Do you ever clean your car, and then it’s messy again just a couple days later? Let’s checks these 10 Cleaning Hacks to keep your car clean.

Brush Dirt and Grime Out Using a Toothbrush

Removing dirt and grime between the seams is pretty easy if you’re using a toothbrush. Gently brush the dirt and you’ll have a mess-free car seat in a jiffy!

Condition Your Dashboard with Vaseline

Vaseline works wonderfully at conditioning the dashboard and giving it a nice shine. It’s time-saving, effective and inexpensive.

Dust Your Vent with a Foam Craft Brush

Car air vents can get pretty dusty over time, but those narrow slots make it tough to clean with just a rag. If you need some extra reach, you can make a small sponge brush soaked with some cleaner and that will take care of the job.

Use a Microfiber Mitt to Clean Your Car

To have a lint-free and scratch free car washing experience, consider this microfiber mitt. It’s really handy and holds lots of water for cleaning your car.

Clean Your Windshield and Car Windows with Baby Wipes

Keep your windshield clean and clear by using baby wipes. One wipe surprisingly does a lot of work.

Fix Bad Smells in Your Car’s Air Conditioner with Lysol

If you want to get rid of all the bad smell coming from your air conditioner, then try spraying a Lysol into the air flow inlet. This will make your ride both more pleasant and popular.

Make Sure You Clean Your Windshield’s Interio

So you’re done cleaning your car’s outside, now let’s work on the interior. Improve your windshield visibility by using this microfiber glass wiper. It’s so much better to drive with a clear, undistracted view of everything.

Sprinkle Baking Soda on Your Seats Before Vacuuming

Step up your vacuuming technique with this humble yet super helpful hack. The baking soda can remove bad odors from your car carpets and upholstery.

Remove Car Stickers with a Hair Blower

While removing stickers isn’t as easy as putting them on, this hack will make your work less tiresome and sticky. Goodbye unwanted stickers!

Keep Silicone Liners in Your Cup Holders

Gunk and grime can easily get into your cup holders and nobody likes cleaning them out. But just using a couple of silicone liners can keep clean-up super fast and simple.

These tips are seriously time-saving and will help improve your in-car experience.

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In this post, we put together a list of things that are inexpensive and may come in handy to use for your car.

1. Nail file to cover scratches

A nail file is probably one of the most useful things to keep in your car during the winter months. When your rubber strip gets covered with dirt from the snow, it doesn’t really work to its advantage on your windshield.

The way to solve this problem is to take the wipers off and rub them with a nail file. This way, you’ll be fully set for a few months for that special road trip you were planning.

2. Hair conditioner to shine

If you want to keep your car shiny and put a stop to the appearance of water streaks, the ideal thing to do is use a hair conditioner.

First, get a bucket of water and add car wash soap, then wash over your car with straight strokes, but make sure to rinse immediately after you’re done. Change the water in the bucket if it gets dirty. Once this is done, add half a cup of hair conditioner in the bucket and smooth it over your car with a cloth. Rinse it all over, dry it with another cloth, and voila!

3. Keep your food hot

While this may not be something you can use as a quick first-aid tip, it can be a speedy tip when you order some take-out food.

If you are worried about your food getting cold, there’s no need. On your way home, place your food on the seat and turn on the seat warmer. This works with any kind of food, whether you got pizza, a burrito, or even nachos.

4. Coffee filter for the interior mess

A coffee filter will help control and soak up the tiny messes in your car. Make sure to keep a couple of them in your car just in case. Simply pat a bit of olive oil on the coffee filter and then wipe it over your car’s console. You can use it on leather seats and on the interior doors too.

5. Cereal container as trashcan

There are many things you can use as a trashcan in your car to keep it organized and clean, but the handiest item would be an empty cereal box. A cereal box has a lid to hold the trash inside and keep it from falling out while you are driving, and the lid can also secure the trash bag inside. It won’t steal too much legroom in the passenger seat, as it is stiff and easy to move to the side.

