Homemade Car Upholstery Cleaners

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Car upholstery seats, most notably when they are made of leather add a touch luxury to your car. They’re pricey, so you need to take care of them.

In this article, I will teach you the different homemade car upholstery cleaners you can use for your seats so they can look great for a long time.

First, vacuum the seats to remove dirt and debris from the crevices.

Next, apply a cleaning solution to the seats. Do not use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage your car upholstery seats.

Basic DIY Cleaning Tips

Since we are talking about homemade car upholstery cleaner, you can try the following:

  1. Mix warm water and a liquid dishwashing soap together in a bucket.
  2. Use a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part soap.
  3. Dampen a cloth with the cleaner and wipe down the seat surfaces
  4. Don’t saturate the car seat because too much water could pool in the seat seams and seep into the cushions. Excess water can also stain the seat.
  5. Wipe clean with a second damp cloth.
  6.  Dry thoroughly with a towel.

Another DIY idea to clean the car upholstery:

  1. Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle.
  2. Spritz on the seat, let sit for five minutes and wipe.

Items to Grab to Prevent Stains

The best way to clean leather car seats is to prevent stains. Wipe up spills as soon as they hit the seat. Even if you’re fast with the cleanup, stains will happen. Grab one of these items and get cleaning.

Toothpaste

  1. Dab non-gel toothpaste on the soiled area.
  2. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub away the stain.
  3. Wipe the area with a clean cloth when finished, then dry with a towel.
  4. Toothpaste will also remove scuffs.

Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar

  1. Use this on light upholstery only, as it has a bleaching effect.
  2. Mix equal parts of juice and cream of tartar into a paste.
  3. Apply to the soiled area and let sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Use a damp sponge to remove the paste.

Nail Polish Remover or Rubbing Alcohol

  1. Dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol and blot the stain.
  2. Once you’ve lifted the stain, clean the area with a mild solution of liquid dish soap and warm water.
  3. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

Baking Soda 

This cleaner is good for removing oil and grease stains.

  1. Sprinkle on the soiled area and rub it in with a damp cloth.
  2. Let sit for a few hours or overnight.
  3. The soda will absorb the oil. Wipe off the powder with a soft cloth.
  4. Follow with a damp cloth to remove residue, and dry with a towel.

Once your seats are clean, apply a conditioner that contains sunscreen to keep your car upholstery from cracking and fading. Conditioner also makes it resistant to future stains and gives it a nice shine. Knowing how to clean your car upholstery will extend its life and keep them looking new.

Best Wax for Black Cars

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Black is one of the best colors for any vehicle. Yet, maintaining its gloss and shine is not as easy as compared to other colors. When the imperfections start to pop on your black car’s surface, the look of the car starts to diminish.

This is the reason why waxing black cars is important. Unfortunately, some car owners don’t know much about this.

Top 4 Best Waxes for Black Cars

1. Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax

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Meguiar is a company that provides some of the best-detailing products. This one is a synthetic polymer wax that offers a durable coating.

When it comes to performance, this one gets really sweet. Meguiar’s Ultimate Wax offers that deep finish like carnauba wax. This tin comes with 11 oz of wax. As they say in the car wax industry, a little goes a long way. In the case of waxes, you always want to use small amounts to shorten the drying time.

The good thing about this car wax is that it won’t turn plastic and rubber parts hazy white. If you have used carnauba waxes, you probably know how irritating it can be when you go over these parts.

When compared to most carnauba waxes, this synthetic option is definitely cheap. In general, synthetic wax lasts longer than carnauba. So if you’re after an everyday wax for your car, this is a great option. If you’re after car show shine, then scroll down to the last three options.

2. Hybrid Sealant by CarGuys

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This synthetic product is here to replace many others. It works as a car wax, polish, and sealant.

It is suitable for pretty much every part of your car and any paint that you use. That means that you can use it on your car’s exterior as well as the interior. This includes glass, fiberglass, plastic parts, and even your rims if you want.

Some people even use this to give their toolboxes a proper finish. We have even seen people use this sealant on their chrome sinks.

With this, you don’t have to obsess about tarnishing other materials. In fact, since it also works as a polish, you can even use it to hide minor scratches.

It offers long-lasting protection for your car and UV protection for your paint. A protective coat should last you anywhere between three and six months. With that said, that will highly depend on your washing and other detailing habits.

The thing we love the most about this wax is the time it takes to wax your car. Believe it or not, most report that they can wax their entire car in 15 minutes.

3. Natural Brilliance Souveran Paste by Pinnacle

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This wax offers an incredible finish and beautiful depth of shine. The only biggest pitfall here is the price.

If you are willing to pay a bit more for a top-of-the-line product, you should go with Souveran. It is the car wax most car enthusiasts love to use.

It is a natural wax that comes straight from the best Brazilian ivory carnauba you can get. That is precisely why the Souveran is one of the most popular waxes to use before car shows. So, if you are feeling competitive, go for this one.

