Transforming a dirty car into a sparkling clean ride can be a daunting task, especially when you lack the right tools and techniques. Fear not, as these 13 ingenious car cleaning tips will help you achieve a showroom shine without breaking the bank.
The best part? You likely already possess most of the necessary tools or ingredients at home, making it an accessible and cost-effective solution for keeping your vehicle fresh and clean.
In this article, we’ll share our top car cleaning tips to make your ride look and smell like new. We hope you discover some new tricks to keep your car (or cars) in pristine condition.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the genius car cleaning tips below and don’t forget to share your own clever hacks in the comments section! With that, let’s get started.
Use Toothpaste to Clean Headlights
When it comes to tackling foggy and yellowed headlights, a common household item like toothpaste can be just what you need. Simply wet a sponge with water and apply a small amount of regular toothpaste to it. Gently rub the sponge onto the headlights in a circular motion to loosen any dirt or grime that’s built up. Once you’ve covered the entire surface, rinse the area thoroughly with tap water and dry it off with a clean towel.
The mild abrasiveness of the toothpaste helps to break down and remove any stubborn stains, leaving your headlights looking like new again. This DIY approach is just one of the many simple spring cleaning tips that can help give your car a showroom shine.
Use Soda to Remove Corrosion
When you spot corrosion on your car’s battery terminals, muffler, or other exposed areas, a common household item like soda can be employed to tackle the issue. To begin with, simply pour some of the soda onto the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes, permitting the acid in the soda to work its way into the corroded surface.
Following this brief soaking period, take a wire brush and gently scrub away the corrosion or rinse the area thoroughly with water.
The acidity in the soda will have helped break down the rust and corrosion, leaving your battery terminals clean and functioning effectively.
Wash Your Car Accessories in a Dishwasher
When it comes to cleaning your car accessories, many people assume they need to spend hours scrubbing and detailing. However, there’s a surprising solution that can make quick work of getting them sparkling clean: running them through a dishwasher. Yes, you read that right – many items like cup holders, floor mats, and even hubcaps can be safely placed in the dishwasher and run through a cycle to remove dirt and grime.
Just remember to give them a quick once-over to remove any loose debris before loading them up, and be mindful of your dishwasher’s age and temper if you’re using an older or more finicky model.
Use Shower Caddies
Transforming shower caddies into car organizers is a game-changer for keeping your vehicle clutter-free and making essential items easily accessible. Originally designed to provide extra cup holders, these versatile storage solutions now come in various sizes to accommodate any beverage size. As we’ve expanded our uses, we’ve added new baskets to cater to diverse needs.
By strategically placing shower caddies in convenient spots, you’ll eliminate the frustration of searching for chargers or other miscellaneous items during a road trip. This clever hack has saved us countless minutes of time and will do the same for you, making it an invaluable addition to your arsenal of lazy girl cleaning tips.
Clean Your Leather with Coconut Oil
When it comes to maintaining the luxury of leather seats in your car, a natural and effective solution is to utilize coconut oil. This versatile ingredient can be used to both clean and condition the leather, leaving it feeling soft and supple. To start, apply a small amount of coconut oil to a clean cloth, and then gently rub it into the leather seat. The oil will work to lift away dirt and grime, while also moisturizing the material to prevent cracking and drying out.
As with any new cleaning method, be sure to perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure you won’t inadvertently damage the leather.
Shine Up Your Car
Combine equal parts of water, white vinegar, and a small amount of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle for an effortless car detailing experience. Spray the solution onto your vehicle’s exterior and gently wipe it down with a microfiber towel to reveal a streak-free shine. The acid in the vinegar effectively breaks down dirt and grime, leaving your car’s surface looking like new. This DIY technique is surprisingly effective and rivals the results of a professional detailer.
Clean Your Car With Baking Soda
When it comes to cleaning your car’s exterior, baking soda is a reliable and eco-friendly option. To create a gentle sanitizing solution, simply mix equal parts of baking soda and water. The mild abrasive properties of the baking soda help to gently remove dirt and grime without causing any damage to your vehicle’s finish. With this hack, you can effectively clean your car’s exterior without using harsh chemicals or specialized cleaning products.
For more creative ways to use baking soda for cleaning, be sure to check out our other helpful tips!
Use the Muffin Cups
When it comes to keeping your car’s cup holders tidy and mess-free, think outside the box – literally. Muffin cups can be repurposed as instant liners, eliminating the need for constant cleaning or scrubbing. Simply place one in your car’s cup holder, and you’ve got a neat and organized space that’s easy to clean up in case of spills. For added festivity, look for seasonal designs or go green with silicone muffin cups.
With so many fun options available, it’s never been easier to keep your car’s cup holders looking like new.
Make Your Own Tissue Dispenser
Transform an empty coffee cup into a convenient and accessible tissue dispenser for your car. Start by creating an opening in the cup that allows tissues to be pulled through effortlessly. This DIY solution will keep your tissues organized and within reach whenever you need them, making it easy to stay tidy on-the-go. For an eco-friendly twist, consider repurposing one of these cups as a sustainable alternative – they work surprisingly well as makeshift tissue containers.
Use a Dry Microfiber Towel instead of a Regular Towel
For a flawless finish on your vehicle, microfiber towels excel due to their superior absorbency and gentle touch on the car’s surface, ensuring a streak-free and scratch-free result. Moreover, these versatile towels are reusable, allowing for easy washing and reuse, making them an environmentally responsible choice.
Make Your Car Smell Amazing
To give your vehicle an unparalleled aroma, consider crafting a homemade air freshener using either orange blossom water or rose water. Simply submerge clothespins in the scented liquid for no more than ten minutes before removing and allowing them to fully dry. Once dried, place the fragrant clothespins within your car’s vents to enjoy a prolonged and alluring scent.
Use a DIY Spray
Craft your own air freshener spray using natural ingredients. Combine equal parts alcohol and water in a spray bottle, then add a pinch of salt and a few drops of your preferred essential oils for a refreshing scent. For an added boost, mix in a teaspoon of vinegar to create a potent odor eraser. Once combined, shake the mixture well before use.
Use Charcoal to Eliminate Car Odors
To eliminate unpleasant smells in your car, consider using charcoal as a natural odor absorber. Simply place a few pieces of charcoal from this pack into a porous bag or container. If you prefer, grab one of these bags and leave it in your car overnight to allow the charcoal to absorb any odors. This will leave your car smelling fresh and clean. For optimal effectiveness, be sure to replace the charcoal every few months.