6. Pill bottle to store coins

You may have a bunch of coins scattered around in your car that you want to put away. Gathering them all in your wallet and carrying them around with you seems unnecessary, so the easiest way to avoid this is to pile them up in an old pill bottle.

7. Rubber kitchen gloves to remove pet hair

Put the rubber gloves on and dip your fingers in water to make them slightly wet, then rub them over your car seats. You will notice that some chunks of your pets’ hair will be easily picked up.

What will you now keep in your car at all times in case of an emergency? What do you usually keep in your car when you go on a road trip?

Make a DIY scented sachet for your car

Car freshening hacks don’t get easier than this DIY scented sachet. Simply pour fragrant bath salts into a loose-leaf tea strainer (an old—clean—sock will do in a pinch!) and place it in the glove box. You’ll enjoy a burst of fresh fragrance every time you pull out the map.

Freshen your car with wax

Drop a potpourri wax tart—commonly made by candle companies—into a cup holder, and take your favourite scent with you wherever you go.

Freshen your car with herbs

Lay fresh herbs, such as basil, on a piece of newspaper in the backseat and leave the windows rolled up to dry the leaves and banish bad odours. This eco-friendly car-freshening hack still won’t be the strangest thing a mechanic has ever found in a car!

Freshen your car by sprinkling oil

Shake a few drops of lemon or eucalyptus essential oil onto car mats for a naturally sweet scent that will last a few weeks.

Glue cotton balls or pom poms

Glue cotton balls or pom-poms to a clothespin, and add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Clip it to your vents, turn on the air or heat, and your car will be smelling sweet in just a few seconds.

Gain Fireworks (or Downy Unstopables)

Use Gain Fireworks (or Downy Unstopables) to make these mason jar air fresheners. Put them in your cup holder, and voila! Instant smelly-goodness.

Essential oil and rice air freshener

This essential oil and rice air freshener is a nifty trick. You’ll want to put it in a jar with small holes in the lid, but just give it a shake whenever the smell becomes faint, and it’ll smell like new again.

Wool felt balls

Thread wool felt balls together into a pretty wreath. Add your favorite essential oils as needed. See the above note about objects dangling from your mirror, though.

Clear Trash

Before you pull out the vacuum and cleaning supplies, clear out all the obvious trash. Check everywhere thoroughly. There will likely be trash on the floor, under the seats and in the seat cracks. Toss out any wrappers, bottles, toys and other objects that your vacuum can’t handle.

Tackle Floor Mats

Pull the floor mats out of the vehicle and shake them out as much as possible. This will make vacuuming easier. Scrub them with soap and hot water or a foaming carpet cleaner and allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling them.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum

Vacuum both front and back seats, the floor and, if necessary, the trunk. Vacuum every area of the vehicle where you can get the nozzle, including under the pedals and along the side door panels.

Wipe Away Grime

Now that the car is vacuumed, grab a soft cloth or cleaning wipes to wipe up all that dirt, sticky stuff and dust. You can also spray a small amount of car-specific cleaner over the console, steering wheel and the area between the seats to restore that new-car look.

Clean Cup Holders

Cup holders can harbour grime, spilled coffee, and dead hair and skin cells (yuck). Try using a cotton swab dipped in a little cleaning solution to reach those difficult areas.

Wipe Windows

Spray a window cleaner solution on windows and wipe clean with a paper towel or microfibre cloth. You can also mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of vinegar and one cup or rubbing alcohol for an effective homemade window cleaner.

Attack Stains

If there are stains on the seats or on the carpet (and we guarantee there will be, especially if you have kids!) try this homemade solution. In a spray bottle mix two cups of water, one cup of vinegar and about a tablespoon of dish soap. Spray on the stains and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wipe clean with a wet cloth. If the stain persists, try a product like Resolve. Spot-test in an inconspicuous area to make sure the upholstery fabric is colourfast.

Remove Pet Hair

If you have a dog, you know the pain of dealing with pet hair in the car. If the vacuum doesn’t remove all the fur, try using a rubber-dipped glove. Simply brush the hair away with your hand, and it sticks to the glove like magic! To protect your car’s interior from any future pet damage, try a waterproof seat protector.