If you know what you are doing, you can get a real 3-dimensional look on your car’s finish. In our experience, carnauba wax works best with black cars because the paint gets that shimmery deep finish that most people are after.

Using this wax is amazing. It almost feels as if you are spreading warm butter over your car. It is easy and it gets excellent coverage.

4. Carnauba Concours Wax by P21S

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If you want a good, deep gloss on a black car, you should always reach for a paste wax, and that is where P21s steps in. They offer incredible results that can compete with top brands for only a fraction of the price.

This is mainly the reason why many detailing professionals go for P21s as their choice.

But, back to the wax. As I said, paste wax will give the best results for black vehicles. It doesn’t matter which exact blend the company is using. You can go with 100% carnauba, a beeswax mix, or even a hybrid between natural and synthetic ingredients. This particular wax is a blend of beeswax and carnauba.

The application itself is as simple and easy as you would want it to be. It is user-friendly, fast, and enjoyable. Simply open the jar, take the applicator pad out and get to it.

5. Wolfgang Fuzion Carnauba Polymer

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The Wolfgang Fuzion lies somewhere between the price tags of Pinnacle’s Souveran and the P21s.

This handcrafted blend of a high-tech polymer and natural carnauba wax brings home the best of both worlds. You will have the shine and the depth of the carnauba wax, with the extreme protection of high-tech polymers.

Straight out of the box, this one smells great. At first impression, the wax may look too hard. But, as soon as you begin working with the applicator pad, everything will go as smoothly as it should.

When it comes to the depth and the gloss, you are sure to be happy with the results. It gives that excellent wet look many people seem to chase. Also, the finish has the necessary depth to it.

But, you might wonder why you should buy this product when it has the same benefits as P12s Concours. Well, the polymer content in this product means that the coating will last longer and provide better UV protection.

Takeaway

Finding a good balance is hard, it usually comes down to cost-effectiveness. In the end, choosing the best option is a highly subjective thing, and it’s up to you.

So, if you’re after something that is cheap and results in a long-lasting wax, then the former two options will work for you.

How To Clean Car Upholstery Seats Yourself

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It’s very annoying to see your car seats dirty. You don’t want to let it look messed up or shoddy in any way. Whether you accidentally got dirt on your car seat or your child has spilled a drink, it’s important to be able to figure out how to clean car upholstery yourself. The problem here is that people don’t know how and where to begin with cleaning a car upholstery seat.

Well, it’s possible to take care of cleaning a car upholstery seat by yourself, as long as you have the right materials. In this article, I’m going to hare you the stuff you need to clean your car upholstery seat and how you’re supposed to do it.

Six Ways to Clean Your Car Upholstery Car Seat

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1. Remove Stains from Car Upholstery Seat

Removing stains from car upholstery seat should not be that difficult if you know how to go about things. The first step you need to take is to get a vacuum cleaner. I’ll also discuss the other methods that you can use later on, but this one is proven to be reliable by most.

2. Vacuum the Car Upholstery Seat

Taking time to vacuum the car upholstery seat is an important part of the process. You want to do this to remove any dirt, crumbs, or other debris on the surface of your car seats. This should be done ahead of anything else to get things cleaned properly.

You wouldn’t want to rub dirt into the seat, so do your best to vacuum your car seats well to get things started.

3. Use a Cleaning Solution

Fabric cleaning products are essential to use on car upholstery seats. Don’t just use any household cleaning products as these can contain some chemicals that may not be appropriate on fabric. Once you find the right product to use, just spray the area you want to clean, and everything should be fine.

Don’t soak the car upholstery seat with the cleaning solution. This can cause problems, and it’ll also be difficult to dry it right away. Just lightly spray for about four times to help you clean up a stain.

4. Use a Brush

You can’t just put a cleaning solution onto the seat and not brush it afterward. This is a must so you can scrub the stain out as well as you can.

For this, you need a soft or medium brush not to damage your car upholstery seat. Try to be mindful of this.

5. Wipe Down with a Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloth is a must-own essential of any car user. This helps to wipe away dirt and built up suds from a cleaning solution. Always remember to wipe things down with microfiber cloth before it starts to dry.

6. Vacuum Once Again Once You’re Done

After removing the stain, vacuum it again to help dry up any overwet areas. Just a quick vacuuming for this, and you’re fine.

Other Cleaning Solutions to Car Upholstery Seat

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Laundry Detergent

If you don’t want to use a specific cleaning solution for your car seat, try using a laundry detergent instead. This works well to help you remove stains from your car upholstery seat. Dilute some laundry detergent with water, and it can be a nice alternative for a fabric cleaning spray.

Baking Soda Solution

Baking Soda is another good alternative to try out. Just add ¼ cup of baking soda to a cup of warm water to come up with a good cleaning solution. You can use a toothbrush to dip into the solution and then scrub it into the stained area of your car upholstery seat.

