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Car owners know that keeping their vehicles clean can be a challenge. It can be tough to keep up with the cleaning between everyday dirt and grime, spills, and unwanted pet hair.
However, some simple hacks can make the process a lot easier. From using coffee filters for dusting to cleaning car windows with shaving cream, these car cleaning hacks will help make your car look and smell great.
10 Car Cleaning Hacks for a Sparkling Clean Car
Check out 10 of our favorite car cleaning hacks that can make the cleaning process easier and faster.
1. Use Coffee Filters for Dusting
You may not have thought of using coffee filters for dusting your car, but they are actually the perfect tool for the job. Unlike paper towels or rags, the design of coffee filters enables them to trap dust and dirt rather than just push it around. In addition, coffee filters are much less likely to leave behind lint or other particles that can scratch your car’s finish.
Coffee filters are inexpensive and easy to find. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using coffee filters for dusting. First, it’s important to use a light touch. Coffee filters are not as sturdy as traditional dusting cloths, and they can tear easily.
Second, be sure to use a clean filter. A used filter will just move the dust around and could potentially spread bacteria. You can use the coffee filters to wipe the dashboard, cup holders, console, etc., surfaces in your car.
2. Vacuum the Car Regularly
One of the finest ways to keep your car clean is to vacuum it regularly. This will help remove dust, dirt, and crumbs from the upholstery and floor mats. Vacuuming also helps to prevent pet hair from building up.
The best thing about the vacuum cleaner is they come with a variety of attachments that help you to reach all those tricky spots in your car. Moreover, they are safe to use on all car surfaces with the right extension.
If you have pets that ride in the car often, it’s good to invest in a handheld vacuum cleaner. This will make it easier to clean up after your furry friends.
3. Get Rid of Stains With WD-40
WD-40 is an amazing product that can be used for diverse tasks, including cleaning stains from upholstery. First, determine the type of stain you’re dealing with. If it’s a grease stain, spray WD-40 directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a clean cloth, blot the stain until it’s gone.
You may need to reprise this process a few times for stubborn stains. If you’re dealing with a food stain, first scrape off any excess food from the surface. Then spray WD-40 onto the stain and blot with a clean cloth until the stain is gone. Again, for stubborn stains, you may need to repeat this process a couple of times.
4. Make Your Car Smell Great with Essential Oils
There’s nothing worse than getting into your car and being hit with a wave of unpleasant smells. Whether it’s fast-food wrappers, gym clothes, or just the general musty smell of an old car, it can be overpowering. But there’s no need to suffer any longer!
There is a natural way to keep your car smelling great: essential oils. It can be a great alternative to artificial air fresheners. You can purchase a diffuser specifically designed for use in vehicles or make your own using a mason jar and some bamboo skewers.
For example, a few drops of lavender oil can help to relax and de-stress drivers and passengers. On the other hand, Peppermint oil can help combat fatigue and promote alertness. There are a lot of other varieties of essential oils with different benefits, so experiment until you find the perfect scent for your car.
5. Clean the Windshield with Shaving Cream
It’s happened to everyone at some point – you’re driving along, and suddenly visibility is severely reduced because your windshield is covered in grime. Not being able to see clearly while driving can obviously be very dangerous, so it’s important to keep your windshield clean.
One unexpected way to clean your windshield is with shaving cream. Shaving cream contains ingredients that will break down the dirt and grime on your windshield, making it easier to wipe away. Moreover, it’s gentle enough that it won’t damage the windshield itself. Another benefit of this cream is it can prevent fogs from forming on the windshield during cold weather.
To clean your windshield with shaving cream, simply apply a generous amount to the glass and smear it around with a sponge or cloth. Then, use a squeegee to remove the shaving cream and dirt. Finally, wipe down the
6. Clean Upholstery with Dish Soap
Over time, car upholstery can become stained and grimy. Dish soap is an effective and inexpensive way to clean upholstery, but it is important to use the right type of soap and to test it in an inconspicuous area first. For best results, start by vacuuming the upholstery to remove any loose dirt and debris. Next, combine a small quantity of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the soapy solution onto the upholstery, working in small sections. Be sure to rinse the cloth frequently to avoid re-depositing dirt on the upholstery. Once you have scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the upholstery with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
Finally, allow the upholstery to air dry completely before using the car again. With just a little effort, you can keep your car upholstery looking clean and new for years to come. Most of the usual stains like drink and food spills can be removed with dish soap and water. For tougher stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution.
7. Use A Lint Roller for Pet Hair
Any pet owner knows that furry friends can come with some not-so-furry messes. One of the most difficult things to keep clean is your car, especially if you have a pet-friend that often rides along. Pet hair can quickly build up on seats and floors, making your car look and feel dirty.
The good news is that there is an easy way to remove pet hair from your car: lint rollers. Simply roll the lint roller over the affected areas, and the hair will adhere to the sticky surface. You may require to go over each area several times to remove all of the hair, but lint rollers are much less likely to damage fabric than vacuum cleaners.
A lint roller is a quick and easy way to remove pet hair from your car. In addition, they are small and easy to store, so you can keep one in your car for quick touch-ups. So next time your car starts looking like a dog’s breakfast, reach for a lint roller and breathe a sigh of relief.
8. Get Those Hard-to-Reach Spots with a Toothbrush
Anyone who’s ever tried to clean their car’s interior knows that it can be a real challenge to reach those hard-to-get spots. But there’s an easy solution: use a toothbrush!
Just a few minutes of scrubbing with a toothbrush will help loosen and remove all sorts of dirt and grime, from the cracks and crevices of the dashboard to the hard-to-reach buttons on the center console.
Toothbrushes are designed to reach tight spaces, so they’re perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies of your car’s interior. You can utilize an old and used toothbrush but ensure that it’s properly cleaned before using.
9. Use A Carpet Cleaner for the Floor Mats
Your car’s floor mats take a lot of abuse. They are constantly exposed to dirt, grit, and grime from shoes as you get in and out of the car. Over time, these contaminants can build up, making your mats look dull and worn.
A carpet cleaner can help to restore the original beauty of your mats. Carpet cleaners use powerful suction to remove dirt and debris from the mats, leaving them looking new. If your mats look tired and worn, consider using a carpet cleaner to give them a fresh lease on life.
This method is especially effective if your mats are made of carpet or fabric. However, if they’re made of rubber or plastic, you may want to use a different cleaning solution.
10. Use Vinegar to Clean the Foggy Headlights
Headlights can become foggy over time, which can affect your ability to see while driving at night. There are many commercial headlight cleaners on the market, but you can also use vinegar to clean your headlights.
To clean your headlights with vinegar, simply mix 1/2 tbsp of baking soda and enough white vinegar to form a paste. Then gently polish the lamps with the paste. Rinse with a bottle of spray water and dry with a soft clean cloth.
Your headlights should now be clear and free of fog. If they’re still not as clear as you’d like, you can repeat the process.
Cleaning your car doesn’t have to be a hard chore. With these 10 car cleaning hacks, you can make the process quick and easy. From using coffee filters for dusting to getting rid of stains with WD-40, these hacks will help you get your car clean in no time. So next time you’re facing a messy car, don’t despair. Instead, just put these hacks to work and enjoy the results.
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