Once the throes of winter are done, so are salted roads and harsh conditions. Car spring cleaning involves both upkeep of the car as well as cleaning it out. Doing so will help you prepare for the amazing road trips and adventures waiting for you with spring and summer around the corner.
Here’s the nuts and bolts of spring cleaning your car in 10 easy steps:
Car maintenance: Do these things first
Clean the exterior of the car
Cleaning the exterior of the car is important to make sure you don’t develop paint and rust problems. Winters can be hard on car exteriors with salt and sand thrown on the streets to deal with ice and snow.
8. Wash the car
Give the car a good wash. Use a mild detergent and sponge to get dirt and road grime off the car. Be sure to give the wheel hubs and underside of the car a good spraying with fresh water to remove any residual salt and sand stuck.
9. How to clean headlights on cars
Use toothpaste on the exterior of the headlights to remove the dull and foggy film that builds up on it. Be careful to not get toothpaste on other parts of the car, since it is mildly abrasive and may scratch your paint finish. Rub the toothpaste on and wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth. Rinse with fresh water.
10. Clean exterior windows and mirrors
Just as you cleaned the interior windshield, give the exterior of the windows and mirrors a thorough cleaning. Make sure the windows are cleaned from dirt when washing the car. Then spray them with window cleaner and wipe down with a microfiber towel to get rid of any streaks and spots.
Once the car is clean, keep it cleaner longer with some simple maintenance shared with Mom.com from organizational expert, Michelle Hansen. “One of the best things you can do to keep your car looking cleaner, longer, is to limit the amount of food you allow in the car.” She suggests limiting the types of snacks you use to keep things mess-free as much as possible.