This works really well even in a really bad stain. Pull this off and see how it fixes your problems.

Vinegar

Another popular alternative to fabric cleaning solutions is vinegar. If you have vinegar available around your house, mix a cup of vinegar in a gallon of hot water and few drops of normal dish soap. This will create a useful cleaning solution to remove stains. Simply dab this mixture to the area of the seat you’re cleaning.

Preventing Stains on Your Car Upholstery Seat

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Proactive cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from encountering dirt issues in the future. Try your best to vacuum your car out often. If you use a handheld vacuum on your car once a week, that will keep dirt and grime from becoming trapped in the car upholstery seats.

It’s also a good idea to avoid doing certain things in your car. Avoid making a mess by not eating inside your car. Some people eat their food in their car as a convenience while driving to work. However, if you’re making a mess while doing this, it would be better to wait to eat until you’re out of your car.

Lastly, clean things right away. There are times when you’ll drop something on your car seat or spill a drink. Try your best to clean them right away. This way, stains won’t appear, and it’ll be easier for you to make it look like new again.

Best Way to Keep a Black Car Clean

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Black is one of the most preferred colors of car owners. However, it is undeniable that it is difficult to keep the black car clean. The black car quickly accumulates dirt, dust, and pollen and it’s easier to see on this than other cars. Fortunately, there are some ways you can to keep a black car clean.

1. Keep Your Car Covered

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Just like with any kind of car, covering your vehicle is one of the best ways to keep a black car clean. A car cover will not only protect your vehicle from dirt but will also safeguard your car from dings and scratches.

The kind of car cover that you choose will depend on the style of vehicle that you drive and the climate of the place in which you live. Some car covers are built to stop precipitation from getting your car dirty, while others are built to resist extreme sunlight.

2. Wash Your Car Frequently

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One of the best ways to keep a black car clean is to do frequent car washing. This is important to get rid of dirt and dust that often builds up on black cars.

When you’re going to wash your car, make sure you dry it using a soft cloth-like chamois. Drying your car can prevent water spots from building up on your black car.

However, if you prefer your black car to get washed by a professional, take to one that does touchless car wash as it provides gentler wash to avoid leaving a dirty residue on your vehicle.

3. Wax Your Car

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Car wax provides a protective layer that prolongs the lifespan of your car’s paint job. This is especially important for a black car. Though waxing a car is a good idea, it is still debatable on how often your car should be waxed. There is some research like the one conducted by Popular Mechanics that the car should be waxed at least twice a year.

Keeping a black car clean can be a challenge. The proud black car owners know how easy for dirt to accumulate on their vehicles. But, with some effort and attention to detail, you can do the best way to keep a black car clean. Following the above-mentioned tips will go a long way to ensure your black car looks great whenever you drive it down the road.

How to Clean Cloth Car Seats with Household Products

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Do you feel comfortable riding in a car that is dusty or bad-smelling? I guess nobody wants it. The best way to prevent this issue is to clean up your cloth car seats regularly. Take note that car seats are the most vulnerable part of your car that dust will enter. This applies mostly to cloth car seats since it needs special care to keep it in good condition for longer periods.

Cleaning the seats regularly can make your car look beautiful from the inside. Fortunately, cleaning the cloth seats is quite easy and won’t take much time.

In this article, we will share tips on how to clean your cloth car seats with some household products.

What Are The Things You Need To Clean The Cloth Car Seats?

To begin with, you need to clean the dirt and oil from the seats. For that purpose, you’ll need a soft brush, a piece of rag and a towel. You can make a solution by mixing up a regular household liquid cleaner with water.

For the easy cleaning process, here are some of the products you can use:

1. Baking Soda

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Baking soda is an excellent option to clean the cloth car seats. Mixing ¼ cup of baking soda and a cup of warm water and spreading it with a toothbrush is the best way to scrub away the dirt, stains, and pet paws.

For tougher stains, let the solution sit for 30 minutes before cleaning it out with a brush. Don’t forget to use a towel to clean up the rest materials.

2. Club Soda

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Using a regular club soda can clean the cloth car seats. This helps to remove stain from the seats. Just spray this household solution to that stained up Then, get a soft brush and scrub it properly to remove the stain. Now, take a clean towel to wipe the soda from the area.

3. Cornstarch Mixture

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Use cornstarch to wipe out the grease stains. To do this, sprinkle the cornstarch on the stain and let it dry for 30 minutes. After, vacuum the cornstarch.

Another tip is to make a paste with cornstarch and water. Allow enough time for the paste to dry. Then, clean out the powder with a brush.

4. Home Detergents

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Mixing some laundry detergent with warm water is the better way to cut down the expense of buying a specified cleaner. Simply, use this mixture to clean out the stain then rinse it out with a towel and cold water. Scrub it properly to get a clean and clear seat.

