Tips to make your ride shine (without losing your mind)
Your car is basically your second home – except, unlike your actual home, it probably has enough crumbs to feed a small village and a cup holder that’s become a graveyard for melted mints. If you’re tired of pretending those stains on the seat are “part of the design,” it’s time for a proper clean-up. Here’s Henry giving you a no-nonsense, slightly sassy car cleaning guide to making your car look (and smell) brand new.
1. Declutter like you’re moving out
Evict that junk
Start by removing everything that isn’t bolted down. Rubbish, water bottles, spare change, and that single flip-flop you’ve been ignoring – all of it. Use a laundry basket and pull out anything that doesn’t belong in your car, like gym shoes, library books, or those fast-food receipts.
Glove box intervention
Sort through your glove box and keep only the essentials: the owner’s manual, and maybe a spare granola bar for emergencies (or just traffic jams). Throw away unused napkins and rogue expired ketchup packets.
Boot Tetris
Take everything out of the car boot and vacuum it. Keep only what’s useful, maybe a first-aid kit, jump leads, and reusable shopping bags.
2. Vacuum like you mean it
Seats and floors first
Use a vacuum with attachments (such as Henry) to get crumbs out of seat crevices, under mats, and from that mystical land where the seatbelt disappears. Don’t forget to move seats forward and backward to reach all the nooks and crannies – because you just know there’s a rogue crushed crisp waiting. Check out the Flexi Crevice Tool for the ultimate in deep car cleaning!
Use a brush attachment for the dashboard
A soft dusting brush attachment works wonders on vents, buttons, and the dashboard without scratching surfaces.
Pet hair patrol
If your car looks like a dog groomer’s floor, use a rubber glove or a squeegee to gather pet hair into clumps before vacuuming. Works like magic!
3. Attack the stains and upholstery
Carpets and floor mats
Take out floor mats, give them a good shake, and vacuum them. For stains, scrub with a mix of warm water and washing up liquid using a stiff brush. Let them dry completely, and pop them back in – preferably before it rains.
Seat stains be gone!
For cloth seats, mix warm water, white vinegar, and washing up liquid in a spray bottle. Spray the stain, scrub gently, and blot with a microfibre cloth. For leather, only use a cleaner specifically for leather – trust me, now’s not the time to get creative with cleaning products.
Headliner TLC
Your car’s ceiling (or headliner) is often neglected. Use a microfibre cloth with a bit of upholstery cleaner, dabbing gently to avoid soaking the fabric. No one wants saggy headliner syndrome!
4. Dashboard detox
The toothbrush trick
Old toothbrushes are perfect for scrubbing grime out of cup holders, air vents, and buttons. Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or a mix of water and white vinegar for the best results.
Wipes for the win
Microfibre cloths or wipes designed for car interiors are lifesavers for dashboards and consoles.
Cotton buds for the details
Use cotton buds dipped in cleaner to reach those tiny crevices between buttons, around gear sticks, and in any spot that laughs at regular-sized cleaning tools. It’s oddly satisfying.
5. Windows: no more smudges and streaks
Vinegar solution for the win
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use a microfibre cloth or newspaper (trust us) to wipe windows.
Roll down to clean the edges
Roll down windows a bit to clean the grimy strip at the top that always gets missed. Because half-clean windows are just a tease.
Don’t forget the mirrors and sunroof
Hit those mirrors and sunroofs with the same white vinegar solution. For rear view mirrors, less is more – nobody wants streaks right where they’re trying to see if that car is actually that close!
6. Make it smell amazing
DIY air fresheners
Pop a few drops of your favourite essential oil on a clothes peg and clip it to an air vent. Or hang a small sachet of coffee beans for a natural air freshener (plus it makes you feel like you’re driving through a café).
Cupholder hack
Put silicone cupcake liners into cupholders to catch any crumbs and spills. When they get gross, just pull them out and rinse. No more sticky mysteries in the cupholders!
7. Exterior excellence
Two-bucket wash method
Use one bucket for soapy water and one for rinsing. It keeps you from washing your car with dirty water.
Wheels and tyres deserve love too
Scrub wheels with a separate brush or sponge and use tyre cleaner for that just-detailed look. Bonus: Your car will stop judging you for neglecting it.
Wax on, wax off
Finish up with a coat of wax to protect the paint and make it easier to clean next time. Sure, it’s a little extra effort, but your car is worth it!
You did it!
A clean car doesn’t just look good – it makes driving way less stressful. With these tips, your ride will be ready for road trips, drive-thrus, or just generally pretending you have your life together!
