Great idea: clean your car before (or after) you move it!

 

So, your car is getting ready to go on a transport carrier—or it’s just come off one. Either way, you’re going to want to clean it. Whether day-to-day driving has put it in a state of griminess that you don’t want to see transported, or open-car transport has exposed it to dust and wind, you’ve decided to spiff it up.

Here are a few tips on the easiest ways to do that, using mix-it-yourself formulas. If you’re especially interested in living a chemical-free life, there are several nontoxic products you can substitute for the “household cleaner” in our recipes. For each, you’ll want a 16-ounce glass spray bottle and an anti-lint cloth.

 

Car Dash & Interior Door Pane

Add 1 capful of the Household Cleaner to the spray bottle, fill the bottle almost to the top with distilled water. Spray dash and interior panel surfaces, then wipe dry with the anti-lint cloth.

 

Glass & Mirrors

Supplies:

• 1 Capful of household cleaner
• 5 drops of lemon juice
• 1 tsp white vinegar

Add the ingredients to the spray bottle. Then fill the bottle almost to the top with water.
Spray any glass surface and wipe clean with a dry anti-lint cloth.

Vehicle Seats

Supplies:

• 1 Capful of household cleaner
• Toothpaste, soft-bristle brush (for leather or vinyl)

Add the household cleaner to the bottle and fill with water.

To clean spots on fabric seats: Spray the spot with the cleaner mixture and then blot clean with a white cloth. Repeat as necessary.

For Leather or Vinyl car seats: Spray seats with the cleaner mixture and wipe with the cloth. For mild stains – apply toothpaste to the spot, then gently rub with a soft brush. Wipe away clean. Repeat as necessary.

 

Interior Carpet

Carpet Spot Remover:

• 1 Capful of household cleaner

For small stains: Spray spot with carpet spot remover and blot clean with a white cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Carpet Freshener:

• 1 1/2 Cups Baking Soda
• 10 Drops of household cleaner
• Glass shaker bottle

Mix all ingredients in a bowl then pour into the glass shaker bottle. Gently shake onto carpet and vacuum.

 

Headlight Cleaning

Here’s an easy and chemical free remedy: put a small amount of toothpaste on a damp sponge and rub on the headlight for a few minutes. Wipe off excess and buff with a dry cloth.  Check it out.