To clean out the cloth seats, start by vacuuming the small pieces of dirt, garbage, and moil from the seat thoroughly. This is essential to do first to ease your job on removing the stain from the fabric.

Blot the stain on the seat with a wet cloth. Scrub it lightly to clean the natural stains.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

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Are you worried about the grass stain on your cloth car seats? If yes, don’t worry as the hydrogen peroxide is the solution. Simply let the stain soak in it properly.

Another good option is to have a pre-treatment of the stain by making a solution with equal parts of vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and warm water. Then rub the solution on the stain and wash it frequently.

6. Vinegar Mixture

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To make a vinegar mixture, you need a bucket and a gallon of hot water in it, a cup of vinegar, and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Mix them then dub a mixture into the stain on your cloth car seats. Take the brush and scrub the stain properly. Then clean it with water.

You can also take an equal part of vinegar and water and keep it in a spray bottle. Apply this mixture on stairs and soak a little bit to avoid blotting.

Some Other Unusual Options

1. Liquid Dish Soap + Club Soda + White Vinegar Solution

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Knowing the right way to make a cleaner for your cloth car seats skips you to buy a cleaner from the store. By mixing the liquid dish soap, club soda, and white vinegar solution to a spray bottle is the key answer for this.

Simply spray this cleaner mixture properly and scrub it out with a brush to clean your cloth car seats.

2. Raw Onion

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Holding a piece of onion to the place is a thing to do if there are any scorch marks. As the cloth absorbs the onion juice, the marks gradually disappear. From then, you’ll simply soak the stain in plain water to avoid any further damage.

3. Shampoo

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The shampoo is another mild cleaner you can use. Just mix the water in it and put it in a spray bottle. Spray this to your car seats and clean it with a slightly wet towel. Do it twice or thrice to get your cloth car seats clean and clear.

Also, a shampoo mixture is a good option to remove the bad odor from your cloth car seats.

4. Baby Wipes

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With baby wipes, you’ll no longer need other things like soap or a heavyweight cleaner. Surprisingly it seems, but it is a great alternative to remove stains on your cloth car seats. Since baby wipes are made for little ones, you are sure that it has no chemicals in it, hence, gentle cleaner for your cloth car seats.

Car Cleaning Hacks for Lazy People

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Owning a car is a big responsibility. As you get older, you realize that the better you maintain your items, the longer it’ll last.

Whether you’re driving a car around day-to-day or getting ready for a road trip, it’s a good time to learn some car cleaning hacks even for lazy people.

For this, I’ve compiled some clever car cleaning hacks for lazy people to change your life.

Let’s get your car cleaned and organized!

Car Cleaning Hacks for the Interior

1. Dusting Your Vent With A Foam Craft Brush

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Car air vents can get dusty over time. However, those narrow slots make it tough to clean with just a rag.

If you need extra reach, you can make a small sponge brush soaked with some cleaner to take care of the job.

On the other hand, you can also use a mini duster. This is specifically designed for your car air vents. With its triple-headed design, you know it can clean completely

2. Cleaning Up Animal Hair With A Squeegee & Spray Bottle

A squeegee and a spray bottle sat on a cat seat covered in animal hair

If you bring pets in your car frequently, hair builds up maybe common. What you can do instead is to try using a spray bottle of water and a squeegee. It’s a great way to gather the hair up and get rid of it easily.

To avoid accumulating your furry friends’ hair on your car seats next time, you should cover your seats with a blanket.

3. Brushing Dirt & Grime Out Using A Toothbrush

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The easiest cleaning tip to remove dirt and grime between the seams is to use a toothbrush. Even a $1 toothbrush can do the job.

Brush the dirt to have a mess-free car seat in a jiffy.

4. Cleaning Cup Holders With A Sock, Travel Cup & Windex

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Cup holders can get grimy and gross. But by attaching an old sock to a travel cup and wetting it with Windex can clean them out. Twist it around in the holder, and anything stuck on will come off!

Do this a few times if need be, and it’s done!

5. Sprinkling of Baking Soda On the Seats Before Vacuuming

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Step up your vacuuming technique with this another helpful car cleaning hack.

If your car smells bad, it ruins the whole driving experience. But with the use of the baking soda, you can absorb and neutralize the smells from your car carpets and upholstery.

Just sprinkle a bit, leave it for a few minutes, then vacuum your car as normal.

Car Cleaning Hacks for the Exterior

Now that we’re done cleaning our car’s inside, let’s work on the exterior to get it looking shiny and as good as new using these budget-friendly hacks for lazy people.

6. Cleaning Your Windshield With A Microfiber Cloth

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Cleaning the glass with a damp cloth and drying it clean with a microfiber glass wiper can improve your windshield visibility without leaving streaks behind. This method is so much better than using traditional window cleaners that leave dirt and marks behind.

7. Cleaning Windows With Baby Wipes

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Baby wipes can be used for just about anything. Using baby wipes is an alternative way to get clean, streak-free windows without putting in too much work. One wipe does a lot of work.

