Maintenance: Cleaning up Your Automotive Act

By Michele Blandino

Not too many years ago, people used their cars solely for their intended purpose: to transport them from Point A to Point B. However, with the increasing complexity of family life, including shuttling kids between school, numerous activities and events and their friends’ homes the family car has, in many ways, become an extension of the home.

In addition to serving as a mode of transportation, the car is the place where many families eat their meals and where kids do their homework and even sleep. Given its many uses, it is hardly surprising then that most family cars are cluttered, dirty and generally disorganized.

Cleaning a car in this condition can be an overwhelming task. While many people choose to periodically have their cars professionally detailed, at a cost of $100 or more this becomes an expensive solution. Fortunately, it’s quite possible to clean your car and restore it to its original order without too much effort. And, contrary to what some people may think, you can complete the majority of the job using your household cleaning supplies.

Here are some ideas:

• Everything Out – The first step is to get everything out. If necessary, separate your car’s contents into three piles: trash, items that need to be gone through and items you know you will need. Throw out the trash, put the things you know you are going to need aside and put the rest in a trash bag or box to go through later.
• Vacuum – Vacuum the entire car. If your seats fold down, be sure to vacuum behind them. Don’t forget about the trunk or cargo area, under the seats and the space between the seats and the doors.
• Clean the Interior - Use a dry rag to “dust” the vinyl surfaces of your car before going over them with a damp rag. To treat spots on the carpet and cloth surfaces, use any household stain remover. If you like, you can also use carpet freshener, however, it’s recommended that you use it sparingly.
• Do the Windows – Regular household glass cleaner is all you need to clean your windows and windshield. To reduce the chances of scratching the windows, be sure to use a soft cloth to wipe away the cleaner.
• Wash the Exterior – If you don’t relish the idea of having to wash your car, take it to a car wash. While prices do vary, you can typically have the job done for less than $10. Be sure to save your receipt as some car washes allow you to return for another cleaning if it rains within 24 hours of your visit.

Now that you have gone through the time and effort of cleaning your car, the next step is to find ways to keep it in reasonably clean condition.

The first thing you should do is place at least one bag in the car into which all garbage goes. When this bag becomes full, empty it and replace it with another.

The second thing you can do is implement an “everything out” rule. Under the “everything out” rule, each family member is responsible for taking their personal belongings out of the car each time you return home.

Finally, if eating in the car is unavoidable, be sure that no food remains behind. Ask each family member to clean up their immediate area after meals and have them discard their leftovers in the trash bag you have provided.