Tips for keeping your car interior looking really good

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like a clean car, but cars are super cleanable, so I don't worry too much about "keeping it clean" and I just devote an appropriate amount of time and money to cleaning it. I have a toddler and sometimes I would rather get crackers everywhere than let a 5 minute car nap f&* up my whole afternoon.

There's basically no amount of vomit or gummy bears that can't be cleaned out of a car. It's good to try to avoid anything that can fully soak in, so like if there's possibly pee happening you should put down an absorbent protector of some kind. But other than that, it's okay.

I find the $25 car wash, the kind where you get out and they vacuum and sort of wipe down is about 85% as good as a full detail which is pretty good for 10 minutes.

I definitely think having a roll of trash bags and some microfiber clothes is helpful and I also like having one of those soft sided thingies to collect/corral stuff but it's definitely not a necessity.

Wait… This is a thing? I hate vacuuming my car so I don’t do it enough. I would pay $25 in a hot minute, I just don’t want to pay 125 for an interior detail… (not OP)

Yep! Depending on where you are it might be closer or farther away. It will be in the sweet spot of cheap enough real estate and proximity to people willing to pay for the car wash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid snow and beaches. Seriously the worst offenders after food!

A detailer can get sand out, it's not a huge deal if you're reasonable careful. They vibrate the carpet and the sand flies up where the vacuum can get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t allow children or pets in the car. Ever.

Don't allow children, pets, or people in the car. Ever.

No eating children or pets in the car, ever.

Definitely don't eat children in the car. It's illegal and is likely to leave a mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid snow and beaches. Seriously the worst offenders after food!

A detailer can get sand out, it's not a huge deal if you're reasonable careful. They vibrate the carpet and the sand flies up where the vacuum can get it.

I think you missed the point. Of course a detailer could get nail polish out; the assignment was to keep car looking good without weekly detailing. Sand is abrasive and will absolutely impact the slick look of the vehicle long term.

[Anonymous]

Get the rubber floor mats
Try to minimize messy foods
Pickup debris a few times a week
I have paper towels and a microfiber towel for quick wipes
Vacuum once a week

[Anonymous]

Don't let my husband drive it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have elementary age kids and my car is clean. We don’t eat in the car except a few things that don’t make a mess - think apple slices not things that make crumbs. Water, not juice or soda.

My kids change out of their sports shoes and put on sandals before they get in the car - no muddy cleats.

Every single time we exit the car, everyone takes everything out of the car. No wrappers, papers, water bottles, etc. There is nothing in my car except the papers in the glove box and a few emergency items in the center console. I have a hatchback and have an organizer that hangs in the back area and holds jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit, and a few kid things we occasionally need.

Yep, sounds like us for the most part. Very minimal snacking in the car, only water, everything is taken out when we get home each time.

[Anonymous]

My husband’s car is spotless. No food. No feet up, don’t leave anything behind. Kids don’t go in it often. He gets it washed once a week.

[Anonymous]

I pay $54 a month for unlimited car washes, where they do the interior as well. That includes vacuuming, wiping down doors and dashboard, and cleaning windows inside and out. It's not perfect, but since they went to this unlimited monthly fee, I go about 5 times a month. Car looks brand new.

[Anonymous]

Pro tip: if you throw up on the seatbelt, clean it up before you let the seatbelt retract into the box.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t allow children or pets in the car. Ever.

This, and no eating in the car

Nothing to drink but water!

[Anonymous]

Buy car seat covers and use them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Buy car seat covers and use them.

I don't mean for kids car seats, but actual covers for the seats in the cars. Usually they can be washed and will protect the seats.

[Anonymous]

I prefer a casual, messy car. Love it when I'm short on money to be able to scoop up change under seats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid snow and beaches. Seriously the worst offenders after food!

A detailer can get sand out, it's not a huge deal if you're reasonable careful. They vibrate the carpet and the sand flies up where the vacuum can get it.

I think you missed the point. Of course a detailer could get nail polish out; the assignment was to keep car looking good without weekly detailing. Sand is abrasive and will absolutely impact the slick look of the vehicle long term.

The point is you can use your car at the beach without stressing out, just have it detailed after.