Apr 27, 2017

Washing CarKeeping your car clean and in good condition is a big job that can get expensive quickly. Although you should take your car to the dealer for a once-over and regular maintenance several times a year, there are also some money-saving tricks you can do at home to keep your vehicle in good condition. Here are some car care products you can DIY.

Window Cleaner

While you can always use any old window or glass cleaner on your car’s windows and windshield, there are some household products you can turn into window cleaners if you don’t have Windex handy. You can get rid of streaks and spots on your windshield by using cola. Just pour some over the surface, and the bubbles in the soda will work away at the grime. Just make sure to put a towel down at the base of the glass to protect the paint, and make sure to clean it thoroughly when you finish, so it doesn’t leave a sticky syrup behind.

Stain Remover

You can also get rid of stubborn stains on car upholstery by using household items. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray the concoction on the stain. Let it sit for a while, then take a wet cloth and blot it. This solution also works on your chrome rims. Just spray it on your wheels and work it in using a sponge or cloth. Make sure to give it a few minutes and then rinse it off. Repeat a few times on stubborn dirt stains.

Tire Cleaner

Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean your tires. Use just enough water to form a paste with the baking soda, and then work it into the tires using a scrub brush. Let it sit on the tires for a few minutes before using a hose to rinse it off. You can also use baking soda to get rid of odors inside the car. Just sprinkle some on the seats and the floor mats, and let it sit for at least a few hours or even overnight. After it has worked its magic, you can vacuum it up.

Carpet Cleaner

Baking soda can clean all kinds of surfaces in your vehicle. You can also mix it with vinegar and water to form a paste that will get tough stains out of the carpets. Use a toothbrush or scrub brush to work it into the carpet, and wait for it to dry. Once it is completely dry, just vacuum it up, and the stains will disappear. You can repeat the process if needed for tougher, ground-in stains.

There is no reason to spend a bunch of money on cleaning products when you can create your own right at home. Most of the products you need are already in your closet, or they are inexpensive and easy to find at the grocery store.

Image via pixabay.com