It is possible to have the cleanest car on the block. Here’s how.
Your house might be spic and span but your car? Well, that’s another story entirely. We’re here to say that need not be the case. With a few quick updates, you’ll find yourself with a vehicle that’s always ready for unexpected carpools and chauffeuring—unless you prefer to stick with your I’m-low-on-gas excuse, which we totally understand.
With these tips inspired by the rare breed who never finds themselves with messy cupholders or dirty seatbacks, you too can have a car that’s always perfectly tidy.
They Use Organizers
, bathrooms, or basements is that everything must have a place. That same rule applies to your SUV, coupe, sedan, or hatchback. Start by figuring out a plan that works for you and your particular needs.
, sports equipment, or other items you regularly tote around, while tidy storage dividers that can secure to the wall of your trunk can help corral cleaning supplies or miscellaneous items. A small file folder can help organize important documents like car registration, insurance, and manuals and neatly be tucked into a glove box. Console organizers can help contain wipes, napkins, phone chargers, and more.
For every item and storage space, there’s sure to be a storage solution that helps you more easily manage all of your must-have supplies while also making it a breeze to access these items quickly and easily when needed.
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They Have a Car-Cleaning Stash
, and detail brushes for all those nooks and crannies are just a few of the items that can make your park-and-go cleaning sessions a breeze.
Whether you’re sitting in a carpool line and have a few minutes to spare or prefer to give your car a quick once-over at the beginning or end of each week, having your cleaning accouterments right where you need them when you need them can make quick work of the job. No procrastinating here.
They Park in Covered Areas
Messy windshields are for the birds. Just say no to parking under trees, power lines, or other places where you’re more likely to require a carwash. Covered parking is always preferable for maintaining a clean car exterior. If covered parking isn’t possible, try to steer clear of parking spaces under trees or other locations where you’re more likely to return to a car that’s speckled in dirt, debris, and other unsightly messes.
They Use Seat Protectors and All-Weather Floor Mats
Keeping your car clean for the long haul might also mean taking certain protective measures such as swapping out your floor mats for durable all-weather options that can easily be cleaned even when outfitted with the messiest of messes. They can typically be sprayed off and left to air dry to like-new results within a matter of minutes.
If you’re transporting pets, children, sporting equipment, or other items that are likely to do a number on the interior of your vehicle, seat protectors might be for you. Like all-weather mats, they can be cleaned more easily than upholstery or other non-removeable surfaces. Tip: Look for options that are machine washable.
Tip
Look for protectors and mats that are machine washable.
They Have a Cleaning Routine
or routine. The easiest way to make cleaning your car less time-consuming is to stay on top of the mess.
Setting aside a certain day or time to give your car a quick tidy can take you far in that aim. You might choose to restock and organize your car once a week and save your more thorough clean for once a month or, if you spend a lot of time in your car, perhaps daily cleanouts with a scheduled weekly clean. The trick is to select a routine that works for you and that’s easy to stick to.
They Keep Extra Plastic Bags on Hand
The MVP of your clean car is absolutely going to be a stash of grocery bags. Place them into an empty travel-sized wipes container and store them in your center console or glove box for easy access. These bags can be used for anything from wet shoes after a soggy soccer practice to road trip trash collection or even for doling out to kids before they exit the car so they can pick up after themselves. One thing is for sure, you’ll never be at a shortage of ideas for putting your upcycled grocery bags to use for getting (and keeping) your car in top shape.
Southern Living
