The jam-packed summer travel itineraries bring us exciting and memorable experiences. But right from the planning stage, let’s get started with car maintenance to make your trips more comfortable and keep your vehicle in its best condition for a long time, increasing its durability.
The dirtiest spots in the car that you might forget to clean
1. Seat crevices
At first glance, your seat might seem clean. But did you know that all the crevices in the seating area of your car can harbor debris, dust, and various kinds of bacteria?
“To clean these areas, use a small vacuum cleaner or compressed air to remove dust and debris accumulated between the cracks of the seat,” suggests Lily Cameron, the Head of Cleaning at Fantastic Services.
“You should also consider using a soft brush or a toothbrush to loosen any stubborn stains and use the vacuum cleaner right after to remove them thoroughly,” adds Lily Cameron.
2. Car cup holders
When was the last time you cleaned this area? I bet many of you cannot even remember.
But the good news is that cleaning them is relatively easy. Just squeeze a wet cloth, soak it in soapy water, and let it sit in the cup holder for two or three minutes. Then place a dry cloth in the cup holder to absorb the water (and scrub if needed). An old toothbrush can help with the detailing work if necessary, so you won’t have to buy a new one and can save some cost.
Additionally, to prevent stubborn stains from coming back, Cameron advises lining them with a mat or silicone cup coaster.
3. Air vents
You might be running the air conditioning in your car this summer, so it’s essential to remove dust buildup from the air vents.
Cameron suggests: “Use a soft bristle brush or a foam paintbrush to carefully remove debris from them. Additionally, you can use compressed air to blow away any trapped dust.”<
4. Car door pockets
The door pockets in your car can quickly accumulate a lot of dirt and tiny debris, especially if you have a child eating in the backseat.
To clean, make sure to clear out any clutter and dispose of all trash and residues. Then wipe them clean with a small damp fiber cloth.
Cameron says: “Pay extra attention to any sticky residue and use a mild cleaner if necessary.”
5. Floor mats
Just like the carpets in your home, car floor mats collect a lot of dirt from the outside, and neglecting them will make your car dirtier.
To clean them, Cameron advises removing them from the car and vigorously shaking them to get rid of dirt and debris. Then use the crevice tool of a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dirt and clean any stains with a mild cleaner. Remember to vacuum your car’s floor before putting the mats back in place.
6. Seat belts
Over time, seat belts in your car can accumulate germs, dust, and sticky debris. Cameron suggests using a damp cloth or a cleaning wipe to wipe the seat belts, paying special attention to areas where the seat belt retracts (and the actual buckle).
7. Dashboard
Use a small fiber cloth or a dusting cloth to wipe the dashboard, removing dust and fingerprints. For tougher stains, use a mild cleaner formulated specifically for car surfaces.
How to keep your car clean?
After deep cleaning the easily accumulated spots in the car, you should make extra effort to keep your car clean.
Robert Walden, the owner of VehicleFreak.com, suggests investing in durable and easy-to-clean seat covers. He says, “They can save the reupholstered parts of your car from countless stains, and the greatest advantage is that you can easily remove them and wash them.”
Walden adds: “It not only helps keep everything tidy but also creates a designated place for everything, thus reducing the likelihood of items being scattered everywhere. This can also be useful if you keep some essential cleaning products in your car’s trunk or glove compartment, like a portable car vacuum cleaner and cleaning towels for cleaning leather seats and dashboard…”
Source: PNVN
Little tips to keep your car paint always fresh
Cars that are not well maintained can easily lose their color and become faded over time. Many people believe that buying a black or dark-colored car will last longer and require less maintenance.