This works because of the alcohol in the wipes that keep your windows clean and free of streaks. So on your next trip, keep a pack in your compartment and use it when needed.

8. Removing Dead Bugs Using WD-40

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WD-40 is another great way to clean the dead bugs off. Spraying a bit of WD-40 on the car’s grill will remove the dead bugs and grime off easily.

You can also spray some WD-40 on your car’s hood or roof and then rinse with soapy water to remove bird droppings, sap and dirt. WD-40 can even be used to spray off old bumper stickers. You can see how WD-40 can be used for many things.

9. Removing Car Stickers With A Hair Blower

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Removing stickers is not as easy as putting them on. If you need to remove that old bumper sticker, you’ll need a hairdryer, razor blade (if the sticker is on glass), a stiff plastic card, towels, and a cleaning solution.

To do this, hold the hairdryer a few inches away from the sticker and move the hot air around the sticker, then heat the center of the sticker first and the edges last.

Then, use your plastic card (razor blade if on glass) to peel up the sticker around the corners slowly. After the sticker has come off, use some cleaning solution on where the sticker used to be to remove any stickiness.

10. Using Tire Brush to Clean Your Rims

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This brush is ideal for quick and effective cleaning. This can really get the job done. It can clean those hard-to-reach spots, is very flexible in cleaning wheel spokes, protects your rims from scratches, and gently scrubs your wheel.

Car Cleaning and Organizing Hacks in the Car

I hope you liked those car cleaning hacks above, but now we need to find ways to keep your car clean and organized so that you don’t have to keep cleaning it over and over again.

11. Using A Shoe Bag Organizer

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Using a shoe bag organizer is another way to keep things organized in your car. This will be your greatest helper when on a road trip. Here, you can place all sorts of things inside each pocket, such as toys, water bottles, coloring books, road maps, headphones, cords, and so much more.

12. Using the Carabiners

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A simpler hack than using the shoe bag organizers is using the carabiners! It’s just a handy way to hang your belongings so they’re easily accessible. This means you’ll spare yourself some potential back pain reaching the floor to grab them.

13. Snack Basket

A basket filled with fruit, seeds and water bottles in the trunk of a car

Using a snack basket is an awesome idea if you want to keep your car organized. Here, you can store water bottles, dried fruits, sunflower seeds, nuts and whatever healthy options you can put inside it.

With this, you’ll spend less eating out and will eat healthier if you plan ahead.

14. Silicone Cupcake Cup Holders

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This is really a good idea to make sure your cup holders stay clean. We all know how gross cup holders can get with dried spilled juice, crumbs, and gunk that can get down in there and be nearly impossible to clean. But, with this silicone cup holders, you don’t have to worry about these anymore.

How Long Does It Take to Detail a Car?

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Car detailing isn’t just a simple car wash. It’s a multi-step process that’s going to leave the vehicle looking and feeling better than ever before. It’s an investment in enjoyable driving experience.

In fact, car detailing makes your vehicle look better than new. In fact, even new cars should undergo a full detail. Car dealerships aren’t usually the most experienced detailers, so you might notice spots that have been missed or swirl marks in the paintwork.

Detailing is the perfect way to protect your car’s coating, and give it an unmistakable shine. The car will be sparkling, both inside and out. There won’t be a single speck of dirt, smudge or fingerprint in sight or in any of your car’s nooks and crannies.

But before committing to this extensive cleaning process, you’re probably wondering how long does detailing a car take? Here’s everything you need to know.

How Long Does Detailing a Car Take?

There’s no one answer to how long car details take because to put it simply: it depends. It depends on whether you’re undergoing a DIY detail or paying a professional. But it also depends on a few factors surrounding the vehicle itself.

Factors that Affect the Car Detailing Timeline

Each car has different needs, which will affect how long the car detailing process takes. Here are some factors which could affect the detailing timeline.

1. Size

The larger your car, the longer it’s going to take to carry out a full detail. This is simply because there’s more to clean, both inside and out.

2. Dirtiness

The dirtier the car, the longer it will take to bring it back to sparkling cleanliness. But the good news is, no car is too dirty for a detail.

If a car has never really been cleaned, and garbage has built up inside, it will just take a couple of hours longer to detail.

3. Age

Age and dirtiness often go hand in hand, so new car details will take much less time than an old car detail.

Full new car details usually only take a couple of days, whereas older cars can take a bit longer.

4. Materials

The materials the car is made from can slightly affect the detailing timeline. For example, cars with leather upholstery may take less time to detail than those with cloth upholstery. This is simply because some materials are easier to clean than others.

Detailing a Car Yourself: How Long to Spend On It?

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If you want to tackle the task of car detailing at home, you have the opportunity to spend as long or as little on it as you like. But for a full car detail, it’s going to take you at least a couple of days.

