Keeping your car clean is one of the easiest ways to maintain its value throughout the years as you drive it. Taking it to the car wash several times a week can get expensive, but with the right tools, you can easily keep it clean at home.
Some car owners think dish soap is fine for washing the exterior of a vehicle, but it can actually damage the paint job. This type of soap is meant to strip grease and oils, and an unfortunate side effect of using it on your car is that it can strip away the protective coating. Similarly, traditional glass cleaners can discolor tint and other coatings on windows. Stick to cleaning products designed specifically for use on vehicles. You can even find soap options that you don’t have to rinse, or fast-drying types that won’t leave streaks.
Kitchen sponges are also hard on cars, and the styles with abrasive scrubbing material can scratch your paint. Look for auto-specific sponges or a soft mitt that you can use to scrub the exterior. One of the best options is a mitt made from sheepskin, because its absorbent material helps trap dirt and keep it from spreading around as you wash the car.
The dashboard accumulates dust, the console might get dirty fingerprints on it, and the area around the cup holders often has drink spills. Interior wipes are the perfect solution to these common problems, since you can get rid of dirt, dust, and spots before they stain the light plastic or vinyl interior. If you have leather inside of your vehicle, make sure to choose specific wipes meant for use on leather to prevent damage. Baby wipes even work on vinyl or plastic, and many parents keep those nearby at all times.
When you wash your car on a warm, sunny day, you may notice that the paint job looks less appealing after you finish than before you started. This is because if the sun dries the soap before you rinse it away, you are left with soapy residue and film. Avoid this problem by keeping an absorbent drying towel or chamois handy when you wash your car. As soon as you finish rinsing the soap, start drying it right away to prevent spots. It should be very soft and gentle to avoid scratching the paint.
A handheld vacuum is also a helpful tool that can keep carpets and upholstery looking like new. Pull it out if you drop crumbs or track dirt in and vacuum up any spills before they become stains. Vacuuming routinely also helps reduce the chance of odors.
When you keep cleaning products handy and available in your car, it becomes easier to clean up small spills or keep the exterior clean without having to worry about it. You can also wash the exterior regularly without breaking the bank if you have the proper supplies available to do the job right.
