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12 Car Washing Hacks to Keep Your Car Beautiful and Functioning

Smiling young father with his kid washing a car with a water hose.

Maintaining a clean car can be challenging, but it’s worth it to keep that new car feeling. Accidents and unexpected events can make it even more difficult to achieve that level of cleanliness. Fortunately, we’ve compiled 25 of the best car cleaning hacks to help keep your vehicle looking great both inside and out. And, with auto insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind in case of any unexpected incidents on the road.

The Importance of Keeping Your Car Clean

Keeping your car clean is not just about having a shiny and aesthetically pleasing ride. There are numerous reasons why maintaining a clean car is important. Firstly, a clean car can improve your safety on the road. A dirty windshield, mirrors or windows can obstruct your view, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, a dirty exterior can affect the performance of your headlights and taillights, reducing visibility during night driving. Secondly, a clean car can help preserve its value. Regular cleaning can prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime, and rust that can cause long-term damage to your car’s exterior and interior. 

This can save you a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and maintenance. Lastly, a clean car can improve your mental well-being. Driving a clean car can give you a sense of pride and satisfaction, which can help reduce stress and make your driving experience more enjoyable.

12 Car Washing Hacks to Keep Your Car Beautiful and Useful

Keeping your car clean is not only important for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its longevity and functionality. However, car washing can be a time-consuming and tedious task. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 12 car washing hacks that will help you keep your car looking beautiful and functioning at its best. From using household items to making small adjustments to your washing routine, these hacks will make car washing easier, more efficient, and more effective. With these tips, you’ll be able to maintain your car’s appearance and value for years to come.

Interior Car Cleaning Hacks

1.  Use a Magic Eraser to Clean Your Dashboard

If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to keep your car’s dashboard clean, look no further than the Magic Eraser. This versatile cleaning tool can quickly and easily remove dirt, grime, and other stubborn stains from your dashboard, leaving it looking like new. To use a Magic Eraser, simply wet it with water and wring out any excess. Then, gently rub the eraser over your dashboard, being careful not to apply too much pressure or scrub too vigorously. 

The Magic Eraser’s unique texture will help lift dirt and grime from the surface of your dashboard without damaging the material. Once you’re done, simply rinse the eraser with water and let it dry before using it again. With just a few swipes of a Magic Eraser, you can keep your car’s dashboard looking clean and tidy, no matter how much use it gets.

2. Use a Coffee Filter to Clean Your Mirrors and Windows

Did you know that you can use a coffee filter to clean your mirrors and windows? It may sound strange, but coffee filters are actually great at removing streaks and smudges without leaving any lint or residue behind. Simply dampen a coffee filter with a little bit of water, and then use it to wipe down your mirrors and windows. The thin, absorbent paper of the coffee filter will gently scrub away any dirt or grime, leaving your surfaces sparkling clean. Plus, because coffee filters are so affordable and readily available, this cleaning hack is both effective and budget-friendly. So the next time you need to clean your mirrors or windows, try reaching for a coffee filter instead of a traditional paper towel or cloth. You may be surprised at just how well it works!

3. Cup Holders

This one is brilliant and so easy! Take a cup (like for coffee or soda from the gas station), wrap an old sock around it, and spray some all-purpose cleaner on it. Set the sock cup in the cup holder, twist and turn it, and then check out your clean cup holders (and maybe throw away the sock).

  • To keep them clean, place cupcake liners in the cupholders to catch any future drips and spills.
  • Empty gum containers (the hard, cylindrical kind) are great for storing loose change. Keep one in your cup holder (just don’t let anyone accidentally chew a penny). 

4. Trash Bin

You can make your own trash bin in a few ways. One is using an empty tissue box to throw out used napkins, straw wrappers, etc. When it’s full, you can throw the whole box out. Plastic cereal containers make great trash bins for cars. They can be closed if need-be and they are narrow and small, so they won’t take up too much floor space.

5. Keep Smells Away from Car

Sprinkle some baking soda on the soft surfaces of your car and vacuum. It’ll help absorb and neutralize odors. If you want to add a light scent, add some drops of your favorite essential oil to a wooden clothespin. Clip the clothespin to your air vent and enjoy the fresh scent. If you’ve ever used up a candle enough that it won’t light any more, but there’s still wax left, this ones for you. Place your candle in your cup holder. No need to light it! The heat from your car will soften the wax and release its fragrance.

Bumpers

  • Take off sticker gunk with WD-40. Just spray some on, let it sit for a while, and wipe it all away.
  • Got bugs? Use dryer sheets to quickly remove bugs on your front bumper.

Cleaning Hacks for the Exterior of Your Car

6. Use a Hair Conditioner to Shine Your Car 

Using a hair conditioner to shine your car may seem like an unconventional idea, but it is a surprisingly effective method that many car enthusiasts swear by. Hair conditioners contain ingredients that can help to smooth and soften the hair, and these same ingredients can also work wonders on the surface of your car. The ingredients in hair conditioners can fill in small scratches and imperfections in the paint, leaving your car with a smooth and shiny surface. To use a hair conditioner on your car, simply apply a small amount to a clean, damp cloth and rub it onto the surface of your car in a circular motion. Then, use a dry cloth to buff the surface until it shines. It is important to note that not all hair conditioners are created equal, so it is best to choose a high-quality conditioner that does not contain any harmful chemicals or dyes. With regular use, using a hair conditioner to shine your car can help to protect the paint and keep your car looking its best.

7. Use a Dryer Sheet to Remove Bugs from Your Car

If you’ve ever driven through a swarm of bugs, you know how frustrating it can be to remove the remains from your car’s windshield and front grille. But did you know that a simple solution to this problem can be found in your laundry room? Dryer sheets, typically used to freshen up clothes in the dryer, can also be used to remove bugs from your car. Simply wet the dryer sheet and use it to gently scrub away the bug remains. The texture of the sheet, combined with its anti-static properties, helps to loosen and lift the bugs off the surface of your car without causing any scratches or damage. Plus, the added bonus is that the scent of the dryer sheet can help to repel bugs from your car in the future. So next time you’re faced with a bug-covered car, reach for a dryer sheet and see how easily it can help you get rid of those pesky bug stains. 

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