Is it time to clean the inside of your car? Make the job easy with these six simple tricks.
Get Rid of Dashboard Scratches
Got scuffs and scratches on your dashboard? You can eliminate marks on most car plastic by rubbing them with a dry rap dampened with baby or olive oil.
Use a Potato for Mud Stains
Especially in wetter months, it’s hard to keep mud stains off your car’s carpet. To get rid of dried mud, first vacuum up as much dirt as you can, or remove by pressing packaging tape against it. Then, using the cut side of a raw potato, rub the stains. The enzymes in the potato will help dissolve the dirt. Allow the area to dry again, then blot with a wet rag to remove the marks.
Superpower Your Vacuuming
An hour before you vacuum your car, sprinkle the carpet and upholstery with baking soda. Its deep-cleaning enzymes will absorb odors and moisture, and when you vacuum it up you’ll take it with you!
DIY Vacuum Attachment
Trying to clean super-small between seats and in cup holders? Make your own vacuum attachment that’s perfect for the job. Get a thick straw like the kind used for cold coffee drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies and insert one end into the smallest attachment you have. Tape it in place, and you’ll be able to suck up dirt and dust in the tiniest of spaces.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling
The next time you vacuum the car, don’t forget about the ceiling! Because your car’s heating and cooling systems are built to shoot air up towards the ceiling, dirt and odors can collect there. Make sure to give it a swipe with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum while you’re doing the seats.
Keep Leather Supple
If you car has leather seats, regularly apply a thin layer of baby oil to the leather and let it dry. This will prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
Keep Car Smells Away Permanently
Instead of buying a commercial car air fresheners that you hang from a rear-view mirror, stash some dryer sheets under car seats and in the truck (you can even use ones that have already been through the dryer!). They’ll fill the enclosed space with a fresh scent that greets you every time you open the door.
For more great tips for car maintenance, fuel efficiency, and cleaning, follow our Car Tips board on Pinterest! And make sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook!
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends' refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.
