Revamp your ride: the best tips for cleaning your car

Picture this: a gleaming spotless car cruising down the street. Now imagine that car is yours. Feels pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Well, the good news is that you can achieve that pristine look right in the comfort of your own driveway by giving your beloved car a thorough clean. 

Of course, it’s not just about aesthetics; regular car cleaning is also vital to car maintenance.

You could use a car wash service, but we would recommend at home car cleaning instead because you probably didn’t know that the massive brushes used in traditional carwashes aren’t cleaned often enough, meaning that the dirt removed by them is then thrown onto your car, causing more damage to your car paints job.

At home car cleaning is a cheaper and more efficient cleaning method. So buckle up and get ready to learn the best cleaning hacks that will have your car shining from bumper to bumper.

When it comes to thoroughly cleaning your car, having the right tools and supplies can make all the difference, from achieving a streak-free shine on your windows to tackling tough stains on your car seats. So, we have compiled a list below of the best car cleaning products we recommend you use.

Microfibre cloths – these are essential for at home car cleaning as the soft and absorbent fibres of these microfibre cloths effectively lift and trap dirt without scratching surfaces

Bucket – a bucket allows you to mix the appropriate amount of car wash soap with water and provides a convenient container for wringing out clothes 

Glass cleaner – this cleaner is specifically designed to tackle stubborn smudges and grime on your car windows and mirrors and leaves a streak-free finish 

All-purpose cleaner – multipurpose cleaner can be used to clean various surfaces in your car interior, including the dashboard and door panels

Upholstery cleaner – designed to tackle spills and stains on car seats, carpets and floor mats. 

Vacuum – this is a must-have tool for thorough car cleaning. Vacuums allow you to remove loose dirt, crumbs and debris.

Soft bristle brush – a soft bristle brush can reach hard-to-reach areas within your car, such as air vents and crevices. Soft bristles ensure thorough cleaning without scratching surfaces. 

As you use your car daily, it can accumulate dirt, dust and even pesky bird droppings, which can be an eyesore. Now it’s time to get back that showroom shine with a thorough clean. 

First things first, grab a bucket and fill it with a generous amount of water and mix it with your favourite car wash soap. Using a microfibre cloth to rub in the soapy water, start from the roof of your car and make your way down, ensuring special attention is paid to spots such as the lower body panels and front grille as they tend to collect the most grime. 

Once you have thoroughly washed your car, it’s time for a rinse and dry. So grab your hose, or use a bucket to pour clean water over the car to give it a good rinse. Ensure you remove all traces of soap and use a clean microfibre towel to start drying your car, ensuring that you get into every crevice so there are no water spots left behind.  

A well-cleaned car exterior not only makes your car look amazing but also serves as a protective barrier to the paint, keeping it fresh for years.

Let’s dive into how to give your car interior the TLC it deserves. We are sure you can relate to spilling countless drinks on your seats and seeing your windows covered with fingerprint smudges. 

When deep cleaning your car’s interior , firstly remove all items you have in your car so you can start with a fresh canvas, including removing your car mats.

Grab your trusty vacuum and start sucking up all those crumbs, pet hair and forgotten french fries from your carpets and seats. Ensure you get into every nook and cranny, including inside your car doors and underneath your car seats. A bristle brush could come in handy here to get debris out of these crevices. 

Then onto tackling the stains and spills on your car seats, spray the area with an upholstery cleaner specifically designed for use on your car interior and use a microfibre cloth to rub in and allow to dry; upholstery cleaner can also be used to clean the fabric straps of seat belts. 

Similarly to cleaning your car seats; for your dashboard, and door panels, use a standard multipurpose cleaner and a microfibre cloth to remove dust, or alternatively, you could use disinfecting wipes. 

Now let’s give those windows and mirrors a crystal-clear finish. Spray on some glass cleaner and use a microfibre cloth to remove streaks and smudges.

There you have it; with the right supplies and some elbow grease, you can transform your car into a gleaming masterpiece and ensure its longevity. Now you may be wondering how often you should clean your car, we recommend you wash the exterior every two weeks; for the interior, a thorough monthly clean will ensure your car is free of bad odours and grime. An at home car wash doesn’t have to take all day, and you can finish an in-depth clean within 30 minutes to an hour. So what are you waiting for? Use these tips to get your car in pristine condition and cruise down the road knowing your car looks like it’s just come out of the showroom.