We spend so much time in our vehicles. Driving to work, school, the grocery store, soccer practice and endless errands. Well, road warriors, piloting a minivan, car or pickup truck that is fresh and clean makes these daily runs more enjoyable and sets the stage for unforgettable road trip adventures this summer.
Now, buckle up — we’re steering you to seven tips to keep your car sparkling clean and smelling great!
Trunk tools
Keep a stash of cleaning supplies within easy reach. The best tools are a microfiber cloth, gentle cleaning spray and detailing brush. A lidded tub in the trunk or garage filled with handy tools make it easy to give the interior a quick wipe when needed. Just be mindful of trims and finishes. When in doubt, keep a small duster or soft makeup brush in your kit. If your vehicle has luxurious leather seats, choose a cleaner that won’t do damage or consider picking up a pack of leather conditioning wipes. Add in a portable car battery charger and set of extra-long jumper cables to help emergency-proof your travels.
Vacuum it up
Vacuuming the seats and floors isn’t just about a tidy appearance. Regular vacuuming preserves upholstery’s longevity by removing dirt, rocks and debris that cause abrasive wear and tear over time. Consider investing in seat covers, especially if you have younger passengers who create crumbs or teen drivers who like to hit the drive-thru!
Bin it
Trash in a vehicle is inevitable. Use a small, reusable trash bin with plastic liners to deposit straw wrappers, receipts and discarded school papers. Try to find the variety that slide in between seats or have a weighted base to prevent tipping over. Passengers are more apt to put their garbage in a container if it’s handy. Then, just dump it in the trash can when you get home!
Organize
Don’t forget the glove box and the center console when you’re getting things in shape. Sort out all the old gas receipts, expired insurance cards and Kidz Bop CDs. Put your current registration and insurance card in a plastic pouch. Then, organize a zip bag with a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, tissues, tire pressure gauge and an extra phone charger. A dedicated lint roller will take pet hair off your blouse and swipe up spills. Add a clip to the sun visor to keep your sunglasses from sliding under the seat and getting scratched. Store a couple of fragrant Scentsy Buddy Travel Pillows to keep the kids comfy on longer rides.
Cups galore
OK, cupholders get gross and sticky from leaky water bottles, coffee mugs and soda cups. Then add crumbs and loose change. It’s time to get it clean. Cover an empty cup in an old sock soaked in cleaner (we really like Scentsy’s All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate). Plop it in the cupholder. Twist until the grunge comes out. Keep the clean cupholder pristine by adding silicone cupcake liners that easily rinse out.
Wipe ready
Accidents happen, including a spilled beverage or a forgotten chocolate bar melting in the sun. Keep a package of wet wipes in the car to mop up messes before they set in. Diaper wipes are great for dirty faces, makeup mishaps and filthy fingers. Scentsy Swipes in Squeeze the Day make for quick car cleanups and leave only amazing fragrance behind. A dedicated towel in the trunk will prevent anyone from sitting on a soggy seat.
Fresh air
Gym bags, bare feet and dirty floor mats can make for a smelly moving violation. Keep the car an aromatic wonderland with an air freshener. Scentsy Car Bars and Scent Circles are mess-free, delightful little gems that come in a variety of scents evoking everything from fresh linen to tropical paradises. Headed to the beach? Try a Coastal Sunset Car Bar. Hoping for a more masculine fragrance? Open up a Mystery Man Scent Circle. Or, choose a favorite fragrance from Scentsy’s 2024 Summer Collection.
Your vehicle interior is now a sparkling, fresh and organized environment on wheels ready for trips to the park, campground or swimming pool on the first day of summer. Keep it that way by setting aside a few moments each week to do maintenance. After all, a little bit of prevention goes a long way. Happy travels!
Share your top car care tips in the comments!