Spring cleaning your car is one of those jobs that can be hugely satisfying when you get it done efficiently. Sometimes though, the best way to do that isn’t always obvious right off the bat. Whether you’ve got a new car, or you’re working on one you’ve recently bought from our own online car auctions here at RAW2K, there are a couple of tricks to getting the job done right. Here are the top tips from our experts!
Spring cleaning essentials for your car
Now, before you crack on in earnest, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle in the long run by double-checking that you’ve got all the tools and materials you need prior to getting started.
Here are our suggestions on what you might need:
- Microfibre cloths
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Tire cleaner
- Interior protectant
- Wheel brush
- Soft bristle brush
- Upholstery cleaner (if necessary)
- Rubbish bags
Once you’ve gathered all of the above, you may well find that the entire cleaning process can go a lot more smoothly. So then – let’s move on, shall we?
Declutter and clean the interior
The first step in revitalising your car for spring is decluttering and cleaning the interior. A good place to start is by removing all unnecessary items from your car. Dispose of any rubbish, old receipts, and clutter that has accumulated over time – a clutter-free environment not only looks better but also (let’s be honest) makes for a more pleasant driving experience.
With the interior decluttered, it’s time to deep clean. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum the interior, paying close attention to the seats, floor mats, and crevices where dirt and debris tend to hide. Vacuum cleaner attachments can help you to reach tight spaces and ensure a thorough clean.
After vacuuming, the next step is to focus on cleaning the surfaces. You can use an all-purpose cleaner and microfibre cloth to wipe down surfaces like the dashboard, door panels, and centre console. Pay extra attention to areas that accumulate dust and grime – some areas can be annoyingly more prone to it than others.
Clean the surfaces, windows, and mirrors
With the interior decluttered and cleaned, you’re then free to turn your attention to the surfaces, windows, and mirrors. The best way to do this is by wiping down all interior surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner and a fresh microfibre cloth. This step not only removes dirt and grime, but also leaves behind a clean and fresh scent. (Always a nice bonus if it’s a family car!)
The next step is to focus on cleaning the windows and mirrors. Use a high-quality glass cleaner and a clean microfibre cloth to clean both the interior and exterior surfaces. Clear and streak-free windows and mirrors maximise visibility when driving, and as an extra bonus, they can also keep your car looking at its best too.
Sort out the exterior and bodywork
The final step in your car’s spring cleaning process is sorting out the exterior and bodywork. The good news is that it doesn’t take anything particularly intensive to get this bit done – all you need is mild car was soap and water. You can use a sponge or wash mitt to gently scrub away dirt and grime on the outside of your car, paying extra attention to areas prone to buildup such as the wheels, grille, and lower body panels.
When you’ve finished washing your car, you might want to consider applying a coat of wax to protect the paint and give your car a glossy finish. Waxing is a great way to enhance the appearance of your car, while providing a protective barrier against environmental contaminants and UV damage. It’s not essential though, so you can make it a judgement call!
All that should leave your car ready for the Springtime sunshine! (Which should be here any day now…) In the meantime, if you need a set of wheels to get you back on the road this Spring, or a model you can scrap for parts, you’re in exactly the right place.
We’ve got a huge range of salvage cars to choose from in our online car auctions, including many from world-famous brands like Mercedes, Citroen and Peugeot. Our auctions are refreshed on a daily and weekly basis, so there are always bargains to be found. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
