Keeping a car clean isn’t easy – especially if you’ve got kids and pets. For those that hate their car, here are some useful tips to make the task easier.
Don’t park under trees
Trees may provide shade on a hot day, but there’s a risk your car will get covered in tree sap and bird poo. Where possible, make a point of avoiding parking places that are under trees.
Keep some antibacterial wipes handy
When it comes to keeping your interior clean, consider keeping a pack of antibacterial wipes in your glovebox. These can be used to quickly clean up any spillages or dirt in your interior.
Buy a car trash can
A car trash can will stop trash piling up in the footwell of your car. While you can just use a plastic bag, there are specialist car trash can products that you can buy that attach to the back of seats. Some of these are waterproof and able to contain smells.
Use seat covers
Adding seat covers could help to protect your seats from crumbs and spillages. The likes of these neoprene seat covers from CalTrend are a great option and can be easily spot cleaned. You may even be able to find machine-washable seat covers on the market to make cleaning easier.
Use floor mats
Floor mats will protect the footwell from getting dirty as the result of muddy shoes. The likes of these WeatherTech car floor mats are great options if you want something robust and easy to clean. Don’t settle for cheap floor mats, which may not always be waterproof.
Buy a handheld vacuum cleaner
Vacuuming the inside of a car can be a challenge – especially if there’s nowhere to park around your home for convenient access. A handheld vacuum cleaner could prevent the need to trail out a hoover from your home. There are lots of handheld hoovers on the market to choose from, many of which run on rechargeable batteries, while some may even be able to be plugged into your car.
Use a car wash
Car washes can take all the stress out of cleaning a car. You simply pay to use them, drive-in and let the machine do its work. Just make sure to remove your aerial and any other fragile external accessories first. Automated car washes may not be suitable for all vehicles.
Pay other people to clean your car
Another option could be to get other people to clean your car. Full valet service could leave your car looking spotless without you having to lift a finger. Alternatively, you may be able to convince the kids to wash your car for a bit of pocket money.
