Cleaning Your Car

Keeping your house clean is probably something you do on a regular basis, but when it comes to keeping your car clean, you might not do it as frequently. Cleaning your car is something that should be part of your cleaning routine, although we know it can be challenging. Here are some tips that will help make this chore an easier one.

Washing the Exterior

Regularly washing your car will not only make it look nice but also extend the life of your paint job. Start by making sure it isn’t hot from driving or sitting in the sun; you can park it in the shade if necessary. You’ll want to gather your supplies, such as buckets, soap, a soft cloth, and a brush. Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water, and then proceed to rinse your entire car with water. Once you have rinsed it, you can begin to wash it with the brush.

Work in small areas, starting at the top of the car, first washing, then rinsing, and repeating these steps until you have scrubbed the entire surface. Wash the tires last, as they get the dirtiest and will likely make your water and cloth unusable after using them on this part of your car. When you’re done, dry the car with a soft towel to prevent water spots.

Deep Clean the Interior

There are several things you’ll need to do to really get the inside of your car looking like new:

• Remove trash and other unused items
• Wipe down surfaces
• Vacuum
• Shampoo the upholstery

Grab a trash bag and start removing any built-up trash or items that have made their way into your car that don’t belong there. After removing everything you can, you’ll be able to really start cleaning. You’ll need cloths for wiping surfaces, as well as a toothbrush, cotton swabs, and car cleaner. Just as with the outside, you want to start with the upper surfaces and work your way down. Wipe the dashboard, the steering wheel, the door panels, and every other surface you can see.

Use the toothbrush and cotton swabs to get in the vents and other nooks and crannies you can’t wipe with a cloth. The toothbrush is also a good tool for scrubbing the upholstery. When you finish wiping everything down, you can vacuum the carpets and floor mats. Make sure you use a vacuum with good suction so that it cleans all that deep down dirt. The final step is to shampoo the upholstery and get your seats looking brand-new again.

Do the Windows

Use window cleaner to really get your windshield clean. You’ll want to clean it both inside and out to ensure you have the best visibility when you’re on the road. Take some time to wipe down your windshield wipers too. This will prevent things that get stuck in the wipers from scratching your windshield. It’s not just the windshield that needs to be cleaned, though, so make sure you get the side windows and rear window as well.

Cleaning your car will make your drive more comfortable and relaxing. Use these tips to help you take on this task and get the job done.

Image via Pixabay

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