Whether we spend 30 minutes or 2 hours in our car each day, it's inevitably going to get cluttered and dirty. We can offset this using a few simple steps to prevent messes from growing and keep clutter to a minimum.
1. Keep a Trash Bag Inside
You can get a specially made car trash can, use a plastic cereal container, a reusable bag, or a plastic grocery bag. The choice is yours. I have found that a plastic grocery bag is best for our family, as I can throw it away when it is full. There is no upkeep or cleaning required. Simply dump it, and replace with a fresh bag. If you want your car to look nicer or you want to be environmentally friendly, you can choose a different option. It's important that you have a designated spot to place trash inside your car. If not, it will end up stuffed in the consoles, door pockets, in the trunk, and on the floorboards. This looks bad, feels gross, and can lead to mice or other unwanted guests. Put the trash in a container, and stay clean.
2. Never Leave Trash in Your Vehicle
I've had a mouse in my car, and trust me - you don't want it! Never leave any food wrappers, bags, crumbs, or leftovers in your vehicle. It makes your vehicle smell bad and attracts unwanted creatures. Empty the trash as soon as possible, pick up stray french fries off the floor boards, and don't forget to vacuum up the crumbs!
3. Keep Cleaning Wipes & Utilize Down Time
Keep car cleaning wipes in your vehicle. When you're waiting in the drive thru, wipe down the console. When you're waiting in line to get gas, wipe down your leather seats. When you're at the 5 minute long stop light, wipe down your window. Having your wipes on hand will help you keep your car clean before it gets out of control.
4. Clean As You Go
When you stop at a gas station or rest stop, empty your trash can or trash bag. When you arrive home after any outing, empty any trash as well. Take toys and jackets in the house, discard all trash, and vacuum any dirt or crumbs. Cleaning as you go will keep messes from increasing and help keep clutter at bay.
5. Clean Spills Quickly
When spills happen in your vehicle, clean them as quickly as you can. Don't give them a chance to set in. If you have cloth seats, you need to get some LA's Totally Awesome Cleaner. It is available from both Dollar Tree and Amazon. Using this product, I was able to remove stains on my car seats that were years old. I highly recommend this product! It works to remove stains from multiple surfaces, so it's a must!
6. Utilize Organizing Products
There so many amazing organizing products made just for your vehicle. There are items that hook on your visors, clips to headrests, and fit perfectly on the back of your seats. Make sure to think about what you actually need to keep in your car, and find an organizer that works for your space. Don't overfill it, or you'll just have a bigger mess.
7. Wash Your Car
Cleaning the outside of your car is a no-brainer way to keep your car clean. I highly recommend washing it yourself, as automatic car washes don't usually do a great job and can be expensive. Try to wash your car before the grime gets stuck on too much. This will make the process less labor intensive, and it will make your car shine!
Here are links to some of the products mentioned in my post. Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Thank you for your support!
La’s Totally Awesome Cleaner: https://amzn.to/3B7s7pH
Trunk Hanging Organizer: https://amzn.to/3cApPGt
Visor Tissue/Mask Holder: https://amzn.to/3ehWf92
Backseat Organizers: https://amzn.to/3AGsgyX
Armor All Wipes: https://amzn.to/3KCZt33
Car Trash Can: https://amzn.to/3Qb04da
Foldable Cooler: https://amzn.to/3cHuy9g
You can also check out my accompanying YouTube video:
Happy Cleaning!
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