Keeping your car sparkling clean can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Many car washers keep their best car cleaning tricks close to their chests to ensure you keep coming back. But what if you could get professional results from the comfort of your own driveway? Here are 30 car cleaning tricks that will have your car looking showroom fresh in no time.

Table of contents

How to Shine Your Dashboard

One for the car cleaning tricks is that Vaseline is not just for your lips. It’s great for your car dashboard too! Apply a small amount to a cloth and wipe it across your dashboard. Not only will it leave a brilliant shine, but it will also repel dust and stains.

Steps to follow:

  1. Apply a small amount of Vaseline to a microfiber cloth.
  2. Gently rub the Vaseline onto your dashboard.
  3. Buff with a clean cloth to ensure an even shine.

Benefits:

  • Adds a deep, glossy shine.
  • Repels dust and minor stains.
  • Cost-effective and easy to find.

How to Clean the Vents

Car vents can be a dust magnet and difficult to clean with just a cloth. Instead, use a paintbrush. Its bristles are perfect for reaching those narrow spaces and dislodging dust.

Steps to follow:

  1. Use a small, clean paintbrush.
  2. Gently brush the inside of each vent to dislodge dust and debris.
  3. Follow up with a vacuum to suck up the loosened dirt.

Benefits:

  • Reaches into tight spaces that a cloth cannot.
  • Easy and inexpensive solution.

How to Clean Headlights with Toothpaste

Forget expensive headlight cleaners, you have this car cleaning trick! Toothpaste works wonders. Apply a small amount to your headlights, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a cloth. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

Steps to follow:

  1. Apply toothpaste to a damp cloth.
  2. Rub the toothpaste onto the headlights in circular motions.
  3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Rinse with water and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Benefits:

  • Removes haze and minor scratches.
  • Restores clarity and brightness.
  • Affordable and easily available.

How to Clean Leather Seats

To clean and condition leather seats:

  1. Wash the seat with a mild soap solution.
  2. Pour some olive oil onto a cloth and rub the seats down. Your seats will shine like new.

Steps to follow:

  1. Mix mild soap with warm water and clean the seats with a soft cloth.
  2. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.
  3. Apply olive oil to a soft cloth and rub into the leather.
  4. Buff with a dry cloth for a lasting shine.

Benefits:

  • Nourishes and conditions the leather.
  • Leaves a natural, non-greasy shine.
  • Protects against drying and cracking.

How to Use Hair Conditioner as Car Wax

Hair conditioner with lanolin can work better than traditional car wax when it comes to car cleaning tricks. Apply it generously and buff it in to get a bright, protective shine.

Steps to follow:

  1. Wash and dry your car thoroughly.
  2. Apply hair conditioner to a soft cloth.
  3. Rub the conditioner onto the car’s surface in circular motions.
  4. Buff with a clean cloth to a high shine.

Benefits:

  • Easy to apply and remove.
  • Provides a protective layer.
  • Adds a deep, glossy shine.

How to Clean Crevices

A toothbrush is excellent for cleaning the small crevices on doors and dashboards. The bristles can reach into the smallest gaps and clear out dust and grime.

Steps to follow:

  1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  2. Dip the toothbrush in soapy water.
  3. Scrub the crevices gently to remove dirt.
  4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Benefits:

  • Reaches areas other tools can’t.
  • Provides thorough cleaning.
  • Cost-effective and easily accessible.

How to Keep the Inside Neat

Use a decorative reusable grocery bag hung from the back of your seat for trash. This way, your car stays clean and clutter-free. A clean car starts with the habit of not making it dirty in the first place. It’s a simple but effective car cleaning trick.

Steps to follow:

  1. Choose a stylish reusable bag.
  2. Hang it from the back of the front seat.
  3. Empty it regularly to keep your car tidy.

Benefits:

  • Keeps trash off the floor.
  • Easy to remove and clean.
  • Adds a touch of personal style to your car’s interior.

How to Prevent Windshield Chips from Growing

Carry a bottle of clear nail polish in your car. If a rock chips your windshield, brush the nail polish over the chip to prevent it from growing until you can get it professionally repaired.

Steps to follow:

  1. Clean the chipped area with a soft cloth.
  2. Apply clear nail polish over the chip.
  3. Allow it to dry completely.

Benefits:

  • Prevents chips from spreading.
  • Provides a temporary fix.
  • Easy and inexpensive solution.