The interior may take you the best part of a day, as you’ll need to vacuum, steam clean, and clean the glass and upholstery. If you’ve shampooed or steam cleaned, you’ll need to allow time for the upholstery and mats for dry too.

And cleaning the exterior is a multi-step process, involving washing and drying, polishing and sealing.

For a partial detail, you could spend as little as an hour or two on your car. In a few hours, you could give the exterior a wash, and tidy up the interior. But detailing is about details. It’s about transforming the car, using different cleaning products and final touches.

If you want to give every inch of your car the TLC it deserves, it’s a process that can be done over the course of a week.

DIY car detailing can take longer than hiring a professional, because you’ll likely be getting used to the process and products, and you may not have the professional equipment.

Professional Car Detailing: How Long Does It Take?

Detailing isn’t a quick job, so you might prefer to hire a professional detailer. Depending on the detailer, you often drop your car off to their garage for a few days at least, or they may bring their tools to you.

A professional car detailer will usually work on your car for two days to a week. This way they’ll have time to make sure everything is spotless.

However, for brand new cars, most detailers offer a new car detail which will only take a couple of days.

Professional detailers will clean parts of your car that you probably hadn’t thought of cleaning before. From the headlining to the vents, to the tires, no part of your car will be left untouched. This is why the process can take up to a week.

How Often Do You Need to Detail Your Car?

Once your car has been detailed, it’s going to feel fresh and crisp for several months to come. Assuming it’s kept in a relatively clean condition that is.

And once it’s been detailed once, it’s going to be much easier to maintain the cleanliness.

But to keep your car in top condition, it’s best to give your car a full detail every 6 months or so. Detailing isn’t harmful to the car at all, so really you can do it as often as you like.

What Does a Full Car Detail Include?

Many people are often shocked by how long a full detail takes, but when you break down the steps involved, it’s no surprise that it can take up to a week.

You don’t have to follow every step every time you wash your car, which is why partial detailing can be done in less than a day. But for a complete transformation, which leaves your car looking better than new, there’s more to it than simply shampooing.

The interior detailing part involves vacuuming up any dirt or crumbs from the floor, seats, vents, cup holders – anywhere dirt might accumulate. Then the carpets and mats should be steam cleaned to get rid of any dirt within the carpet fibers.

Cleaning the upholstery is one of the most important parts of interior detailing. This stage can include shampooing of cloth seats, or leather trimming.

Then final touches such as cleaning the glass on all of the windows and mirrors, and wiping the dashboard to bring back the shine. You might even want to perfume the interior to give it a new car smell.

As for detailing the exterior, the car should be washed with pre-cleaner and shampoo to get rid of stubborn dirt. It should be manually dried, and then it can be rubbed with a clay bar. This stage gets rid of stubborn contaminants that weren’t removed by the washing process.

For the perfect finish, the car should be polished and waxed. This is also going to protect the car’s coating from contaminants, dirt, dust and water.

Final touches for the exterior include cleaning the glass and dressing the tires. The tires should be thoroughly cleaned and a product should be used to bring out the original color.

So there are several different steps to car detailing, but it’s these steps that distinguish detailing from a simple clean. When wondering how long does detailing a car take, the answer really does depend. It can take anywhere from two days to a week, but once you see the transformation, it will have been worth the wait.

How to Clean the Dirty Car Interior?

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You are maybe one of those who neglect cleaning the car’s interiors. It might be that you had a hectic schedule, so you’ve had to take your breakfast in the front seat while you’re driven to your next location. Throughout the journey, maybe you let some crumbs drop there, spilled some juice or coffee, or throw some trash on the carpet. This really happens to some!

Over time, these things all build up. Stains, crumbs, mold, dirt, and mud from your feet on your pedals and around your footwell might not the things you want to see going on in the back. If you have kids, they smear their food in hard-to-reach places or some passengers there who ate too and didn’t think about cleaning up.

So, now your car interior is filthy and it smells awful! A simple standard vacuum, or spray, or air freshener just isn’t going to clean it easily. We need some drastic measures to get it looking, smelling, and feeling great again.

After all, nobody likes having to apologize to people when they get in your car. So, here are the five tips on how to clean the dirty car interior.

Step 1 – Retake a Look at It.

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A great way to isolate the main areas of serious dirt in a dirty car is to retake a look at it. Some parts will clean easily, and you won’t need to come back to them.

For this, you need an excellent all-purpose interior cleaner. Choose an interior cleaner and leather cleaner that are pH neutral. When it does, it means that it’s right on all surfaces and is an effective cleanser. With that kind of product, you can remove dirt, oil, grime, and stains from plastics and upholstery.

Another thing also is that it should not leave residue on your leather and smells of Febreze. The product should penetrate your leather and work from the inside to lift out dirt, oil, and grease and preserve the quality without residue or deterioration.

If you keep your interior consistently clean, you might not need to go beyond step 1. But then since we’re talking about a dirty car, so we must proceed to step 2.

