Keeping the inside of a car clean can often seem like a thankless chore, if not a downright Sisyphean task. And make no mistake, some parts of a car’s interior can be dirtier than a toilet seat. This is why when tidying up, it is often one thing after another. As soon as the glove box is cleaned out, the floor mats get muddy. If the windshield isn’t smudged, then the steering wheel might suddenly be sticky. For those looking to prevent such issues from occurring in the first place, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for six simple tips and tricks to keep any automobile interior looking its best.
Most drivers will take their car to be washed once enough strangers have written messages in the grime. When it comes to the interior, however, tolerance for dirt and debris can be much more lenient. The average car can serve as a magnet for pet hair, food wrappers, mud, and crumpled receipts. And this just shouldn’t be the case. One of the best ways to protect a car’s interior is to regularly clean it with a soft rag and mild detergent as necessary. Vacuuming the floor as well as between and underneath seats is also a good idea. For tougher stains around the vehicle, try using baking soda. Taking these simple steps will help prevent dirt or debris from settling, staining, or causing a headache later.
One counterintuitive way to help protect your car’s interior can be to focus on its exterior. This makes sense when considering solutions that can protect your car from the sun’s harmful rays, such as window tinting.
Tinting is a great way to prevent the damage that UV radiation can cause by reflecting it before it even enters the vehicle. Just be sure to adhere to all local regulations when it comes to tinting, as the rules governing window tinting in North Richland Hills, TX can differ greatly from other localities—even within the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A local auto detailing specialist will be able to provide guidance in this area.
The best way to keep stains from ruining your seats is to prevent them from happening in the first place. The simplest way to ensure this happens—if you can stomach it—is to outlaw all food and drink in the car other than water. This means having to bring your drive-through home every time or regularly having a picnic. And to whoever needs to hear this: Don’t ever store perishables in the trunk.
While this may seem extreme, most of the trash and filth that is introduced to a car is due to eating or drinking. This makes sense, as it is almost human nature to ball up the straw wrapper or receipt almost immediately, only adding to the detritus of your car. Don’t beat yourself up if this sounds like you; just strive to do better in the future. And if you don’t have the fortitude to forgo snacking on the go, try to do it as neatly (and safely) as possible.
Not only can a cover help protect your seats from spills and stains, but they can add an extra bit of style and flair as well. Seat covers can also be an easy way to upgrade from fabric seats to a leather cover—or vice-versa as a driver prefers. When it comes to pricing, a good cover needn’t be expensive, though custom-fitted options can easily cost hundreds of dollars. And if you happen to have a Hooch of your own at home, a seat cover can be a useful deterrent from pups that like to munch on things they shouldn’t!
It can be easy to overlook, but if you are literally struggling to see through your car’s windows, it may be time to give them a clean. The same goes for any distracting stains that may have built up on the side view or rearview mirrors over time. Drivers can use the same glass cleaning products that they may already have inside the home. Pay special attention when cleaning any instrument panels, and never spray cleaner directly onto a screen. Not only will keeping glass clean prevent issues such as etching from occurring, but it also can help reduce glare and other potential safety issues.
Finally, our last tip is all about speed. When it comes to cleaning up spills or other messes, time is of the essence. After all, little can be done about a stain after it has been made. For example, letting a spilt milkshake sit in the passenger side seat overnight is almost like inviting it to make an impenetrable stain. Clean-up can be as simple as using towels and the appropriate detergent. (Spot test a little of whatever cleaning product you will be using in an inconspicuous area for colourfastness.) Be sure to dry the area thoroughly after the mess has been properly cleaned.
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