How to Clean Dashboard Vents and Radio

The car cleaning tricks include a room for kids’ toys! Children’s slime is excellent for cleaning hard-to-reach places. Press it into the vents and around the radio to pick up dust and dirt.

Steps to follow:

  1. Purchase or make homemade slime.
  2. Press the slime into the vents and around buttons.
  3. Remove the slime, taking dust and dirt with it.

Benefits:

  • Reaches difficult areas easily.
  • Fun and effective cleaning method.
  • Reusable if kept clean.

How to Make Homemade Car Cleaner

Out of car wash solution? Make your own by mixing:

  • 1/4 part liquid detergent
  • 1/4 part baking soda
  • Water
    This solution works as well, if not better, than store-bought options.

Steps to follow:

  1. Mix the ingredients in a bucket.
  2. Use a sponge or cloth to wash your car.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Benefits:

  • Safe for your car’s paint.
  • Inexpensive and easy to make.
  • Effective cleaning solution.

How to Remove Registration Stickers

Soak an old newspaper in water and place it over the sticker for about 15 minutes. The sticker will peel off effortlessly.

Steps to follow:

  1. Soak a piece of newspaper in water.
  2. Place it over the sticker for 15 minutes.
  3. Peel off the sticker easily.

Benefits:

  • Removes stickers without damaging glass.
  • Simple and mess-free method.

How to Remove Pet Fur

When it comes to car cleaning tricks, pet fur is a big deal. Spray the seats with water and use a squeegee to remove pet fur. It’s simple and effective.

Steps to follow:

  1. Lightly spray seats with water.
  2. Use a squeegee to gather and remove fur.

Benefits:

  • Removes fur quickly and easily.
  • Effective on all upholstery types.

How to Clean Car Mats

Mix some liquid detergent with water in a spray bottle. Spray it onto the mats, let it sit, then rinse. The dirt will wash right off.

Steps to follow:

  1. Mix liquid detergent with water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the solution onto car mats.
  3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  4. Rinse with a hose and let dry.

Benefits:

  • Deep cleans mats.
  • Removes stains and dirt.
  • Simple and cost-effective.

How to Remove Foul Odours

Dealing with foul odors is another simple and effective car cleaning trick. Place a bag of charcoal under the seats. It’s excellent at absorbing unpleasant odours.

Steps to follow:

  1. Open a bag of charcoal.
  2. Place it under your car seats.

Benefits:

  • Absorbs odours naturally.
  • Long-lasting and effective.

How to Remove Bumper Stickers

Spray WD-40 on the sticker, let it sit for a few minutes, and then peel it off. It’s that easy.

Steps to follow:

  1. Spray WD-40 on the sticker.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Peel off the sticker easily.

Benefits:

  • Removes stickers without residue.
  • Easy and quick solution.

How to Clean Sticky Messes on Leather and Vinyl

A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can remove sticky residues with ease. Just wet the sponge and wipe away.

Steps to follow:

  1. Wet the Magic Eraser sponge.
  2. Gently scrub the sticky areas.
  3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Benefits:

  • Removes tough, sticky residues.
  • Safe for leather and vinyl.

How to Use Essential Oils for a Fresh Smell

Soak a clothespin in essential oils overnight and clip it to your car vent. Your car will smell amazing naturally.

Steps to follow:

  1. Soak a wooden clothespin in essential oils overnight.
  2. Clip the clothespin to your car vent.
  • Benefits:
  • Natural and chemical-free.
  • Long-lasting fresh scent.

How to Remove Stubborn Grime

Use a bar of clay on wet surfaces to remove stubborn grime. Just let it sit on the grime, and it will wipe away easily.

Steps to follow:

  1. Wet the area with stubborn grime.
  2. Rub a bar of clay over the grime.
  3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  4. Wipe away the grime.

Benefits:

  • Effective on tough grime.
  • Safe for car surfaces.

How to Remove Rust

Spray Coca-Cola onto rusty spots, let it sit, then scrub off. The rust will come off with the soda.

Steps to follow:

  1. Spray Coca-Cola on rusty areas.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Scrub with a brush and rinse.

Benefits:

  • Easy rust removal.
  • Inexpensive and accessible.

How to Keep Cupholders Clean

Line your cupholders with cupcake papers. When they get dirty, just replace them.