Step 2 – Sort out the fabrics and upholstery

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After sorting out the less dirty parts of your car, it’s now time to focus on other worst things.

So, we’re talking about car mats and other parts. Car mats are where the worst of the dirt sits. This is not surprising anyway, as it’s where your feet go.

You might be searching for the best product here. Firstly, you want something that doesn’t need you to use a hose and clean your carpet first. A product should generate a great lather and lift dirt out from deep within your carpet fabric.

Search for a product where you’ll only need to spray, scrub, and wipe away the dirt. One product I can recommend is Benchmark Fabric Cleaner if you want to achieve fantastic results in a short time. Benchmark Fabric and Upholstery Cleaner is a leather cleaner designed to lift and remove stains, debris, and odors from your carpets, fabrics, and upholstery.

The product is ammonia-free, bleach-free, and solvent-free. This way, you can clean and protect the interior of your vehicle at the same time. It restores the quality of your fabric and leaving you with a good-as-new look to your interior.

Now, you’ve got spotless carpets and upholstery. The third step is to deal with your leather. However, if you don’t have any leather in your car’s interior, you can just move on to step 4 now.

Step 3 – Leather

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Leather doesn’t just absorb dirt, and it also absorbs odors. It even cracks, fades, and wears. It’s designed not to need replacing even in that kind of state. But since you still want it to look its best, we need to maintain it.

Using Plush Leather conditioner reduces the ability of oils and grease to attach on to the leather surfaces. It has been formulated to protect and preserve your vehicle’s leather seats without adding a greasy film to them. This also helps to reduce future staining.

Step 4 – Plastics

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It’s now time to get your plastics looking shiny and new. To save yourself from costly repairs on damaged plastics, you should use a cleaner that protects plastics from UV damage and warping. 

Use a product like Interior Satin Finish Protectant for this. It is designed for dashboards, door panels, consoles, door moldings, and vinyl. One application is all you will need to leave your surfaces supple and protected against damaging UV rays. In a matter of seconds, you can see a beautiful matte or satin finish on surfaces.

So, we’re done with our cleaning now! It’s time to give everything an excellent spray, to get a nice-smelling interior, just like a new car.

Step 5 – Scent

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For this step, you’ll need scents that aren’t overwhelming for your interior and don’t smell like chemicals.

In this case, it’s advisable to use a light mist spray that doesn’t overpower. To use, simply spray into the air around your dashboard or directly on to your leather seats to eliminate unwanted odors. This replaces them with the wonderful smell of new leather.

Car Dashboard Cleaner

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Cleaning your dirty car dashboard is the first thing that will come to your mind. Unfortunately, not all car dashboard cleaners give the best. Some tend to leave grease and not able to clean well.

This is the reason why you need to consider the best car dashboard cleaner. When it comes to quality, one should produce impressive results without leaving a greasy residue. It should also protect your dashboard against UV rays and prolong the lifespan of car dashboards. Aside from that, it should also be used for cleaning the leather, rubber, vinyl tops, and more.

If you’re a person who loves clean surfaces, then continue reading and let me show you the best car dashboard cleaners to buy.

1. CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit (18 oz)

The CarGuys Super Cleaner Kit (18 oz) is the king of all cleaners. It is a super versatile cleaning product that can be used to clean the bird poop, canvas, grease, leather, metals, rubber, tree sap, vinyl, wood trim, and more. In general, it cleans everything from glass to delicate instrument panel screens.

It cleans well without leaving gloss which makes it one of the best cleaners in the market. With this cleaner, you can eliminate the inconveniences of having to use a different cleaner for a different job every time. It is a must-have car dashboard cleaner for any car owner. So, be sure to go for it.

2. 303 Products Matte Finish UV Protectant Spray (10 Fl. oz.)

The 303 Products Matte Finish UV Protectant Spray restores color and repels dirt. It is a versatile car dashboard cleaner which is used to clean the fiberglass, leather, plastic, vinyl, and more.

Aside from cleaning, it also creates a UV protective coating to prolong the life of your car’s interior surfaces. It prevents cracking and fading which is a result of UV damage. It is also non-toxic which will give you the confidence to use a product that is not harmful to your health.

3. Meguiar’s 15.2 oz. Ultimate Interior Detailer (G16216)

The Meguiar’s 15.2 oz. Ultimate Interior Detailer (G16216) not only cleans the car dashboard, but it can also be used to clean center consoles, steering wheels, stereo/nav screens, and more. This delivers premium quality results, dries fast, and leaves a satin finish.

The finish lasts for weeks, hence, keeping the interior surfaces of your car super clean. And since it’s manufactured by Meguiar, you know the quality is not compromised. It’s certainly one of the best products you’ll never regret buying.

4. KevianClean 24 oz. Car Dashboard Cleaner (1 Pack)

The KevianClean 24 oz. Car Dashboard Cleaner (1 Pack) can keep your car’s finish looking new. It allows you to polish your car like a pro and gives you the results you need consistently. It cleans, conditions, and polishes to give lustrous and sleek interiors.

