4 UNCOMMON SPOTS TO DEEP CLEAN IN YOUR CAR
We all know how to clean a car don’t we? For many of us, it’s one of our fondest childhood memories and one of our most common adult responsibilities. And it’s usually not difficult – just wipe down the dash, vacuum the seats and floorboards, and give the exterior a good once-over with soap and water. And voila! You have a fresh clean car, right?
Well, while these tactics a perfectly fine for your routine car cleaning regimen, there are actually plenty of other nooks and crannies that are worth cleaning when you really want a pristine ride. In this article we’ll tell you about four of the easily cleanable areas you may have forgotten – or totally overlooked – and how to deep clean them.
Headlights
No doubt you ran your soapy sponge across your front headlights while you washed your car, and they probably don’t look half bad. But you can do an even better job with a spray and wipe-down of any household window cleaner. And if your lights have started to fog up, a vinegar and baking soda solution (or toothpaste) will help clear them back up for a brighter shine. You can lay a towel down to ensure you don’t get vinegar or toothpaste on your paint job, and a follow up rinse will help too.
Wiper Blades
One of the worst things about giving your car a bath is realizing that you forgot the wipers once you’re already back on the road. Create a solution of a quarter cup of ammonia and a quart of cold water. With this solution on a towel, you can raise your wipers and slide the damp towel across their length. Wipe them back down with a dry towel and drop your spotless wipers back into place. Now they won’t leave a grimy streak behind next time you use them.
Center Console
Anything in your vehicle that gets touched by human hands is going to end up dirty over time. And yet, the center console is one of the most frequently forgotten areas to clean. A spritz of multi-surface cleaner and a towel will go a long way, but an old soft-bristled toothbrush is perfect for really getting the dirt and grime out of the hard to reach spots.
A/C Vents
You’re A/C vents are constantly blowing air all around your cabin – and with that air comes dust, dirt, and other debris. Clean A/C vents are not only essential for a spotless vehicle, but they will help keep your car cleaner for longer. An easy way to clean your air vents is with a foam paint brush. Just stick the foam sponge between the vent blades and wipe them down. Don’t forget the vents in the back seat!
We hope this article provided a few additional spots for when you feel like going above and beyond your general car care routine. As with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s why preventative products like a set of floor mats are a great tool for protecting your floor mats from dirt, grime, and spills. For those who get more heavy-duty use out of their vehicles, investing in a set of seat covers can not only keep your factory seat clean, but it can protect them from more permanent damage like rips and stains.
Check out all the chemical products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on uncommon spots to deep clean in your car, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
