Spring has sprung on us fast this year and there’s nothing better than grabbing all your cleaning supplies and going to town scrubbing stuff down. We typically think about cleaning our houses during the spring cleaning frenzy, but our cars could use some vehicle maintenance and love as well. So, let’s gather the cleaning supplies and spruce up our ride!

Easy Everyday Cleaning Items

We know, it can be fun to go out and buy a bunch of new cleaning supplies, but to be honest, you really don’t need to. Most of the items you need to give your vehicle a good thorough cleaning are probably already laying around your house.

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Vacuum hose
• Paintbrush
• Magic Eraser
• Spray bottle
• Olive Oil
• Squeegee
• Diluted all-purpose shampoo
• Sponge/ white washcloth

Let’s Get Started!

The first step in cleaning your car is to throw away all the trash – yes, we are talking to you, the one with the plethora of empty water bottles and fast food wrappers taking up residence on the floor of your vehicle. Pay attention to the cup holders and door pockets as well. Also, Gather up all the loose change and myriad bobby pins and hair ties that always seem to find their way into every crack and crevice of your vehicle.

Cleaning the Cracks and Crevices

Dust storms are a common occurance here in Arizona, and considering the frequent lack of rain, everyday dust is just a way of life here. Your vehicle can take the brunt of all that dust – from a dirty exterior to clogged air filters, dust can wreak havoc on a vehicle and embed itself in the tiniest of crevices.

The easiest way to clean out the dust is to vacuum it up, however, when it comes to the vents, you might want to utilize a paintbrush to clean inside the vents as much as possible. Spring is also a great time to replace your air and cabin filters. Making this an annual event in the spring will help you remember to change them, as well as ensuring that your vehicle is getting proper air flow, and you are breathing in clean air also.

Changing your filters can certainly be a DIY job, but if you are unsure how to do it, or would just like the convenience of having someone else change them, come on in and we can do it for you. Plus, it never hurts to have a free courtesy check done on your vehicle during the spring, before the hot, hot Arizona summer hits.

A Toothbrush?

Yes, a toothbrush! They come in handy when you are trying to clean up that unidentified sticky substance stuck in your cup holder. Actually they are great for cleaning up in most small nooks and crannies where your hands are just too big to reach.

A toothbrush and toothpaste aren’t just good for your teeth either, they are also great for your headlights! As a vehicle ages, the headlights can get worn and start to appear cloudy. Also, the bugs start coming out in full force once the weather gets warmer – can you say bug guts? This is not only unsightly, it can also become a safety hazard.

Just grab a toothbrush and some toothpaste (any brand will work) and scrub away, just like you’re brushing your teeth. It might take a couple coats of toothpaste but the effort will be well worth it once your headlights look like new again.

 Refresh your worn leather

Leather can take a beating over time. From seats to steering wheels, leather can become dull, dry and faded with continued use. Steering wheels especially can show wear since we are constantly running our hands over them.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to refresh your leather is to treat it with some olive or mineral oil. Most household have some olive oil laying around in the kitchen, so feel free to use it. Just put a couple drops on a paper towel and gently massage it into the worn out leather. There are plenty of leather conditioners on the market, but a bit of olive oil will work just as well.

Clean up stubborn pet hair

Most of us have been guilty of giving in to puppy dog eyes every now and again. Most dogs just love going on an adventure with their owners, especially if they can stick their furry little heads out the window and feel the air rushing past them. The downside to indulging your pet in a car ride is that they often leave half of their winter coats all over the seats and floors.

Obviously, giving your vehicle a thorough vacuuming will pick up the majority of the hair, but there are always some stubborn hairs that refuse to come up with vacuuming. For those stubborn hairs, reach for a spray bottle filled with water and a squeegee. Lightly spray the area with the water and then use the squeegee to work the fur out of the fabric. Easy peasy.

These are just a few simple hacks to get you started on spring cleaning your car and it only takes a couple minutes. Once you’re done, roll those windows down, enjoy the sunshine and take your freshly clean car out for a ride around town.

Of course, if your vehicle is exceptionally grungy and you need a good car detailing service, we can help with that as well! Give us a call and we will get your vehicle back to looking new once more.