Automobile – Spring Cleaning Operation

Cloudy skies are forecast for the week-end? Great! It will be the perfect time for cleaning up your vehicle. Say goodbye to winter and get your vehicle shining for spring!

Order, please

It’s amazing the amount of things that can be found in a car from papers to coffee cups, toys and clothes… Start the spring cleanup of your car by tidying up and taking out any unnecessary clutter. Stick your hand through the cracks in the backseat and see what treasures you can fish out, especially if you have kids. While you’re at it, take the ski rack off the roof and remove the bag of salt and shovel from the trunk and store them away.

Clean sweep on the carpets

Remove the rubber carpets and protection mats. Salt and gravel have probably left stains that should be easy to clean with a vinegar-and-water solution. Then hang them on the clothesline and let them dry completely. Thoroughly vacuum all interior carpeting and seat fabric: wash any stains you find with the vinegar-and-water solution. Make sure the mats are completely dry before placing them back on the floorboard. The carpet in the trunk would probably also benefit from a breath of fresh air: sprinkle baking soda, let sit for 30 minutes then vacuum.

Let it shine!

To spruce up the dashboard and inside door panels, simply use a little hot water and soft towels. Same thing for the console. For really stubborn stains, use detergent mixed with cold water. Whatever you do, don’t use an ammonia-based cleaner, as it could ruin plastic surfaces. Finish up by cleaning the inside of the windows: again, the vinegar-and-water solution comes to the rescue! The vinegar will degrease the glass and make it shine. If the smell of vinegar puts you off, add a few drops of lemon juice to the solution.

Perfect body

This is your garden hose’s moment of fame! Liberally spray the outside of the car: move the stream of water over all surfaces, inside the wheel wells, underneath the vehicle, without forgetting the wheels. Keep spraying until the car is completely rid of all traces of mud, salt or other contaminants.

Then it is time to add soap. Forget dishwashing liquid and other detergents: these products can leave deposits behind or even damage your vehicle’s finish. Use instead a product designed specifically for car washing. Using a sudsy sponge, start with the roof and work your way down. Rinse the body frequently until you are ready to dry it. Finish it up with a chamois: it is the best thing for a real shiny body.

Spring cleaning your car helps minimize winter damage. As you clean, check for any spots of rust, scratches or other issues. Just think how great it will be to hit the road this summer in a sparkling clean car!