If you’re anything like me, the inside of your car is a complete mess. I’m constantly forgetting to clean it or throwing my stuff back in the car anyways. Here’s some advice on how to keep your car as clean as possible with only a few minutes per day needed.
Here are 12 tips for cleaning out your car, whether the inside or outside
Leave paper towel sheets throughout the vehicle: These come in handy for wiping down interior surfaces and spills.
- Keep a vacuum in your car: Use it to give the interior a quick vacuum every once in a while to remove crumbs, hair and other small items that end up on the floor. It’s also perfect for sucking up any liquid when you’re driving through puddles or after any spill. (Make sure you clean out your vacuum when you’re done).
- Use an air freshener: No one likes walking into someone else’s car and getting hit with a stink from the previous occupants. I like to keep a Glade plug-in in my car for extra freshness and to cover up any smell lingering from my previous trip to Taco Bell.
- Keep cups and containers handy: If you’re driving with someone else or heading out on a road trip, make sure you keep some paper or plastic cups in your car for drinks and snacks. It’s also great for when you stop by the water fountain to fill up your bottle.
- Utilize grocery bags: Some grocery stores now sell plastic bags with a resealable top. It’s perfect for when you aren’t quite finished with a bag of chips, or if you need something to put your trash in, like wrappers from the snacks.
- Use up all the storage space: If there are empty pockets in your car or cracks here and there, keep some little items there so they’re always accessible.
- Use an umbrella to keep the inside clean: Sometimes you have something spill between your seats, such as melted ice cream or soda. Take your time and use an umbrella to clean up. Or if the umbrella gets wet, just put it back in your bag until you get home. (Be sure to clean out the tiny umbrella at home!)
- Make a checklist: Before heading out for some errands, make a list of things you need to do and leave yourself some time before heading out on the road. When you’re out and about, check off items on your list. I personally make a checklist on my phone, but you can also use an app like Wunderlist for iOS or Todoist for Android.
- Keep a notebook: Whenever I go to the grocery store or anywhere else, I keep a notebook handy so I don’t forget anything. I usually write down what aisle or aisle number that food is in and if there’s something I NEED to pick up.
- Use a car mat: If you’re prone to spills or need an extra layer of protection, keeping a rubber car mat in your vehicle is a good idea. You can find them at most stores like Target and Walmart.
- Keep all the trash in one spot: Instead of letting your trash create a mess, keep everything in one place (see above). It’s better than having trash thrown around or, worse yet, making a second stop at the gas station to throw out that old water bottle.
- Put your wet items away: As soon as you get back from the bathroom, put away all wet clothes, tissues and paper towels. If you don’t do it the first time, chances are you’ll forget.
- Don’t make a mess: This one is simple. When you’re out and about, take your time and try not to leave behind any trash or anything that could make a mess for someone else (or for yourself). It’s a small way to help keep the world clean.