need is a spray bottle and one of those shower squeegees. Simply spray the seats with cold water, then use the squeegee to scrape the hair forwards.
5. Keep Bugs Off
Once your headlights and front bumpers are clean, you can spray a light coating of WD-40 onto them. This will keep bugs from sticking to these areas when you’re driving through insect-filled areas.
6. Keep Wipes On-Hand
To keep your car clean in the long run, it’s best to practice little steps along the way. Always keep a pack of cleaning wipes in your car for spills, etc. If you tackle the little messes right when they happen, there won’t be any big ones to worry about later on!
7. DIY Air Freshener
To make your own air freshener, simply apply a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a clothespin, then fasten the clothespin to your air vent. That’s all there is to it!
8. Eliminate Fruit Flies
If old food has attracted fruit flies to the inside of your vehicle, mix together apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap in a small container. Put saran wrap over the top, then poke holes in it. The fruit flies will climb into the container but won’t be able to get back out.
9. Make Chrome Sparkle
If the chrome on your vehicle or tire rims is looking a little dull, spray it with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Wipe it down with a rag, then rinse with water.
10. Peel Off Bumper Stickers
If you no longer want a bumper sticker on your car, you can safely remove it by spraying the sticker with a generous amount of WD-40. After about 10 minutes or so, gently peel it off.
11. Eliminate Water Spots
Nothing ruins a good car wash like water spots when it dries. Use a microfiber cloth to dry your car after every wash and you won’t see any water spots.
12. Moisturize Your Leather
If your car has a leather interior, you want to keep it in the best shape possible. Use a cloth to wipe a small amount of Vaseline into the leather. This will keep it moisturized and prevent it from cracking or flaking.
13. Remove Rust
Would you believe that Coca Cola is so acidic, it will strip the rust right off your car? Kind of scary! Just pour some Coke over any rust, wait a little bit, then wipe it off. Repeat until all of the rust is gone.
14. Eliminate A Streaky Windshield
If you don’t want your wipers to leave streaks on your windshield, simply wipe them down with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
15. Save Your Seats
Children tend to spill food, drinks, and just about everything else when they’re sitting in their car seats. Protect the backseat of your vehicle by lying an old sheet or blanket underneath the car seats.
16. Protect Cup Holders
Protect your cup holders from crumbs and other sticky messes by lining them with silicone baking cups. How genius is that?!
17. DIY Garbage Can
Store all of your trash in one convenient place by using a plastic cereal container as a mini garbage can. That way, you can easily keep your vehicle clean, even when you’re on the run.
18. Coffee Filters
One of the best items to clean the interior of your car with? Coffee filters! They’re excellent for collecting dust, plus, they’re super cheap.
