10 Good Habits for a Cleaner Car

Don’t Eat or Drink in the Car

Crumbs, wrappers and sticky spills can quickly make a vehicle feel dirty. They also attract pests and create lingering odors.

Wipe Up Spills Quickly

If a no-food rule isn’t realistic for your family, clean up messes as soon as they happen. Fresh spills wipe up easily, but dried soda, coffee and sauces become sticky and much harder to remove.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Store a microfiber towel in the glove box for quick touch-ups. Wipe the dash, console and door handles once a week to prevent dust and grime from building up.

Manage Trash

Keep a small trash bag or bin in the vehicle and empty it regularly. A good reminder: Toss trash whenever you stop for gas. 10 Good Habits for a Cleaner Car How you treat your car between deep cleans can make all the difference in controlling mess, odors and everyday clutter

Vacuum Weekly

If you use your car daily, vacuum the seats, floor mats and carpeting at least once a week. Remove any floor mats before vacuuming— debris tends to collect around the edges of the mats and get ground into the fibrous floor carpeting.

Use All-Weather Mats

If you live in an area with dirt roads or frequent rain or snow, install all-weather floor mats. They trap sand, mud and water and can be easily hosed off.

Avoid Clutter

Stow pens, receipts and other small items in the glove box or designated compartments, and keep the passenger seat clear. Likewise, avoid turning your trunk into a storage closet—carry only the essentials so it stays functional.

Watch What Passengers

Bring In Before passengers climb in, check for muddy shoes, open containers or messy bags. A simple rule helps: If something comes in with a passenger, it leaves with them.

Don’t Smoke in the Car

Smoking leaves behind odors, ash and residue that are difficult to remove and can reduce a vehicle’s resale value. Professional detailers can help restore a fresh smell, but prevention is far easier.

Make Cleaning Part of Your Routine

A few minutes of maintenance each week prevents dirt buildup and makes deep cleanings faster. Wash the exterior every two to three weeks and give the interior a quick weekly clean to keep things looking their best.

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