Most people spend a lot of time in their car – in fact, probably more time than you think. For some of us, we practically live in our vehicles, which makes it easy to accumulate garbage and other things that can make it feel dirty or unpleasant to be in. Cleaning your vehicle regularly can make a big difference in not only maintaining the value of your car, but also in making it a more comfortable place to spend your time. Read on below for a few pointers on how to best maintain and clean the interior of your vehicle:
- Remove any trash and/or unnecessary belongings. Before jumping in with the cleaning supplies, take a trash bag and throw out any wrappers, old receipts, empty bottles, or any other items that just don’t belong. Yes – this includes your miscellaneous personal items that have accumulated in the trunk or in the many compartments of your car.
- Vacuum your floor mats and seats. Depending on how messy your floor mats are – you may want to remove them from your vehicle and shake them out before vacuuming. For rubber mats, you should hose them down, then scrub them with a mixture of warm water and cleaning solution. If you don’t have cleaning supplies specifically for your car, you can almost always use dish soap. To clean your seats, vacuum up any dirt or crumbs, then use a rag with warm water and soap to spot clean any stains.
- Dust your dashboard and other hard surfaces. Using a rag or washcloth, wipe up any surfaces that look dusty – this most likely includes your front dashboard, center console, and air vents.
- Clean the window interiors. Using your best glass cleaner, spray down the interior of your windows, one at a time. Use a gentle microfiber cloth and wipe them in a circular motion to avoid streaks. If your windows are tinted, try to avoid using any cleaner with ammonia.
Regular cleanings to keep your vehicle dirt-free may seem like a nuisance, but its worth the time and effort to maintain the value and comfort of your car. By following just a few simple steps, your vehicle will have that new car smell and feel in no time.
This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.
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