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Once the throes of winter are done, so are salted roads and harsh conditions. Car spring cleaning involves both upkeep of the car as well as cleaning it out. Doing so will help you prepare for the amazing road trips and adventures waiting for you with spring and summer around the corner.
Here’s the nuts and bolts of spring cleaning your car in 10 easy steps:
Car maintenance: Do these things first
It’s time to make sure your car is ready to be on the road for extended travel. Even a series of short trips to your favorite beach means your car should be in tip top shape. “Once spring rolls around, I make an appointment with my car dealership to get all the maintenance issues done,” mom of two Mia Simons told Mom.com. “I do a lot of day trips with my girls and the last thing I want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with two under the age of six.”
1. Get an oil change
You should really be getting an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on what your manufacturer recommends. Changing the oil ensures that the engine has the lubrication needed to properly and efficiently function. Dirty oil can lead to problems under the hood, so take the time to get the oil changed as part of your spring cleaning maintenance.
2. Rotate your tires
Inspect tires to make sure the tread still has plenty of wear left on it. It’s important that your tires wear out evenly and rotating them ensures this. Make sure they are properly inflated after the rotation to make sure you are as fuel efficient as possible when on the road.
3. How to clean the car air filter
You can clean a dirty air filter or change it. To clean it, submerge it in a container of water mixed with a little laundry detergent. Swirl the filter around and use your fingers to help release the dirt from the filter. Remove it from the solution and then rinse it under fresh running water.
Clean the interior of the car
You’ll feel more comfortable when the interior of the car is nice and clean. Get it free of excess trash, pebbles, and junk just left in the car. You may need to spend a little time to get into every nook and cranny but it will be well worth the effort. Now's a great time to get the kids involved — chances are they're reponsible for most of the mess in that back seat.
4. Clean upholstery in car
Throw out any trash from the car and then vacuum the upholstery and seats. Remove the floor mats and scrub them outside of the car. Make sure to clean any rocks, sand, and debris from the floor under the mats. With a damp towel, wipe down seats. For stubborn dirt and grime, use a mild detergent to rub and blot the spots out.
5. Clean the console
Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the console with a microfiber towel. Make sure to not wet any electrical components while doing this, but get the console damp to get rid of dirt and grime. Follow up with a dry towel to take away excess moisture.
6. Cleaning car windshields
Not only is a clean windshield nice to have, but it is an essential safety component to make sure you have a clear vision of anything and everything while driving. Use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to wipe the interior windshield clear, removing any haze that might have built up. You can do the same for interior widows and the back windshield.
7. Organize the trunk
Get ready for days at the beach where you’ll need all the trunk space you can handle for snacks, toys, and other beach gear. Remove everything from the trunk and check the spare tire to make sure it is in good condition. Double check to make sure you have the necessary tools in case of a breakdown, such as a tire wrench and jack. Go through your trunk emergency kit to make sure everything is up-to-date. Use a bin to store loose items in the trunk to keep things nice and organized.
Clean the exterior of the car
Cleaning the exterior of the car is important to make sure you don’t develop paint and rust problems. Winters can be hard on car exteriors with salt and sand thrown on the streets to deal with ice and snow.
8. Wash the car
Give the car a good wash. Use a mild detergent and sponge to get dirt and road grime off the car. Be sure to give the wheel hubs and underside of the car a good spraying with fresh water to remove any residual salt and sand stuck.
9. How to clean headlights on cars
Use toothpaste on the exterior of the headlights to remove the dull and foggy film that builds up on it. Be careful to not get toothpaste on other parts of the car, since it is mildly abrasive and may scratch your paint finish. Rub the toothpaste on and wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth. Rinse with fresh water.
10. Clean exterior windows and mirrors
Just as you cleaned the interior windshield, give the exterior of the windows and mirrors a thorough cleaning. Make sure the windows are cleaned from dirt when washing the car. Then spray them with window cleaner and wipe down with a microfiber towel to get rid of any streaks and spots.
Once the car is clean, keep it cleaner longer with some simple maintenance shared with Mom.com from organizational expert, Michelle Hansen. “One of the best things you can do to keep your car looking cleaner, longer, is to limit the amount of food you allow in the car.” She suggests limiting the types of snacks you use to keep things mess-free as much as possible.
