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Avoid Washing the Car When it’s Too Hot
It may be tempting to give your car a bath on a warm, sunny day, but this could actually spell bad news for your car. Washing your car when the temperatures are too high or right after you’ve driven it can speed up the drying process, leaving permanent soapy deposits on your exterior.
Don’t Let Your Car Drip Dry
You might not have a professional dryer at home like they do at the automatic car wash, but that doesn’t mean that you should let your car air dry. To prevent rust stains, water spots, or damage to the paint, remove excess water with a clean squeegee and soft terry towels to get your car nice and dry.
Avoid the Wax-on Wax-off Motion When Washing
Mr. Miyagi may be a true believer in the “wax-on, wax-off” move, but it’s actually not a great idea when you’re washing the car as it can potentially leave swirl-like scratches on the paint. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise and rinse thoroughly after you’re done washing.
Related: 14 Ways You’re Wasting Money on Your Car
Toothpaste Will Cure Your Headlight Woes
Have you noticed that your headlights aren’t shining as brightly as they once did? Years of accumulated dirt and debris could be the culprit, and the remedy is likely sitting in your bathroom drawer. To clean yellowing headlights, spread toothpaste—one that contains peroxide and baking soda—over the headlight cover, rub the toothpaste in using a toothbrush, spray with warm water, and wipe clean with a terry towel.
Clean Your Wheels First
Although you may think it makes sense to work your way from the top to the bottom of the car when cleaning, it’s actually the wrong way to go about it. Clean your wheels first so that you can prevent brake dust and other debris from splashing all over your freshly washed car.
Baking Soda is the Remedy for Stains on Cloth Seats
If your car seats could talk, they’d tell you a lot about where you’ve been, what you ate while you were there, and what you accidentally spilled while you were on a road trip. To lift unsightly stains—even stubborn ones like ketchup and chocolate—from cloth seats, mix ¼ cup baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. Apply to the stains, blot with a towel, and scrub gently only if necessary.
Rubbing Alcohol Can Lift Stains from Leather Seats
Although leather seats are more resistant to stains, they are certainly not immune to spills. To lift stains from a leather seat, place a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and place directly on the stain. Once the offending spot is removed, wipe away the alcohol with warm water and dish soap.
Coke Can Remove Bug Guts from Your Windshield
There’s nothing scarier than the “thunk” sound of a large bug hitting your window—and it doesn’t exactly look great, either. Bugs and the mess they leave behind can be difficult to remove once hardened, but a can of Coke can make the job easier. Just be sure to wash the car and windshield well with soap and water after dousing it with soda.
Related: 13 Hacks Every Car Owner Should Know
Squeegee Away the Pet Hair
If your beloved pet likes to go on rides to the dog park and to the pet store, they’ve probably left behind some fur in your back seat. Pet hair can easily be removed by dousing the seat with a spray bottle of water and using a clean squeegee to wipe it away.
Remove Dust with a Make-up Tool
Your air vents help cool you off in the blazing heat and keep you warm in the winter, but they can also be collectors of dust and germs. Clear away built-up dust with a clean make-up brush, perfect for tackling those small nooks and crannies in the car.
