July 31, 2023 | Allison Robertson

10 Ingenious Car Cleaning Hacks


Keeping your car clean might seem like an unending task, especially when you're juggling daily life, work, and kids. 

However, with the right hacks up your sleeve, it can be simpler than you think. 

From creative ways to manage trash to repurposing household items, here are 10 ingenious and cost-effective car cleaning hacks to keep your ride spotless and fresh. 

1. Olive Oil For Dashboard Shine

Car cleaning split imagesAdobe

Give your dashboard a shiny look by applying a little bit of olive oil. This natural solution is a cost-effective alternative to store-bought products.

2. Toothpaste For Headlight Cleaning

Person cleaning car headlightsChanakon, Adobe Stock

Apply a bit of toothpaste on a rag, scrub your headlights, and then rinse off. The mild abrasive can help clear up the haze on your headlights, improving visibility.

Advertisement

3. Baby Wipes For Window Cleaning

Cleaning Car Windshieldberdardbodo, Adobe Stock

Baby wipes can double as an effective tool for cleaning windows. They remove grime and leave a streak-free shine, and they're very affordable.

4. Lint Roller For Quick Upholstery Cleanups

Person using lint rollerNew Africa, Adobe Stock

A lint roller can quickly pick up dust, crumbs, and pet hair from your seats and other fabric surfaces in the car.

5. Silicone Or Rubber Gloves For Pet Hair

Blue rubber glovesm_____k___, Adobe Stock

If you have a pet, a pair of rubber gloves can help gather the hair on seats and floor mats. 

The static electricity generated when you rub the glove on the upholstery helps gather the pet hair.

Advertisement

6. Use A Paint Brush To Dust Air Vents

Cleaning car vents with brushzphoto83, Adobe Stock

An inexpensive paint brush or makeup brush can help you reach the dust in your air vents. You can also cover the brush bristles with a cloth if you need extra dusting power.

7. Baking Soda For Odor Removal

Man vacuuming carDusko, Adobe Stock

Sprinkle baking soda on your car seats and carpet, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum. 

The baking soda absorbs unpleasant odors, leaving your car smelling fresh.

8. Laundry Detergent For Upholstery Cleaning

Person cleaning carHoda Bogdan, Adobe Stock

Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water, and you've got a great cleaner for fabric upholstery.

Advertisement

9. Hair Conditioner for Shiny Exterior

Man Waxing CarREDPIXEL, Adobe Stock

 Wash your car with a hair conditioner containing lanolin. This substance will leave your car with a freshly-waxed look.

10. Coffee Can For Trash

Girl throwing a coffee can in trash canSandu, Adobe Stock

A plastic coffee can with a lid can be a convenient and compact option for a car trash can. 

A small plastic bucket with a bag and a lid can also be a great solution, especially for larger items or wet trash, as they can be easily cleaned and are durable. 

Remember, regular cleaning can keep your car in the best condition and extend the life of its interior. 

Try these tricks, and your vehicle will not only be cleaner, but also a healthier and more enjoyable place to be!


READ MORE

America's Iconic Pony Cars

The first Ford Mustang was driven off the lot in 1964, marking the start of the pony car era—but it's not the only icon from this time of American auto ingenuity.
January 12, 2025 Julian Karas

Touring bikes are different than motorcycles. They have extremely powerful engines and are designed with a much greater focus on ergonomics.

You’ve finally decided to get a motorcycle. Then, once you get to the dealership, you are shown all the models. Among them are touring bikes. Can you tell what makes them different? Let’s test your knowledge on that.
January 15, 2025 Jane O'Shea
Internalfb Image

Jerry Ender's Coolest Cars

Jerry Enders and his wife Janet have a massive collection. The duo owns a museum with over 20k items on display—vehicles, a boxing ring, and more. Ride along with us as we uncover their top 22 cars.
January 14, 2025 Alex Summers

Are You An F1 Buff? How Many Of These Formula One Trivia Questions Can You Answer?

Formula 1 is one of, if not the most popular sport in the world. So, needless to say there are a lot of fans out there. But how much do you know about F1? Well, now is your chance to find out. See, how many of these 20 F1 questions you can answer...
January 13, 2025 Jesse Singer
Ford Ranchero

Everyone Loved Those Retro Coupe Pickups. Here's A Look Back At What Made Them So Special.

What if there's a car that could bridge the gap between sleek sedans and rugged pickups? Car manufacturers asked the same question and came up with a coupe utility car, also called the "ute".
January 14, 2025 Miles Brucker
Ford GT40

The Story Of The Unstoppable Ford GT40

The wounded pride of one created an American legend as Ford sought to establish itself as a serious competitor in endurance racing. What followed was a pricey revenge, and here is the story.
January 15, 2025 Peter Kinney