Top 10 Car Cleaning Tips

By Author: Insurance Hunter
Total Articles: 15
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No matter what kind of car you drive, at some point you’re going to have to clean it. And while some people see it as a chore, others see car cleaning as an activity they look forward to. Whether you love it or hate it, here are some tips to do a good job of it.

INSIDE THE CAR
For most people, the majority of car cleaning happens inside of the vehicle. Here are some ways to get started:

#1
The first lesson in Car Cleaning 101 is to use a vacuum with a hose-pipe. A stand-up model isn’t really built to reach underneath the front seats.

#2
While you may want to spring for car cleaning wipes to clean the dashboard, keep in mind that baby wipes are an excellent (and cheaper) alternative. And if you want a nicely detailed front panel and centre console, get your hands on a soft paintbrush (the fewer bristles the better) to get in between those microscopic nooks and crannies.

#3
One trick if you ever find an ink stain on your leather seats is to use cuticle remover (some guys may have to Google this one). But make sure you’re using cuticle remover and not nail polish ...
... remover. Another trick for stain removal you might not know about is to use run-of-the-mill, non-gel, white toothpaste on fresh stains like ink, lipstick or ketchup.

#4
Once you’re done cleaning the surfaces of the interior, leave a finishing touch in the air by spritzing odor eliminator into the car’s air intake (usually located at the base of the windshield) to rid the ventilation ducts of stale odors.

OUTSIDE THE CAR
Nothing spiffs up a car like a well-polished, bright and shiny body. This is considered by some to be the fun part.

#5
Ever find your windshield blurry when you turn on your wipers? You can get rid of this easily by wiping down the windshield with a cloth soaked with full-strength vinegar.

#6
When it comes to waxing your car, if you don’t have an official buffing glove on hand, a big sock will do the trick just as well – if you’re willing to put the elbow grease into it.

UNDER THE HOOD
Some people who want an especially thorough clean of their car will pop the hood, where things can get really messy.

#7
You can clean your car’s battery by removing built-up acid. Just sprinkle baking soda on it and spritz water to dampen. Let it sit for an hour, then sponge off with water and air dry.

#8
If you want to degrease your engine, mix ¼ cup baking soda with one gallon of warm water. Pour the mixture on areas of the engine that need degreasing and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Discard any excess.

KEEPING THE CAR CLEAN
As much as keeping a car clean has to do with vacuums and baby wipes, there’s also some ongoing upkeep you should try to commit yourself too. Here are a few systems you can put in place so your car has a better chance of staying clean:

#9
There’s no reason why your takeout mess can’t leave the car as fast as it came in. Pledge to yourself that anytime you eat in the car, you’ll take the evidence with you as soon as you step out of it. It also helps to keep a kitchen-size garbage bag in the backseat to collect whatever winds up in your car over time. Then you just have to toss the bag out.

#10
If you have young kids, then you understand the constant risk of spills and stains. Try to minimize the possibility of spillage by giving your kids sippy cups with tight seals; or you can purchase special soft-sealed containers that let kids snack without causing a mess.

There are a lot of ways to give your car a good clean. And whether you enjoy doing it or avoid it like the plague, it always feels good when you’re finished. So grab your cleaning supplies and get to work!

For more information on other vehicle tips and Ontario auto insurance, check out Insurance Hunter Services Inc.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY:

Insurance Hunter is an online insurance brokerage who provides Ontario residents with free access to auto insurance quotes. We help you Compare. Choose. Save.