Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. Now exhale. Ahhhh. What do you smell? The scent of just-bloomed flowers? Of lush green grass? Of air so fresh and pure you could be at the top of the Alps? No, you don't smell any of these things? Well, lucky for you, the first day of spring is right around the corner and that means it's time for some spring cleaning.
Your car goes through a lot during the winter, and has probably accumulated a little junk on the inside and grime on the outside. And who knows, maybe your vehicle was associated with a poor decision or regret or two during the cold season – but let's not get too personal. Regardless, now's a great time to refresh your vehicle for the warm weather ahead. Read on for some tips for spring cleaning your car.
Your car should be so clean that you should feel like this girl when you're inside it. 1. Wash the right way
Pay attention to which type of cleaner you're using to wash the exterior of your car. You may be tempted to cut costs or save a trip to the store by cleaning your car with dishwashing liquid – it's designed to cut through grime and grease, right? – however, The Family Handyman warned that this is a bad idea, despite the logic. The formula can actually by sucking out important oils from your car's finish, so steer clear of the sudsy stuff. Instead, opt for a cleaner specially made for cars, which you can find at auto parts stores or conveniently online. It's worth the effort to preserve the appearance of your vehicle.
2. Take care of your cleaning mats
The floor mats in your car are probably one of the dirtiest parts of the vehicle. Take the mats out and shake them, then get to work going through them with a sturdy brush followed by a vacuum to pick up the loosened debris, recommended professional detailer Greg Yoke in a guide for Car Talk. But be careful with your brushing – Yoke noted that many mats and carpets are poorly made, even in higher-end cars, so be sure to brush through the material gently.
3. Get crafty with the details
The interior of your car has so many tiny grooves that you may be tempted to just let the grime build up for all of eternity. Cleaning these small, hard-to-reach spots is a pinch, though, with some clever tools like paintbrushes and toothbrushes, explained Yoke.
"Is that smell me?" "No, honey, it's my car."4. Refresh effectively
Fast food trash, cigarettes, a moldy old coffee cup – cars get smelly fast. What's worse, you might be nose-blind to the, well, unique smell of your car, meaning you don't notice it, but you can be sure everyone else does. Give your car a refresh and get rid of the stench by buying a can of "non-smoke" spray, suggested The Family Handyman. Mist the spray around the inside of your car – with a light hand, and holding it about a foot away from surfaces and fabrics – and then switch the fan on to high and set it to recirculate mode, or max A/C, advised the site. Let it run as is for a little while – you can spray a little of the product into the intake opening of the vent for better scent circulation. Soon your car will smell as good as new.
5. Rain, rain, go away
Got rain stains on your windows? One Crazy House has a genius idea for getting rid of the spots. WD-40 or hair conditioner that contains lanolin helps erase the marks, and if the conditioner contains silicone as well, wiping a little across your windows will create a barrier to help prevent future rain stains. Who knew?
The service department at NJ State Auto Auction will help you keep your car in tip-top shape this season, whether you need new tires, an oil change or a replacement part. Schedule a consultation with one of its auto service experts today.