3As spring rolls around, many people start cleaning up their favorite spots they’ve been hanging out at all winter long. For me, that’s the couch, TV and that grungy remote. What may not spring to mind immediately, though, is your car. It’s definitely something you should do, especially considering all those coffee spills and hidden french fries.
You probably clean your car out during other times of the year too, since dirt and trash will naturally accumulate — especially if you have germy kids. When you do spring cleaning, make sure to take your attention to detail to the next level to really do your car some justice.
Read on to learn some easy ways you can freshen up your ride without needing to be an expert mechanic or spend money on cleaning supplies you’ll only use once.
Vacuum the Dust
Vacuuming your car is a must, at least once a month if you can. During winter, it’s difficult to keep up with this if you don’t have a garage. No one wants to be out in the cold and snow trying to vacuum dirt from the floor of their car when you could be sipping spiked cocoa by the fire.
When it starts to warm up, head to the nearest car wash or plug up your handheld vacuum. It’s time to banish those not-so-adorable dust bunnies.
Get a small paintbrush or makeup brush that could already be in your home and follow the brush with the vacuum. You’ll quickly catch and dust that flies up, saving you from having to vacuum your car again sooner. Keeping dust sealed inside your vacuum also protects you from germs you’d otherwise be breathing in as you cleaned. Gross.
Rent a Deep Cleaner
There’s a section in your local supermarket dedicated to vacuums and cleaners — and also wine, if you want to reward yourself after a job well done. You can rent a carpet cleaner easily, but make sure you get a good brand. It won’t be worth your time to drive it home only to realize it doesn’t do the job you want it to do. In the future, it might be a good idea to buy a deep carpet cleaner so you can easily remove stains and dirt in your home and your car. Let’s face it: Dirt happens.
Use a Presoak Mixture
A presoak mixture will make a world of difference when you clean your car. Washing your car at home by hand allows you to pay more attention to detail and really get your car cleaned.
To get the best presoak mixture, look for a soap bottle that says it’s fast acting and free rinsing. That means it’ll be light but effective in loosening dirt.
Certain cars, like convertibles, will especially benefit from a presoak. It’ll lift the dirt, grime and bugs from the soft top of the car without forcing you to scrub for a long time beforehand. The top will also be protected from harmful chemical agents that could damage the material and lead to you replacing the top sooner than later.
By trying these quick tips, you’ll clean up your car and have it ready for spring in no time. It’s time to crack open that wine and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
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