Are you a parent to younger kids? Do you have a dog? Enjoy late night stops at the drive through?
If so, chances are your car is quite messy. From lugging around children to taking Fido to the vet, your car is subject to all sorts of dirt and grime.
The good news is that car care doesn’t have to be tedious. Here are 5 simple car care hacks to keep your car fresh and clean.
1. Dust Using a Coffee Filter
Dust and dashboards go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a cheap, disposable but effective way of getting rid of dust, just look in your kitchen.
Coffee filters make for the perfect dust remover. The filters attract and hold onto dust. With just a few swipes, your dashboard will look good as new.
2. DIY Stain Remover
Stubborn carpet stains can be hard to remove. Looking to get rid of stains? All you need is solution of water and peroxide.
Before you start to scrub, ensure you are using the best car vacuum to remove dirt and debris. After vacuuming, mix a solution of 2/3 hydrogen peroxide, 1/3 water.
Use a scrub brush to apply the solution. Your car floor mats will look better than ever.
3. Cloudy Headlights
Car care also includes the outside of your car.
Are your headlights yellow or foggy looking? If so, the lights have become oxidized. Cloudy headlights reduce nighttime visibility.
The good news is that you can repair oxidized headlights on your own. Just follow these simple steps.
- Wipe the headlight with soap and water to remove all dirt and grime.
- Outline the headlight with masking tape to protect surrounding areas.
- Use a damp cloth to apply toothpaste.
- Firmly rub the toothpaste into the headlight.
- Rinse with water and let dry.
In just a few minutes, your headlight should be much clearer. To prevent future damage, apply car wax to each headlight.
4. Get Rid of Cup Holder Grime
Cupholders are notorious for having the worst messes. From spilled sodas to melted stuck-on coins, there’s a lot to clean up.
To clean your cup holders, all you need are:
- An old sock
- A travel cup
- Oil-based cleaning solution
Place the sock on the cup holder and spray it with the cleaning solution. Twist the cup around to lift up the dirt and grime.
To keep your cup-holders clean in the future, use a cupcake wrapper to hold items, such as loose change and makeup.
5. Cheap Scent Boosters
Another important part of car care is how your car smells.
Air freshers can be expensive, let alone overwhelmingly strong. Want your car to smell nice without a high price tag?
If so, all you need is a wooden clothes pin and an essential oil. Depending on your preferred scent, you can use:
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Rose oil
- Jojoba oil
Dip the clothes pin in the oil, clip it to your air vent, and voila! Each time your heat or AC runs, your car will smell amazing.
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