Whether you lease or own your car, nobody wants to drive around in a dirty car. Think about your reputation, you don’t want to be turning up to a party or giving someone a lift in a car that’s unpleasant!
You’ll want to try and keep it looking like new both inside and out. After all, when you lease a car, you’ll return it at the end of the lease, and you’ll want it to be spick and span to ensure it meets fair wear and tear guidelines.
In this blog, we’ll provide expert advice on how to keep your car interior looking brand new, including:
First things first, set up a regular cleaning routine for your car. This means more than a quick vacuum once in a blue moon. Spend more than ten minutes cleaning the car and try and get rid of as much dirt, dust, and debris as possible.
Here’s one to help you out:
- Vacuum thoroughly - Vacuum the cars carpets, seats, and the tight crevices between the seats that swallow all manner of things. Use both a normal vacuum cleaner and a handheld. Trust me, it will go a long way in keeping your stress levels down.
- Floor mats - Remove the floor mats from the car and clean them separately. If they're rubber, consider washing them with soap and water and then leaving them out to dry.
- Clean the dashboard - Get a microfibre cloth and go over the dashboard, door panels, and other hard surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as you don’t want to damage the interior.
Upholstery is one of the most vulnerable areas of a car and often gets overlooked. Think about it, you’re sitting on these for sometimes two hours a day, so why wouldn’t you want it to be sparkly clean.
Whether you have leather, fabric, or synthetic seats, it’s essential you protect them. Invest in a leather cleaner or fabric protectant spray after thorough cleaning (with a microfibre cloth).
It’s also worthwhile investing in quality seat covers that can protect your seats from pets, kids, and general dirt. They are also so much easier to wash and maintain.
Floor mats take the brunt of the dirt in your car, so give them a bit of love. If they’re left untreated, they can develop unpleasant odors and become a breeding ground for mould.
We’d recommend using all-weather floor mats, especially if you live in an area prone to rain and snow (the UK). You should also deep clean them regularly and tackle a stain immediately.
Remember, the longer you leave it, the longer a stain will take to come out.
Crystal-clear windows and mirrors are essential not only for keeping your car in good condition, but also for road safety.
Dirty or streaky windows can reduce visibility and make your car look neglected. Regularly clean side mirrors and inside of the windscreen with a cloth, and also opt for an ammonia-free glass cleaner to leave a spotless finish on all windows.
You don’t want your car to get dirty? Then ensure no unnecessary dirt gets in the car. I know that’s easier said than done, but there are a few things you can do to prevent a dirty car:
- Don’t eat in the car - We all crave a takeaway from time to time, but keep patient and eat it when you get home. Eating in the car can lead to a lot of crumbs and can make the car smell like food, which nobody wants.
- Clean your shoes before getting in - If you’re an adventurer or amateur sportsperson, you’ll be out in the elements battling the British weather from time to time. What does that mean? Muddy shoes. This is no good for keeping your car clean so we’d recommend giving them a wipe down before getting in the car.
- Keep pets in the boot (or in their own seat) - I get it; this sounds a bit mean. But there’s no denying that our furry friends can be a bit messy at times. Try keeping them in the rear or getting them their own car bed.
- Remove rubbish regularly - Don’t let rubbish and debris accumulate in your car. Keep a small bin bag in the car to keep clutter at a minimum.
A fresh-smelling car goes a long way. Ensure you use quality air fresheners that complement your car’s style and avoid overpowering scents that can be distracting.
We’d also recommend cleaning the air vents regularly and considering using a vent clip air freshener to keep the air circulating around the car and smelling great.
Looking for more car maintenance advice? Check out our range of comprehensive Maintenance Guides.
We are one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
