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Driving Tips - Guerin
How to Clean the Car: Keep Your Vehicle Spotless
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"Watch out for the crumbs” is probably one of the most common phrases for drivers with kids. Children love snacks during trips, while parents usually dread cleaning up the leftovers scattered across seats and mats. Keeping your car clean goes far beyond aesthetics, it’s also a matter of comfort, hygiene, and even safety.
In this article, we’ve gathered practical car cleaning tips for both the interior and exterior, with simple solutions you can apply at home or on the go. If you frequently travel with children, pets, or on long trips, these suggestions will help extend your vehicle’s lifespan and make it a more pleasant space.
And remember: With Guerin, all vehicles are always delivered cleaned and sanitized, so your journey starts in the best possible way.
Start with the interior: crumbs and car seats
One of the biggest challenges when traveling with kids is food debris. Baby car seats, in particular, are crumb traps. Always remove the cover when possible and wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the rest, a portable mini vacuum can be a great ally, especially for reaching tight spots.
A useful tip is to keep a microfiber cloth and upholstery wipes in the car. This way, you can immediately clean up fresh messes, preventing them from settling in and becoming harder to remove.
Say goodbye to pet hair
Bringing your furry friend along means happiness, but also endless hair spread throughout the car. The best way to manage it is with a rubber brush or even a damp rubber glove, which helps lift hair from the upholstery. If you have rubber mats, even better, they can be removed and washed with soap and water.
Another practical solution is protective seat covers designed for pets, which are easy to remove and wash. They not only protect the upholstery but also make cleaning much easier.
Watch out for spilled liquids
Who hasn’t spilled coffee or water in the car? For fresh stains, blot the excess with a paper towel without rubbing. Then, apply a homemade solution of warm water with a little vinegar or baking soda to neutralize odors. For leather seats, use only appropriate products to avoid damage.
Always keeping a roll of paper towels or multi-purpose wipes in the glove compartment can save you in tricky situations. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
Dust and dirt buildup
Dust is unavoidable but easy to manage. Use dry microfiber cloths to wipe the dashboard and steering wheel regularly. Alternatively, use interior-specific sprays that leave a matte finish and help prevent dust accumulation.
A handy trick: use a soft-bristled brush or even an old toothbrush to clean air vents and small crevices. This allows you to reach corners that often get overlooked.
Don’t forget the trunk
The trunk is often one of the most neglected areas. Beachgoers know how sand can sneak into every corner. Here, a mini vacuum is essential. If you regularly transport groceries or luggage, consider a removable rubber trunk liner that can be washed as needed.
Exterior: shine and protection
Exterior cleaning also deserves attention. Wash the car in the shade to avoid water spots, and use products suitable for car paint. A soft sponge and two buckets (one with clean water, the other with water and car shampoo) are enough for a proper wash.
For the wheels, use a dedicated brush, and for a more professional finish, apply protective wax to the paint. This not only keeps the shine but also protects against minor daily wear like dust or acid rain.
Small routines that make a big difference
More than occasional deep cleaning, the secret is in small routines. Spending just five minutes a week vacuuming, shaking out mats, and wiping the dashboard is enough to keep your car presentable.
Keep a "quick-clean kit” in the trunk: a mini vacuum, multi-purpose wipes, a microfiber cloth, and a small trash bag. This way, you can act whenever needed without letting dirt accumulate.
Guerin and complementary products
If you’ve already booked a car with Guerin, you know that all vehicles are delivered fully cleaned, sanitized, and ready to go. But to customize the car to your needs, you can choose complementary products that make your day-to-day life easier, such as Total Car Rental Protection.
One thing is certain: whether in your own car or a rental, paying attention to these details makes driving more comfortable, safe, and clean. Safe travels and happy cleaning!
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