Get Into Crevices

Grab a paint stirrer or two next time at you’re at the hardware store. Wrap an end with a microfibre cloth and use the stick to get into those hard-to-reach areas between the seats and around the centre console.

Freshen Up

Create a homemade car freshener with one cup of baking soda and five drops of your favourite essential oil. Place both the soda and oil in a sealable plastic bag or glass jar for 24 hours. Then shake it up, sprinkle on the car’s floor and let it sit for 20 minutes. When the time has passed, vacuum up the baking soda. The scent will linger, making your car smell fresh and clean!

Then again, these car organization hacks are a must-have for every single car owner!

1. Use A Gum Container For Change

Carrying change is a bit of an inconvenience but after a few bad experiences at Mall parking lots, I’ve made it a habit of making sure I have spare change in my car. Rather than dispose of those old gum containers, reuse it as a change holder and plug it into your cup holder.

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!

2. Dollar Store Bins For Meals

I admit that I eat food rather passionately (lol). It’s not unusual for me to squirt ketchup on the seats or drop breadcrumbs (Gluten Free, of course) all over the floor. Sigh. Which is why this plastic ‘bins’ is the perfect food accessory for car users.

It costs far less to purchase these containers than to pay for car cleaning every week.

3. Carabiner Clips To Hang Bags, Umbrellas And Packets

Tired of your purse and grocery bags tipping over in the back seat? No problem, grab a few of these carabiner clips and slap them onto your headrest handles! They’ll keep your purse, bags, and umbrellas safely secure with ample space in the back for passengers.

4. Store Make-Up And Accessories Using A Popsicle Mold

Holy molly! This literally looks like a professionally designed makeup holder for cars but it’s just a regular popsicle mold you can pick up at any grocery store for no more than a few bucks! Forget about digging through your bag or cubby when you can have all your makeup organized at arms reach.

5. Use Cup-Cake Liners To Keep Your Cup holders Sparkling Clean

The last thing you want is for roaches and pests to breed in your car because of stains and spills inside your cup holder. It sounds ludicrous but you’d be surprised how often it happens. Simply fit cupcake liners into your cupholders and enjoy peace of mind.

6. Store Cables And Connectors In A Q-Tip Case

Tired of losing your earphones, Bluetooth devices, and USB charges? Then just recycle your old Q-Tip case to store those small and easy to lose connectors. Best of all, it won’t cost you an extra cent.

7. Convert A Cup Into A Tissue Holder

I think this one is pretty self-explanatory so I won’t bore you with unnecessary words. Grab a coffee cup, stuff it with loads of tissue and safely secure it in your cup holder for easy access on the go! Oh, make sure to have the lid because that’s what makes this hack effective.

8. Use A Bungee Cords To Prevent Grocery Parcels From Toppling Over

There’s no way I would have thought of doing this but I have to admit, it’s a pretty neat trick. If you’re like me and don’t have bungee cables hanging around, just purchase some rope or stretch cable and install it in your boot to keep grocery packets upright and secure.

9. On-The-Go Kits For Kids

If there one thing I’ve learned about kids is that you can never be too safe or too prepared. Which is why I really really really like this simple hack. Get a few of these containers from a grocery store and pack essential backups like clothes, nappies, extra food supplies and toys. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this one!

10. Store Plastic Bags In A Used Tissue Containers

Used up all your tissues after watching the fault in our stars? Don’t get rid of that empty tissue box just yet because it can make a nifty and good-looking box for plastic bags! Seriously, it works and looks great.

1. Use a Cereal Container as a Trash Can

A plastic cereal container is just small enough to make the perfect trash can for your car. The flip-top opening ensures that whatever you throw away doesn’t end up all over the floor after you make a sharp turn. Just line the container with a plastic grocery bag, and you’re ready to go—and throw—whenever you like.

