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To some, cars have become an extension of one’s home. This is because people spend a lot of time in their vehicles.
New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety showed that Americans spend nearly an hour behind the wheel each day.
In terms of distance, drivers travel more than 220 miles a week and an average of 11,498 miles annually.
In spending time in cars, sometimes you put in things you both need and don’t need, or throw in files, documents, receipts, etc. you’re supposed to throw out but forgot eventually. Or maybe your passengers eat in your car during long drives, and crumbs fall down.
The more you use your car, the more dirt and clutter accumulate over time. And like your house, your vehicle needs some tender loving care from its owner—not just the exterior.
A dirty car can cause stress and distraction when driving. So do yourself a favor and keep your car sparkly clean with these easy tips.
Get rid of everything
Start off by getting removing all the junk in your car, whether they have use or none. Trash, car supplies, clothes for changing—they all have to go. That way, you can start doing the nitty-gritty of cleaning your car deserves. But make sure to separate the trash from the things you still need inside your vehicle.
Clean the seats
Your car seats are great catch basins for hair, dirt, and crumbs, even down the cushion seams. To get down to the seams, use a toothbrush to remove everything in between. For stains, use a conditioner for leather seats or brush with a mixture of vinegar, water and baking soda for nylon seat belts.
Clean your mats
Your car mats catch all the dirt from your shoes, so take out your mats regularly. Shake the dirt out of them, wash them, and dry them.
Wipe the surfaces
Over time, dust will accumulate on surfaces such as console, dashboard, steering wheel, buttons, knobs, etc. Use a clean, microfiber rag and wipe these surfaces from the cleanest ones to the dirtiest.
Vacuum the interior
Get every dirt, fluff, crumb, etc. from your car with a vacuum. Use your vacuum on your car’s ceiling, to the seats and then down to the floor. Make sure you get every nook and cranny of your vehicle, even cupholders.
Clean the inside glass
Use a clean rag and apply glass cleaner in a circular motion when wiping down all the windows.
Air out the car
Air out the vehicle by opening doors or windows to get all the smell out. Make sure you open the doors or windows in a safe space such as your garage.
Put a trash bin inside
To prevent clutter from piling up in your car again, place a trash bin inside your vehicle. This way, you and your passengers would have a designated place for all the tissue, wrappers, papers, cups, etc. to throw into.
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Brenner, Sue. “Cleaning out your cluttered car.” Unclutterer, Dancing Mammoth Inc., 23 July 2008, https://unclutterer.com/2008/07/23/cleaning-out-your-cluttered-car/
Gervens, Jennifer. “8 Little Known Tips to Keep Your Car Clean.” The Cleaner Home, Microban International, 17 August 2017, https://thecleanerhome.com/blog/8-little-known-tips-to-keep-your-car-clean
Whooly, Connor. “You’re cleaning out your car wrong.” Reviewed, USA Today Network, 24 April 2018, https://www.reviewed.com/home-outdoors/features/how-to-clean-out-inside-of-your-car
“Think You’re In Your Car More? You’re Right. Americans Spend 70 Billion Hours Behind the Wheel.” AAA News Room, AAA, 27 February 2019, https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/02/think-youre-in-your-car-more-youre-right-americans-spend-70-billion-hours-behind-the-wheel/
