Spring is the perfect time to give your car a deep clean and get it ready for the warm weather ahead. Here are ten simple spring cleaning tips for your car, along with product recommendations to help keep your car looking and smelling new.
Start with a thorough wash.
The first step in spring cleaning your car is to wash it thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, and salt that may have accumulated during winter. Use a high-quality car wash soap and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the paint. We recommend the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wash and Wax, which offers a cratch-free cleaning for all surfaces that leaves behind a brilliant shine with chemical-resistant protection that lasts for months.
Apply a wax.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your car’s exterior is to wax it regularly. Waxing your car as part of your spring cleaning is an important part of car maintenance that can protect your car’s exterior and give it a showroom-quality finish. We recommend Nu Finish Once a Year Car Polish. This 2-piece car care ki includes: Scratch Doctor Car Scratch Remover and Once a Year Car Polish.
Clean the windows.
Dirty windows can be a safety hazard, as they can reduce visibility while driving. Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the windows inside and out. We recommend the Invisible Glass Windshield Glass Treatment 5-Piece Kit, which includes a Premium Glass Cleaner that is streak and residue-free, Anti-Fog for interior glass and mirrors to prevent fogging, rain repellent for exterior windows to prevent water sheeting in the heaviest of downpours, and two microfiber clothes. This premium glass cleaner kit is a must-have for spring cleaning your car.
Vacuum the interior.
Your car’s interior can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time. Start by using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to clean the seats, carpets, and floor mats. We recommend the Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum, which is lightweight and powerful enough to pick up even the smallest particles. Additionally, it comes with multiple attachments, including a deluxe car nozzle for tight spaces and a detail brush for dashboards and vents.
Use an all-purpose cleaner.
Use an all-purpose cleaner for spring cleaning various surfaces in your car, including the dashboard, door panels, and center console. We recommend Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner, which is safe for all interior surfaces and can remove stubborn stains and dirt.
Condition leather seats.
If your car has leather seats, it’s important to condition them regularly to keep them looking their best. Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple and to prevent cracking and fading. We recommend Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioning Spray, with premium leather conditioners and aloe provide nourishment for soft, supple leather. Conditioning your car’s leather during spring cleaning ensure it maintains is showroom appearance.
Protect vinyl and plastic surfaces.
Vinyl and plastic surfaces in your car can fade and crack over time, especially if exposed to sunlight. Use a protectant when spring cleaning your car to keep these surfaces looking new and prevent UV damage. We recommend Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant, the long-lasting protectant creates rich shine and darkness, ideal for vinyl, rubber, and plastic surfaces like dashboards, door panels, exterior trim pieces, molding, tires, and more.
Shine the tires.
Tire shine is a product that adds a glossy finish to your car’s tires, making them look new. We recommend Armor All Wheel Cleaner and Tire Shine Kit. The kit includes Armor All wheel cleaner, tire shine, and wheel brush.
Clean the engine bay.
The engine bay of your car can also benefit from a good cleaning. Use an engine degreaser to remove dirt and grime, then rinse with a hose. We recommend the Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser, which is safe for all engine components and can dissolve even the toughest grease and oil.
Organize your trunk.
Finally, don’t forget to organize your car’s trunk as part of your spring cleaning routine. Remove unnecessary items and use storage containers to keep everything in its place. We recommend the Trunkcratepro Collapsible Heavy Duty Cargo Organizer, which can fit in most trunks and is made with durable materials.
It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any products on your car. Using too much of a product or not following the instructions can lead to damage or ineffective results. Additionally, always test a small, inconspicuous area before applying a product to the entire surface to ensure compatibility and avoid any unwanted reactions.
When it comes to choosing products for spring cleaning your car, it’s important to look for high-quality and trusted brands. Unfortunately, many products on the market claim to be effective but may actually harm your car’s surfaces or not provide the desired results. By researching and investing in quality products, you can ensure your car looks and performs its best.
Spring cleaning your car is essential to car maintenance, which can keep your car looking and performing its best. By following these ten simple tips and using high-quality products, you can ensure that your car is ready for any adventure that comes your way. Remember to regularly maintain your car and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any products. Happy spring cleaning!