Spring cleaning: 5 tips for a fresher ride

In the midst of our hectic, busy lives, it’s not hard for certain chores to be occasionally overlooked. The cleanliness of our cars often goes by the wayside, falling prey to our distraction with more pressing matters. When the weather gets warm and our priorities shift, many turn their focus to cleaning their cars and houses. In order to make your car squeaky clean, we’ve compiled a list of spring cleaning tips for a vehicle’s interior. Read on to learn which cracks and crevices to wash and how to clean them properly. 

1. Discard trash 

This suggestion may seem obvious, but it’s also a crucial first step to cleaning out your car. If your dashboard, cup holders, and seats are littered with junk, now is the time to finally throw these items out. An empty, styrofoam coffee cup might’ve been a lifesaver at one point, but saying goodbye will reduce clutter and help your car shine brighter. Food wrappers should be the first to go, as they can attract insects and lead to a space that’s even less hygienic. When sifting through loose papers, just be sure to double check you aren’t throwing out anything important. 

2. Scrub down floor mats 

When your kids tumble into your car after a soccer game, their cleats are probably tracking dirt all over the place. Much of this dirt, as well as the debris from various other escapades, will be collected on floor mats. When cleaning your vehicle, don’t forget to remove these mats and give them a thorough wash. You can start by shaking them out, allowing loose dirt and dust to fall off. Afterward, lather them up with soap and hot water until they look good as new. 

3. Vacuum 

Never underestimate the power of a vacuum. You’d be surprised by how much dust and dirt can be trapped in the crevices of your car, and a vacuum is the best device with which to reach this debris. Use the nozzle of a vacuum to creep into small spaces, clearing even the tightest cracks of dirt, mud, and other particles. A vacuum is also great for getting rid of pet hair from our furry friends. You can vacuum the front seats, back seats, trunk, and pretty much any area you can squeeze this handy tool into. 

4. Disinfect 

While it’s true that spring brings about the urge to clean, it typically ushers in a wave of allergies as well. In order to combat the germs in the air, try disinfecting your car until it’s practically sterile. To start this process, we recommend purchasing a pack of disinfectant wipes. The key difference between cleaning and disinfecting is that cleaning wipes germs away, but a good disinfectant actually kills them. Disinfectant wipes are filled with chemicals that kill germs, making your house or car a healthier place to be. You can start by disinfecting a car’s door handles, because everyone must touch these in order to get in and out. Next, wipe down the steering wheel, as it’s another spot you can’t avoid touching when you get in the car. The cup holders are an additional pot where germs tend to accumulate, so give these a firm wipe down as well. If your car has leather seats, remember to be cautious about using chemicals on them. You can start by using a wipe in a small, unnoticeable spot and seeing if it leaves a mark. If not, you can proceed with disinfecting the seats, too. 

5. Make your car smell fresh again 

Whether it’s been weeks or months since your car was last cleaned, there’s a pretty good chance some odors are lingering inside. Greasy foods and pets can leave bad smells behind, and you may even become nose blind to them after a while. To protect your nose and the noses of your passengers, finish off your spring clean with odor removal. This can be accomplished by spraying air freshener, but be careful not to overwhelm the cabin with fumes. You can also purchase an air freshener to hang on your rearview mirror, so that the unpleasant smells of the past can be replaced with fresher, easier to stomach scents. 

Shop Transwest 

Spring is a season of blossoming flowers, shimmering sunlight, and new beginnings. For you, that new beginning might just come in the form of a new car. If you’re looking to swap the old for the new, check out Transwest’s fully-stocked inventory of beautiful cars. You can see our selection online, or visit a Transwest location that’s convenient for you.