SPRING cleaning can be difficult inside a car full of tight spaces and hard-to-reach crevices, but these 12 tricks could be a lifesaver.
As warmer temperatures approach, many drivers are starting to give their engines some TLC after the bitterness of winter.
INTERIOR CLEANING
The first area you may want to tackle is cup holders full of coffee stains, crumbs and forgotten hair bands.
One of the best tips offered by the RAC is to place cupcake cases in these spaces.
When it comes time to clean up any debris, it’s as simple as lifting the paper wrappers and throwing them away.
ANIMAL HAIR
If your car doubles as a pet taxi, pet hair can be a battle, but don’t overdo it.
RAC experts suggest that the best way to get rid of malt is to spray the area with water.
Next, take a squeegee, similar to the one used to clean the shower door, and scrub it.
Any other device that has a smooth, flat rubber coating is also effective.
LEATHER SEATS
If you’re having trouble cleaning a car’s leather interior, you probably already have the items to help.
Simply take a toothbrush and dip it in a mixture of water and baking soda, and that should speed up the process.
TABLE WITHOUT DUST
As soon as a ray of sunlight hits the dashboard, many motorists are dismayed by the amount of dust that suddenly appears.
The solution: olive oil and an old cloth.
The RAC suggests that this combination makes a perfect car interior polish and shouldn’t break the bank.
DIFFICULT ACCESS TO GROOVES
The areas around the levers, window switches and radio controls can be a frustration to clean.
But these cracks and crevices could be addressed with a rag or cloth wrapped around a narrow screwdriver.
The fine tip should reach the tricky spots, while a damp cloth protects the car’s interior from scratches.
AIR SALES
These hard-to-reach places can be especially difficult to reach, but the answer may be in your kitchen drawer, in the children’s play area or in your handbag.
A pastry brush, old paintbrush, or even a makeup brush could get in between the vents and remove the dust.
Afterwards, use a vacuum cleaner to completely rid the car of any remaining particles.
PULSE
After winter, carpets can get stuck with mud, leaves and water marks.
For a quick and deep clean, instead of spraying them with a garden hose, use a stain remover, just like you would a carpet in your home.
After soaking for a while, put them in the washing machine and you should see a big difference.
AIR FRESHENER
To keep your freshly cleaned car smelling for at least a couple of days before the kids and dog ruin it, try making your own air freshener.
This DIY trick involves filling a small jar with baking soda and four to five drops of essential oil.
Instead of putting the lid back on, cover it with a breathable material.
And, if it does spill, the cupcake case’s lined cup holder should limit the damage caused.
EXTERIOR
After driving your vehicle through mud, sand dust and rain all winter, it’s important to give it a spin outside.
To make the caps shine, mix washing power with water to a paste.
Again, a toothbrush can be used to apply and rub the formula into the desired areas.
WINDSHIELD
Glass often gets stained after driving in bad weather, but tinted windshields can pose a safety and penalty risk.
In fact, drivers can be fined up to £1,000 if visibility through the windscreen is poor.
While it might be a good idea to buy new wipers, if you’re on a budget, alcohol can help.
Inside the glass, one hack suggests lathering shaving foam on the screen before cleaning it.
LIGHTS
Another important tip to keep your vision at 100% on the roads is to keep your headlights clean.
During the colder months, they often become dimmer, which could cause you to. £1,000 fine.
You can use toothpaste on a cloth to lighten them, as the active ingredient, baking soda, eats away at the dirt.
UNDER THE HOOD
According to the RAC, it is wise to keep an eye on your car battery as corrosion can cause serious damage.
First, turn off the engine and slightly loosen each terminal with a wrench.
It is important to disconnect the negative terminal before the positive.
Wear protective gloves and goggles for health and safety.
The quick and affordable hack may already be in your kitchen cupboards: Coke.
Pour a small amount onto the dirty areas and let it eat away at any corrosion before rinsing with water and drying.
