Do you have enough salt on your front mats to cook for an entire year? Can't stand to touch the steering wheel? Winter is hard enough on a vehicle; add kids and pets and you have a complete mess. With all the new products on the market clean up can be a snap. In just a few hours your vehicle interior will look almost new again.
What you need? Visit your dollar store and pick up some paint brushes and a wire barbecue cleaning brush. A bucket with two or three drops of dishwasher soap and lots of old rags. Also have some window cleaner, newspaper and paper towels. You can use your own vacuum or go to a detail center. Sears Craftsmen 19 liter Wet/Dry Vacuum priced at around $129.97 is perfect to hang up in any small space. You can carry it right in the vehicle if needed. Other useful items include Mr. cleans Magic Easer.
A few days before you plan to complete the task start picking up everything you don't use. If you have kids make a game out this chore. Everyone puts all their stuff away and then we get pizza for dinner. The change all over the vehicle will probably pay for dinner. You will be amazed at what you find when you actually move that seat all the way up. (There's that master card). Look in all the pockets, nooks and crannies. The kids already did!
Okay so everything is picked up. Next vacuum all the carpets, mats, seats and any console and pocket areas with crumbs and dirt. To get rid of the salt stuck in the carpets and mats use that new dollar store wired barbecue brush. Brush the salt spots to loosen up the salt and then vacuum away. This may take several tries if the salt is really embedded in the carpet. Is pet hair everywhere? Put on a rubber glove and brush the hair into sections then vacuum. If your seats come out or flip and fold now is a good time to vacuum these areas.
Fill up a small bucket with a few drops of dish soap and the hottest water you can work in with gloves on. The hotter the water the more steam you get to loosen any dirt and grime. Soak an old cloth and ring out any excess water. Start at the dash area. Wipe up the area with the wet cloth and then dry the whole area with a dry cloth. See any more stains? Repeat the process. Do you have any pen, marker or scuff marks? Mr. cleans Magic Easer is your answer. Damp the sponge slightly and press lightly. You may want to try this in area such as the bottom of your door jam first to make sure the vinyl does not discolor.
Next clean up candy, gum and unknown sticky substances the little family chemist may have created. Use a damp rag soaked in steaming hot water (the more steam in the rag the better). The products are sugar based so the hot steam will dissolve up the experiment. Just repeat the process a few times and wipe up. The steaming process will eliminate harsh chemical usage to help keep our green environment.
To clear air vents, CD players and all small areas, use that paint brush. It fits everywhere your hands don't! Small power window switches, tiny radio buttons you name it. Go over all the vinyl in the vehicle. Now is the time to curse the fact you have a big unit with all the bells and whistles. (What was I thinking?)
Next is the door jams. Dirt, road grease, salt it gets everywhere. Wipe the inside and the outside of all door and trunk jams. For this job use old rags you don't want anymore they will be full of grease when you are done.
For windows that shine, mist on window cleaner or a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water. Use a dry cloth to wipe up the solution. If you use newspaper your windows will sparkle but your hands may get full of ink so wear gloves. For hand prints and little paws you may have to lower windows a bit to get the sticky cola out of the top part. Don't forget the mirrors.
Well looking good. Now how do I deal with the great big hot chocolate stain on the back seat and carpet? Calling a professional detailer will work. However if you want to try it your self Bissell's Little Green is the answer. Spot the carpet stains and let sit for at least five minutes. Then use the Green Machine as per operating instructions. This machine is usually under $100.00 and makes clean up a snap because of its size it can fit anywhere. When the seats and carpet dry the stains may still be visible. Depending on the type of seat fabric again a hot steamy cloth will loosen up all the rest of the dirt. Use a dry to wipe clean. Some stains may be yours for life.
When you are satisfied with all your accomplishments, run your vehicle threw a car wash. The outside will look as good as the inside. Get some of your favorite air fresheners to hang up and place a few grocery bags in the front and back. If they are there they will get used. Keep a paint brush and dry cloth in the glove box. Next time you are waiting for some one or something (train), take them out and brush away. A little bit maintenance will make a big difference.
