Keeping your car exterior well-maintained at all times can preserve its life. With proper care, you’ll be able to protect it against the elements. And thus, you have a better chance of enjoying your car for far longer.
But it also matters to keep the interior tidy and refreshed. It prevents the infestation of insects and vermin. It avoids the accumulation of damp areas that can lead to molds, causing musty smells. And, the leather on your seats and dashboard will not easily chip away. Or, if you have fabric covers, their color will not easily fade.
To truly enjoy these benefits, let this article help you out in cleaning your car’s interiors. Here’s how.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming your car’s interior is one of the best things you can do to keep it clean. This is especially true if you and your family are used to eating while traveling. You could leave food crumbs that can invite insects and vermin. Consumer Reports revealed that it is a big problem not only for car owners but for car manufacturers, too.
Prevent insects and vermin from making a house out of your car. Regularly vacuum your car to remove all food debris. Set a schedule that will enable you to have enough time to vacuum every nook and cranny.
Use a powerful car vacuum that can suck out dirt and debris from the smallest and farthest corners. You can also use a household vacuum. Use the smallest brush to reach difficult areas.
Aside from vacuums, you can also use different kinds and sizes of brushes for interior parts that can’t be cleaned by a vacuum, such as air filters.
Seat Care
Cleaning your car seats depend on their covers. If you have leather seats, you can wipe them clean regularly with a damp cloth. Let them air dry, and finish with gentle oil, leather wax, or protective conditioners. Whatever you use, stick to products that are designed for leather only. Motor Digest magazine further suggested that using the right products can bring back the life in your upholstery.
If you have fabric covers, clean them with a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. You can brush tough spots with a small amount of laundry detergent. Just make sure they will completely dry out after cleaning to avoid molds.
To better protect your car upholstery, install car tint. It will prevent too much sunlight from entering your car. Too much sunlight can cause the leather to crack and the color of fabric covers to fade. Or better yet, use removable car seat covers. They offer better protection. You can easily remove and wash them when needed.
Here’s another tip: don’t leave your car parked under the sun. Always park in shaded areas. If you can’t avoid parking under the sun, keep the windows slightly down to prevent hot air from accumulating inside your car. This can cause the leather to fade and, again, crack.
Use the Right Car Matting
Protect your car floor with the right car matting. They are useful in catching dirt and mud from your shoes, preventing further spread within your car. You can easily clean them, too. Dust them outside your car to remove debris.
When choosing the right car matting, go with quality floor liners. They can withstand abuse and prevent footwear stains. Low-quality car mats can easily break down, and that means costly replacements for you.
Maintain Cleanliness in Your Car
When everything’s cleaned up and protected against wear and tear, you should maintain cleanliness in your car. This means you have to practice a few habits that will help you achieve this goal.
First, avoid eating inside your car. This prevents food debris, which invites unwanted guests. It also avoids any clutter that vermin can use as material for their nest. Another way of preventing vermin from entering your car is to park away from places that are known magnets for critters. Trash bins, edible gardens, and other food sources are examples of these places.
Second, disinfect your car regularly, especially if you’ve had a visitor drive with you. But, stick to leather-friendly cleaning products.
Third, use some air fresheners. Nothing can freshen up a car’s interior better than these products.
You should also avoid leaving stuff that insects and vermin can use to build their nest. Newspapers, cardboard boxes, and pieces of clothing can be chewed on. Don’t leave them inside your car. Always remove any clutter.
You’re All Set
Follow these tips to keep your car’s interior always clean, free of clutter and critters. Just remember, use products safe for your car’s interior surfaces to avoid damage.
