15 Viral Car Cleaning Hacks That Really Do Work

Got smelly carpets? Sprinkle some baking soda on them and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, vacuum it up. That’s it. The baking soda absorbs bad smells, leaving your car smelling fresh and clean. It’s quick, easy, and works like magic.

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Do you have carpet stains in your car? Mix one part vinegar with five parts water. Spray the stain and scrub gently with a nylon brush. This helps lift the stain and keep your carpets looking clean. Try to tackle stains quickly before they set for the best results.

Cleaning windows? Use a microfiber towel to reduce lint and streaks, leaving your windows crystal clear. They’re great for getting rid of that annoying film or condensation on the inside of your windshield, especially in colder weather.

If you’re cleaning windows, mix hot water with vinegar using a five-to-one ratio. Spray it on the glass, then wipe it off with newspaper. The newspaper doesn’t leave lint or streaks and is strong enough to scrub away grime, making it simple and cost-effective.

If you’re tackling stains inside your car, start by spraying vinegar on the area and letting it soak for a few minutes. Sprinkle baking soda over the spot, then spray more vinegar on top. Scrub the mixture into the stain, and once it’s done, let it dry or vacuum up any leftover baking soda. This method works well for both removing stains and neutralizing odors.

If you’ve got pet hair in your car, a squeegee can make a big difference. After vacuuming to remove most of the hair, take a squeegee and run it down the seat, pulling the hair in one direction. It helps grab the hair your vacuum missed, leaving your seats mess-free.

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If your cup holders are a mess, this trick works wonders. Find a glass jar that fits into the holder and slip a thick sock over the bottom, one you don’t mind getting dirty. Spray some glass cleaner onto the sock, then push the jar into the cup holder. Twist it around, and you’ll pull out all the dirt and grime hiding in the crevices. Just be prepared to be shocked at how dirty a cup holder can get.

If cleaning cup holders is a hassle, silicone muffin cups can make it easier. Pop them into your cup holders to catch crumbs, dirt, and spills. When they get dirty, just take them out, wash them (even in the dishwasher), and pop them back in. You can also use them to hold loose change – no more fishing coins out of the bottom.

If you’ve got leather seats, olive oil can help keep them looking great. Just grab a microfiber towel and a small amount of olive oil. Massage the oil into the seats, letting it soak in. This helps prevent drying and cracking while giving your leather a nice shine. It’s an easy way to keep your seats looking fabulous.

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Baking soda is a lifesaver for fabric seats. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of warm water to create a simple cleaning solution. Let it soak into the stain for a bit, then blot the area to dry it, rather than wiping. This helps lift out as much of the stain as possible. It’s a quick fix for when your kids have left chocolate hand prints everywhere, trust me.

If you’re dealing with dust in hard-to-reach spots like air vents, compressed air works wonders. You can pick up a can for about $4 to $8 at most big stores. Just point the nozzle at the dusty area and spray it clean. I’ve tried using a hairdryer or vacuum for this, but they just don’t work as well. Compressed air gets into those tight spaces and clears out all the dust. If you haven’t tried it, do so, you’ll thank me later.

If you’re cleaning your dashboard, grab a coffee filter. Not only does it brew your morning coffee, but it’s great for dusting without leaving fibers behind. You can even fold it to tackle tricky spots. While compressed air is still the best option for those hard-to-reach spaces, a coffee filter is something you likely already have at home, making this a super-helpful hack.

For those tricky spots, your hands can’t reach, like between or under seats, a screwdriver and a towel work perfectly. Just wrap a towel around the tip of the screwdriver and use it to get into those tight spaces. It’s an easy way to clean the areas most of us usually miss. Plus, you may already have a screwdriver and plenty of old towels you don’t mind getting dirty.

This is one of my favorite hacks because it makes my headlights look brand new again. If your headlights are dull, grab a tube of baking soda toothpaste and an old toothbrush. I just rub the toothpaste onto the headlight in small circular motions. It clears away that cloudy film and makes such a difference. Plus, brighter headlights mean I can see much better when driving at night.

This hack has saved me so many times, especially when I’ve ended up with stickers on my car that I didn’t even add. Getting rid of that sticky residue is such a pain, but isopropyl alcohol makes it easy. Just spray the area or soak a towel in the alcohol and wipe the residue away. It works like a charm.

Try a few of these tips the next time your car needs a refresh, and you’ll see the difference. Have a favorite car cleaning hack of your own? Share it with us, we’d love to hear what works for you.

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