Have you ever stepped out for work in the morning, all fresh and enthusiastic, and sat in your car to find it cluttered and unclean? Keeping your car tidy is crucial not only for hygiene and aesthetics but also for enjoying a pleasant commute.
While the average American spends an eye-watering 93% of their household’s transportation expenses on maintaining cars, we must look to free tips to keep our cars clean, organized, and fresh.
Regular Cleaning and Washing
A clean car is not just for good looks and absent germs and allergens. A clean ride also preserves the value of the car. Fortunately, the number of car washes in states like Florida ( by 21.1%) and California (by 30%) has steadily increased since 2019.
Regular cleaning involves routine vacuuming and wiping of interior surfaces. It also includes thoroughly washing the exterior of your car. You can also avail yourself of a cleaning plan divided into segments, such as daily, weekly, and monthly.
Must Polish and Wax for Car Exterior
Polishing and waxing car exteriors after a wash can greatly repel dirt, debris, and water. This practice also removes minor imperfections, protects the paint coat and finish, and adds to the shine.
Establishing a great polish and wax routine every month extends both the cleanliness and overall condition of your car. After all, mechanics and experts recommend quality automotive wax for making your car resistant to common contaminants like tar, grease, bird droppings, tree sap, or acid rain.
Most importantly, this tiny task can save car owners approximately $300 or more annually on car washes and detailing services.
Essential Decluttering Sessions
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study says that approximately 3000 people lose their lives in car accidents every year due to distracted driving. Unfortunately, many of these accidents take place when the driver is struggling through the clutter inside the car.
Every month, take time to go through your car and declutter. Empty seats, trunk, and door pockets for any item that does not belong in the car. Keep a small trash box inside the car to limit littering; establish a practice of emptying it daily.
Use storage solutions (like seatback organizers) to keep necessary items in place.
Air Fresheners for Spruced-up Vibes
Air fresheners are simple accessories that can change the vibe of your car with their pleasant fragrance.
Did you know that, according to an Oxford University study, pleasant scents in a mobile ambiance can promote safer driving and better moods?
So, choose the air fresheners you prefer—hanging, vent clips, or under-seat varieties—and replace them regularly to maintain a fresh scent.
Invest in Car Covers
Car covers for your vehicle’s exterior can significantly boost its appearance and reduce the accumulation of dust, debris, and bird droppings on it.
Well-fitting car covers can easily reduce paint-fading UV radiation and boost your car’s resale value by 20%!
These covers can also keep your car from getting too hot in summer or too exposed during winter or thunderstorms. They also ensure that your car requires minimal maintenance and cleaning. Use it whenever you park your car for extended periods, especially outdoors, to prevent environmental damage.
Use Seat Covers and Floor Mats
Seat covers and floor mats protect your car’s upholstery and flooring from dirt and spills. Additionally, they make cleaning your car so much easier.
Choose durable, well-fitted covers and mats that can be washed and are resistant to wear, tear, fading, or shrinking. Avoid too many textures, as minute intricacies trap dust and dander, which is difficult to get rid of. Clean them regularly as part of your monthly maintenance routine.
Keep a Multipurpose Spray
A multipurpose spray can be used for quick clean-ups of various surfaces in your car. The Car Care Council says that regular cleaning of a car’s interior reduces the buildup of dirt and grime by up to 60%. Better yet, it bites away at your monthly maintenance cleaning time.
So, keep a versatile spray and microfiber cloth ready and handy to address crumbs, dust, and spills promptly. Select a spray that is suitable for use on interior materials as well as rigid surfaces.
Regularly Clean Air Vents
It is common for dust, dirt, and allergens to accumulate in air vents, hampering the systems’ life and performance.
Astudy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that indoor air pollutant levels can be twice or 5 times higher than outdoor levels, including the air inside cars?
You can use thin, soft brushes to clean out the dirt in vents. A small piece of cardboard or cloth is also useful to collect the dust around.
Limit Eating and Drinking in the Car
Microbiologists from Nottingham University, found in a study that a dirty car with traces of food and beverages can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria like E.coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus.
Food and drink, even if carefully consumed, can cause stains, attract pests, and lead to unpleasant odors inside your car. If absolutely necessary, use spill-proof containers and clean up any messes immediately.
Avoid Smoking in the Car
Smoking inside car is one of the prime reasons for consistent bad odors, accumulation of smoke residue and ash dust.
According to the CDC, thirdhand smoke can become embedded in the car’s soft and hard surfaces and remain for months. This can be detrimental to your health as well as to other passengers.
Consider using professional services to remove odors and residues at regular intervals.