2. Gauge Your Garage Parking with a Tennis Ball

If you have trouble gauging how far you’ve pulled into your garage, use a string to hang a tennis ball on the ceiling so that it rests on your windshield when you’ve driven in far enough. You’ll never have to guess again.

3. .Download a Parking App to Find Your Car

Now where did you park that car? Oh boy, here we go again! Forgetful parkers rejoice: There are apps to help you instantly locate your ride so you don’t have to waste time strolling through the parking lot with your key fob in hand. There are several apps to choose from, all of which will keep track of where you’ve parked your car and lead you back to it without fail. Just like breadcrumbs, but better.

4. Keep Cup Holders Clean with Cupcake Liners

Dust, crumbs, and all sorts of stickiness can accumulate in a car cup holder, which is perhaps the most notoriously difficult to clean corner of any car. Luckily, there’s a trick that can keep your cup holder clean without the hassle. Simply drop a paper cupcake liner into the bottom of the cup holder. When it gets dirty, just replace it with a fresh one.

5. De-Ice a Frozen Lock with Hand Sanitizer

Perhaps you already keep hand sanitizer in the car for those times when you need a quick cleanup on the go. Well, here’s a new use for that handy cleaner: If your lock has frozen shut, squeeze a little hand sanitizer onto your key before sliding it into the lock. The alcohol in the cleaner will melt the ice, letting the key turn easily.

6. Warm Up Your Windshield Wipers

Never again waste precious time (and risk arriving late to work) trying to pry icy wipers from the windshield. Go on the defensive with a pair of socks. Keep a pair in your car during the winter, and when it looks like foul weather’s coming, put them over your windshield wipers at night to keep them from freezing and sticking.

7. Hang Hooks to Keep the Floor Clear

We could all use a little extra storage space in the car. Here’s a low-budget trick: Put a carabiner on the headrest supports of the front seats so you can hang your bags, umbrellas, and other whatnots. Now, all your essentials will be out of the way yet within easy reach.

8. Use Tinted Window Clings as Movable Shades

Every driver knows there’s that weird time of day when the sun shines in through the windshield at just the right angle so that car visors can’t swing or tilt far enough to block the bLoreVistang rays. Stop squinting and place a piece of tinted window cling in just the right spot to shield your eyes from the sun. This trick really works—after all, it’s what airline pilots do.

9. De-Fog Your Headlights with Toothpaste

As headlights get older, the plastic covers oxidize, which causes them to become yellow and foggy. Restore them to their former glory by rubbing some toothpaste (one with baking soda works especially well) onto the headlights, then give them a good scrub with an old toothbrush. After the toothpaste has dried, spritz with some water and buff the paste off with paper towels.

10. Give Your Tires the Penny Test

Do you think it may be time to replace your tires? To find out, take a penny, and place it headfirst into the tread groove. If you can see the entirety of Lincoln’s head, your tires are too worn and need to be replaced. If part of his head is covered, you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth left and can wait on new tires.

11. Remove Sticker Residue with Newspaper

Whether you’re dealing with a parking permit or a bumper sticker, when it’s time to peel it off, the sticker leaves behind a gummy mess. The next time you’re facing down a sticky spot, place a piece of wet newspaper on top of the residue and let it sit for about 15 minutes. When you come back, the glue will have softened up and will be much easier to wipe away.

12. Protect the Doors with Pool Noodles

In a tiny garage, trying to park the car without causing damage can seem like an exercise in futility. Even if you do manage to pull in without bumping your fender, you have to worry about scratching your car doors when you open them to exit the vehicle. You can park without a care, though, if you cut a pool noodle in half and screw it to the wall. The soft bumper will protect your doors from dings—provided you can squeeze the car into the garage in the first place.

13. Keep Rubber Resilient

When the weatherstripping around your car doors starts to fail, so does its protection against the elements. Fortunately, you can put off replacing seals by lubricating with WD-40 once a month to counteract the drying and cracking that happens in extreme temperatures. Plus, the new nozzle on the Trigger Pro® bottle applies the time-tested formula directly where you need it without the typical aerosol overspray, making this one auto job that won’t create a mess.