Spring Clean Your Car

Ahhhh Spring has sprung. Time to get the black bags out again…

Spring cleaning is an old tradition that originated from needing to clear away the winter mess. Back in the day homes were heated by fires and doors were closed tight to make sure none of the warm air war let out, so homes needed a Spring clean to get rid of all the soot and grime that gathered during the winter. Nowadays with modern heating, this isn’t necessary anymore, but it’s a tradition we continue as it gives us the opportunity to have a freshen up and clear out unwanted mess in time for summer, so why should we limit it to just our houses, why not get our cars summer ready as well? 

Cleaning your car can be a great way to save money and is the best way to keep your car looking fresh, not to mention it could be quite a therapeutic experience for you. We won’t judge if you decide to take your car through the drive through though! Below are our tips for washing your car, but it is always best to have a quick search on what products are suitable and best for your car.

Things you might need:

• Two car sponges – the softer the better. It is best to have at least two for when one is dirty
• Car-wash product – Have a look around and find the best products for your car and follow the instructions on the label to prevent any damages
• Water – whether this is from a hose, or buckets, you will need a lot to clean your car!
• Vacuum cleaner (if you don’t have a vacuum, you can use one at some petrol stations)
• Microfiber cloth - the soft material will prevent you from getting scratches)
• Duster... to dust

• Crevice cleaner (something that will get in all your cars’ nooks and crannies)
• Carpet cleaner
• Interior car cleaner
• Glass cleaner – for smudge-free windows inside and out
• Tyre shine – for that “just out of the showroom” finish
• Air freshener – not essential, but let’s be honest, it helps
• Small paintbrush or toothbrush – perfect for vents, badges, and the gearstick base

How to clean your car: exterior

You want to start with rinsing all loose dirt and muck thoroughly to prevent any scratching once you move onto washing. Once you are ready to move on to washing the car, we suggest working in sections, starting at the top and working your way down to give you plenty of time to rinse each section before the soap dries. Make sure to work your car soap into a lather using a sponge in each section and rinse away before starting a new one. Continue this until your car is sparkling and then dry your car with soft towels (best to buy ones specifically for cars). Air drying your car could leave watermarks and an abrasive towel could leave small scratches in the paint.

Tips for cleaning the outside of your car:

Don’t clean in circles – move your sponge lengthwise when you can to avoid swirl marks.

Don’t wash your car if it has been sitting in direct sunlight or straight after driving it as the heat will speed up the drying process and could leave marks on your car.

If you want to use a pressure washer, make sure your car can handle it. The high pressure could damage the paint, plastics, and the interior if water manages to get past door seals.

Wash all soap off!! We cannot stress this enough.

Quick Wins People Forget

• Clean the inside of your windscreen – fingerprints and haze are a visibility killer

• Use a small brush to dust around buttons and inside cupholders

• Never spray cleaner directly onto your screen—spray onto a cloth first

How to clean your car: interior

Now onto the inside. The back breaking inside clean. The task that will have you questioning every single drive thru you have ever eaten (or dropped on your floor). There is no right or wrong way to clean the inside of your car, just make sure the products you use are suitable for your interior.

Remove everything from your car. Bin all rubbish and remove your car mats, along with anything else that you can. Give your mats a shake and either vacuum or clean them with hot soapy water, depending on the material. In the car, you want to vacuum anywhere you can (floor, seats, and any place suitable) and dust everything, including your air vents (your crevice cleaner will come in handy here), then use an interior cleaner to make your car sparkle. Now this last step isn’t a must but if you really want to feel that new car feeling again… buy an air freshener.

Tips for cleaning the inside of your car:

Make sure all products are suitable for your car and always read the label!

Be careful with carpet cleaner inside your car (this comes from someone who has carpet cleaner stained onto their car doors)

Take extra care when cleaning your console and infotainment system, especially if you have a touchscreen!

One More Thing…

• Keep a small cleaning kit in your boot – a mini cloth, spray, and bin bags go a long way

• Pop an old towel in your car for muddy shoes, beach days, or pet protection

How to keep your car clean

Now that you have that new car feeling again, you don’t want to lose it. Here are our top tips for keeping your car clean and tidy.

1. Use a car bin. This doesn’t need to be fancy; a regular shopping bag will do, although, they are cheap to buy.
2. Buy a car putty and keep it in your car so you can clean your car crevices with ease.
3. Always keep wipes or tissues in the car.
4. Buy an organiser for your boot or over the seat. This is the perfect way to keep everything you might need organised.

You have until the 21^st of June before its summer, good luck!