Vehicles are more than just a means to get where you are going. They serve a valuable purpose, getting us to work, picking up the kids, and so forth.
Many people pay close attention to the maintenance of their vehicle, changing the oil, rotating the tires, etc. But how good are you at keeping the interior of your vehicle maintained? Do you simply throw away your trash every day, or do you have a weekly cleaning regimen? Here's a look at some of the things you should be doing regularly to keep your car's interior looking like new.
Vacuuming
The first thing you should do when cleaning is vacuuming. The seats should be vacuumed, the dashboard, the floors, and any removable floor mats. These areas collect all the dust and dirt we track into our car from the parking lots, parks, stores, and other places we visit. If you've ever stopped at a drive-through and ordered food, you've probably eaten as you drove down the road. If you've never dropped a French fry then you're the first. Even the littlest of cru
mbs can attract bugs, or worse, maggots. Don't let your car turn into the town land fill. Vacuum regularly and keep things clean.
Upholstery
Cloth seats come standard in many cars today. Many people opt for leather seats and trim. Either way, the fabric needs proper attention. Using the right cleaner for the material you are cleaning is important. Cloth seats in particular can retain moisture, and develop mold and mildew stains. Cleaning your seats regularly will help keep them clean and the car smelling good.
Windows
It's extremely important that you keep all the windows in your car clean, but most especially the windshield. The windows provide visibility as you drive. Clean windows mean a clear view. Dirty, smudged, fingerprinted windows mean an obstructed view. At night when visibility naturally decreases with the lack of light, these smudges can be dangerous.
Household cleaners will keep your windows clean. Keep in mind that
some contain Ammonia, which can degrade your window's internal defrosting elements and eventually leave them useless.
Air Fresheners
After you've finished cleaning your vehicle, adding an air freshener can give your car that final touch. There are many products on the market, from oils that attach to yo
ur vents to distribute scent, to the hanging variety. Some people are sensitive to smells. If you've ever smelled someone with strong perfume, you get the idea. So be sure to find a scent you and your family enjoy.
Trunk Space
An often overlooked area of the vehicle is the trunk. For many, it's home to the spare tire, jack, and emergency roadside kits. Sometimes, groceries or a suitcase are thrown in. Just because you don't normally see it doesn't mean it doesn't get dirty, so give your trunk some love too.
They say cleanliness is next to godliness, but you don't need to be holy to clean your car. You should be religious about how and how often you clean it, though.
Image via Flickr by
Boston Public Library used underÂ
CC BY 2.0