Between daily commutes, road trips, and unpredictable weather, it’s easy for dirt, dust, and debris to accumulate on both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. You’ve probably found yourself wondering how to keep your car clean between washes.
We, at Soapy Shark, understand the frustration. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that will walk you through everything you need to know how to keep interior of car clean inside and out. From daily habits to deep cleaning tips, we’ve got you covered!
Exterior Care: How to Keep the Outside of Your Car Clean
Keeping the exterior of your car clean is crucial for protecting the paint and maintaining its appearance.
Here are some daily habits and tips to help you keep your car’s exterior looking its best:
- Rinse off dirt and debris daily, especially after driving in harsh weather conditions. This simple habit can prevent damage to the paint and keep your car looking fresh even between washes.
- Removing bird droppings, mud, and dust buildup can be particularly challenging. To clean them, use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner to remove these stains without damaging the paint.
For a more thorough clean, wash your car every week. Check out our guide on how to hand wash your car for step-by-step instructions.
How to Keep Windows and Mirrors Clean
Clear windows and mirrors are essential for safe driving. Here’s how to keep them clean and streak-free:
- Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean windows and mirrors. Avoid using paper towels, as they can leave streaks and lint.
- Clean your mirrors and windshields regularly to ensure clear visibility. This is especially important during rainy or snowy conditions.
Check out our full guide to clean windows and mirrors without streaks here.
Interior Cleaning: Maintaining a Clean Car Inside
Having a clean interior is not only comfortable but also healthy. You spend time inside the car during your travel, and having unclean air, dust particles or other allergens in the air can make you ill.
Here are some practical tips to learn how to keep inside of car clean:
- Vacuum the interior regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use the right attachments to clean crevices and cracks.
- Use multi-purpose or multi-surface wet wipes to clean surfaces. This is especially useful for quick clean-ups.
- Use air fresheners to keep the car smelling fresh. Choose from various types, including sprays, gels, and hanging trees.
- Declutter regularly to keep the interior tidy. Remove unnecessary items and organize essential items in their place.
Car Seat Care: How to Keep Seats Stain-Free and Fresh
Maintaining your car seats is crucial for their longevity and appearance. Here’s how to care for both leather and fabric seats:
- For Leather Seats use a mild leather cleaner and a soft cloth to clean leather seats. Apply a leather conditioner to protect and preserve the leather.
- For Fabric Seats use a fabric cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to clean fabric seats. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric.
- For Spills, handle spills quickly and effectively to prevent stains. Use a stain remover safe for the interior material.
- Use seat covers to protect your seats from spills and stains. They can also help maintain the seats’ appearance over time.
For more detailed information on washing car seats, check out our guide on how to keep car seats clean.
How to Keep Floor Mats and Carpets Clean
Clean floor mats and carpets are essential for a tidy interior. Here’s how to clean and maintain them:
- Use a carpet cleaner and a soft-bristled brush to clean floor mats and carpets. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
- Handle dirt, pet hair, and debris by vacuuming regularly and using a lint roller for stubborn hair.
- For deep-seated dirt and stains, consider a professional clean-up every few months.
For a detailed guide about how to wash car carpet, check out our guide here.
The Car Cleaning Checklist
Here’s a simple checklist for routine cleaning tasks to keep your car in top shape throughout the year:
- Weekly: Vacuum the interior, wipe surfaces, and clean windows and mirrors.
- Bi-Weekly: Wash the exterior, clean the tires and wheels, and apply a protective coating.
- Monthly: Deep clean the interior, including the carpets and upholstery.
- Quarterly: Wax the exterior to protect the paint.
In the case of the rainy season, the recommendations are different. Learn more about how to keep a car clean during the rainy season here.
Maintaining Cleanliness Between Washes
Maintaining cleanliness between full washes is crucial for keeping your car looking its best. Here are some tips:
- Protective Coatings: Use protective coatings to protect the paint and interior surfaces from damage.
- Quick Touch-Ups: Use quick touch-ups for both the interior and exterior to maintain the clean look.
Organize Your Car for a Tidy Interior
A well-organized car not only adds to aesthetics but also helps you keep the passengers safe. Here are some practical organization tips:
- Keep essential items in their place using car organizers and storage bins.
- Use cable organizers to keep cables and wires tidy.
- Use a trunk organizer to keep the trunk tidy and make the most of the space.
To Conclude
We hope you found this quick guide helpful. Having a clean and organized car makes for a comfy ride ensuring a healthy driving experience. By following this guide, you’ll be able to keep your car sparkling inside and out.
For detailed TLC, come visit Soapy Shark in Okeechobee or Lake View for a professional car wash for a thorough and professional cleaning. Let us help you keep your car in pristine condition. We do the dirty work while you enjoy the ride.