Nothing can be more exhilarating than taking your new or used car off the showroom floor. From the smell of the modern interior to the shine of the outside, it sparkles from the front to back. Once you have the car, it can be a little surprising how quickly it gets dirty. Getting your vehicle back to that fresh appearance you love inside and out isn’t hard, but it does take a little work. With the right selection of cleaning materials and a pleasant day outside, you’ll be ready to tackle the job. So roll up your sleeves, and take some of the best car cleaning tips from your local team from House Ford.
Get The Right Products Ready
Get ready to do the job right by getting some of the following materials:
• Exterior- car wash solution, tire and wheel cleaner, microfiber towels(for drying), wax applications, buckets, and a long enough hose to reach
• Interior- vacuum cleaner with attachments, cleaners for plastic and vinyl areas, cloth or leather cleaner, microfiber towels
How To Clean Your Interior
If you think about your car, the inside is where to spend a lot of time. It becomes like a second home when you’re commuting daily to work and back. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep it looking its best.
Begin by removing the mats first, and you’ll be surprised how much debris and dirt is under them. Vacuum thoroughly under where the mats where place and also under the seats. Use smaller attachments to reach between the seats or other hard to reach areas. If you have cloth seats, let your cleaning solution sit for a few minutes if you have stains. You can use a damp sponge to spread around the places, so they don’t become soaked. Let dry and then vacuum and wipe any excess off with a towel. Treat the dashboard and steering wheel with a good polisher and microfiber towel.
Best Ways To Organize Your Stuff: Have you found the inside of your car to be home to just about everything? Many cars have hair ties, pens, charging cords, sunscreen bottles, chapstick, and more lying around on the floor or in between seats. Use a plastic drawer with multiple compartments to hold all the smaller items that seem to be scattered everywhere. A small empty mason jar or an empty gum container is an excellent solution for all that spare change.
Cleaning The Exterior Like The Professionals
Having a vehicle that’s ready to show off to the world can be accomplished by following a few simple steps. If possible, try to get a shaded region to wash your car in to avoid sunspots. Rinse your vehicle thoroughly with a hose before you begin to clean. The cleaning process works much better if you start at the top and work your way down. As for the tires, wash one at a time for best results. Also, it’s a good idea to have one bucket for your water and one for the cleaning solution. To dry and waxy your vehicle, you can use a microfiber towel. Make sure the wax is distributed across the cloth evenly, and flip it to the dry side as needed for an impressive shine!
Thoughtful Tricks For Common Problems
Every car owner has encountered some of these issues, but luckily there are some creative solutions.
• Bird Droppings- these are highly acidic and can create damage to your paint. Try spraying WD-40 on the area for about a minute, rinse, and then wipe it clean with a cloth. You can also use a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Spray the area and let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with a hose.
• Dead Bugs On Headlights- Place a few dryer sheets into a bottle with warm water and let sit for a few minutes. Then spray where the bugs have landed and wipe clean.
• Dirty Headlights- get a soft-bristled brush, some baking soda, and some whitening toothpaste. Spread a layer of toothpaste over your headlights and clean with a circular motion of the brush.
Why You Should Keep Your Car Clean
Keeping your vehicle clean goes further than aesthetics appearance. One of the biggest reasons is it preserves your paint. Dirt and grime will erode the exterior, but washing it often helps prevent this. You may have never thought of it before, but clean cars are safer on the road. Other motorists can see you much easier if your vehicle is taken care of. Cleanliness also keeps you healthy! Lots of dangerous bacteria are lurking on the inside of your vehicle. Wipe down high contact surfaces often like the steering wheel and dashboard. Finally, you can feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing you are proud of your work.
If you need more help keeping your vehicle looking its best, contact House Ford today. We also have a large selection of car accessories that can help! Reach out to us for more information today.