Steps to follow:

  1. Place cupcake papers in your cupholders.
  2. Replace when dirty.

Benefits:

  • Keeps cupholders clean.
  • Easy to replace and dispose of.

How to Clean the Windshield

Mix 8 parts castile soap with 1 part vodka. Use this mixture to clean your windshield for a streak-free finish.

Steps to follow:

  1. Mix castile soap and vodka in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray on your windshield.
  3. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Benefits:

  • Streak-free cleaning.
  • Safe and effective solution.

How to Replace Filters for a Fresh Smell

If your car still smells despite using essential oils and charcoal, it might be time to change the filters. Regular replacement keeps your car smelling fresh.

Steps to follow:

  1. Locate and remove old filters.
  2. Replace with new filters.

Benefits:

  • Maintains a fresh-smelling car.
  • Improves air quality.

How to Clean Up Spills

For spills on upholstery, car cleaning tricks are very useful. You can use a diaper. Its incredible absorbing power will quickly soak up the mess.

Steps to follow:

  1. Place a clean diaper over the spill.
  2. Press down to absorb the liquid.
  3. Remove and dispose of the diaper.

Benefits:

  • Quickly absorbs spills.
  • Prevents stains.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains

Motor oil can work as a solvent for grease or tar stains. Apply, then wipe off the excess oil after removing the stain.

Steps to follow:

  1. Apply motor oil to the stained area.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Wipe off the stain and excess oil.

Benefits:

  • Effective stain removal.
  • Quick and easy solution.

How to Stop Leaks

If you can’t get your car to a mechanic immediately for a fluid leak, chew some gum and cover the hole temporarily until you can get it fixed. However, head straight to the nearest mechanic! While not specifically about the car cleaning tricks, the advice can prove beneficial when required.

Steps to follow:

  1. Chew gum until soft.
  2. Press the gum over the leak.

Benefits:

  • Temporary fix for leaks.
  • Buys you time to get professional repair.

How to Remove Smells from Seats

Sprinkle baking soda on cloth seats, let it sit for 24 hours, then vacuum. This will remove lingering odours. One of the easiest car cleaning tricks.

Steps to follow:

  1. Sprinkle baking soda generously on seats.
  2. Let it sit for 24 hours.
  3. Vacuum thoroughly.

Benefits:

  • Natural odour removal.
  • Safe and effective.

How to Clean Dead Bugs

Wet a dryer sheet and use it to remove dead bugs from your car. They’ll come off easily without damaging your paint.

Steps to follow:

  1. Wet a dryer sheet with water.
  2. Wipe the bugs off your car.

Benefits:

  • Removes bugs easily.
  • Gentle on car paint.

How to Clean Wheels

Powdered bleach works well for cleaning wheels. Sprinkle it on, scrub with Lysol, and rinse for a gleaming finish.

Steps to follow:

  1. Sprinkle powdered bleach on wheels.
  2. Scrub with a Lysol-soaked brush.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Benefits:

  • Cleans and shines wheels.
  • Effective and inexpensive.

How to Unfreeze Locks

Dip your key in hand sanitiser and insert it into the frozen lock. The alcohol will melt the ice quickly. Alcohol as car cleaning tricks? Why not.

Steps to follow:

  1. Dip your key in hand sanitiser.
  2. Insert the key into the frozen lock.

Benefits:

  • Quickly unfreezes locks.
  • Easy and convenient.

How to Remove Crayons from Seats

Place a piece of thermal paper over the crayon mark and iron it. The crayon will transfer to the paper, leaving your seats clean.

Steps to follow:

  1. Place thermal paper over the crayon stain.
  2. Gently iron over the paper.
  3. Lift the paper to see the crayon transferred.

Benefits:

  • Removes crayon marks effectively.
  • Safe for upholstery.

Conclusion

Keeping your car clean and well-maintained doesn’t have to be a closely-guarded secret of professional mobile valeters. With these 30 car cleaning tricks, you can achieve a showroom shine and maintain the interior and exterior of your vehicle with ease. From using household items like Vaseline and toothpaste to innovative tricks like slime and essential oils, these methods are not only effective but also budget-friendly. So, the next time you think about calling a mobile valeter, try out these car cleaning tricks first and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Do you have any other tips for us? Share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to like this post so we can spread these tips to others. Subscribe for more car care advice and tricks!

My Car Wash UK
Author: My Car Wash UK

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