Moreover, the car dashboard cleaner delivers optimum UV protectant against aging, cracking, and drying. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that can compromise your health over time.  

However, the manufacturer recommends that you should not place it next to children. But still, it is one of the best car dashboard cleaners you will ever come across.

5. TriNova UV Protectant Spray (18 OZ)

Protect your car dashboard with the TriNova UV Protectant Spray (18 Oz). It is made in the USA. Therefore, use it with confidence knowing that you are using a trusted and locally made product.

The cleaner works by keeping surfaces in an amazingly new and pristine condition. It also treats surfaces such as car dashboards and patio furniture to make sure they remain smooth and free of cracks.

Aside from blocking the rays, this spray intensifies the color, which remains to give surfaces and products shine and a good look. It is the perfect package for anyone who wants to guard their goods from UV rays.

6. 303 Products 16 fl. Oz. Cleaner and Conditioner

The 303 Products 16 fl. Oz cleaner and conditioner is complete care for your car’s interior. It’s efficient to use as it can last for up to 45 days.

This cleaner & conditioner in one is US-made. This means that it has all the qualities a premium car dashboard cleaner should have. It works by conditioning the surface to maintain its new appearance without the greasy look or feel.

Moreover, you can also use this cleaner & conditioner on other leather surfaces and vinyl interiors.

7. Meguiar’s 16 oz. M40 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner

The Meguiar’s 16 oz. M40 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner cleans, rejuvenates, and penetrates the surfaces of rubber and non-painted vinyl. This offers super clean results every time it is used.

Aside from protecting your vinyl and rubber surfaces, it also helps to restore life. It leaves plastics, rubber, and vinyl with a clean and natural sheen. It does not leave behind an artificial or greasy look. For optimum durability, this cleaner & conditioner is the best bet.

8. Honest Wash 32oz Car Care Cleaner & Conditioner

Get rid of dirt easily with the Honest Wash 32oz Car Care Cleaner & Conditioner. This cleaner is easy to use and it will never leave a greasy residue.

In addition to this, it also works fast which means you can clean and condition your goods in a single step only. The cleaner & conditioner also moisturize leather to prevent cracking. It is made to help you keep your leather belongings sparkling clean. Use it to ensure your car smells new all the time.

9. Mothers 24 oz. Protectant (05324)

Ever wonder why the Mothers 24 oz. Protectant (05324) is highly rated among car owners? This is because the cleaner protects and preserves fiberglass, plastic, rubber, and vinyl surfaces for 30 days. It protects against the harmful UV rays to make it last longer than you could imagine.

Best of all, it manages to protect the surfaces without creating an oily surface-coating film. This product is high performing and you will love it instantly.

10. Chemical Guys New Car Shine Premium Dressing (TVD_102_16)

Protect your car dashboard from UV rays with the Chemical Guys New Car Shine Premium Dressing (TVD_102_16). It cleans fast and beautifies surfaces in one step only. The cleaner also prolongs the life of car dashboards by protecting them and keeping them clean.

Another plus here is that it’s water-based and 100-percent dry to the touch. In fact, it never feels greasy when it dries up.

Get the car dashboard cleaner today and use it for cleaning consoles, vinyl tops, door panels, door moldings, and black plastic bumpers.

Best Car Wash Soap for White Cars

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Once you’ve decided to wash a car yourself, the first step is to find some good car-specific soap for your white cars. What’s the best carwash soap for you? You don’t want to use something generic like dish soap or laundry detergent.

Carwash soap is specifically designed to be less aggressive than products meant to clean a crusty lasagna pan or the shirtsleeve you dragged through your soup last week. You want a carwash soap with excellent lubricity and natural foaming to lift and suspend contaminants embedded on the surface of your paint. That being said, even narrowing your choices will leave an overwhelming number of options.

We’ll break carwash soap down into three categories: basic, basic with additives, and rinseless or waterless washes. 

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Basic options like Meguiar’s Gold Class are a good start and are usually available at your local auto-parts store. Products like this one remove contaminants without stripping any wax or polish from your paint. These are also available with additives. 

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Mothers Carnauba Wash & Wax, for example, performs the same function with the extra benefit of adding a thick coat of wax. Though a wash like this is no substitute for a proper coat of wax, it’s a good supplement to the existing layer of protection between full wax jobs.

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Rinseless and waterless washes are ideal for those without access to a water hookup or for folks looking to reduce their water usage. We tested waterless carwash solutions and liked Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax and McKee’s 37 Waterless Wash On the Go.

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Both Optimum No Rinse and Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ are also highly regarded in the detailing community for their excellent lubricity and impressive versatility. These products are desirable because properly diluted; they can also be used as a clay lube or quick detailer.

So go forth, buy some carwash soap, and get to spruce up your ride!