Don’t you wish you could maintain that new car cleanliness and scent? It’s a wish of most car and truck owners. However, many people assume you can never get that look and smell back unless you bring the vehicle in for an expensive clean and detail job. Surprisingly, a few simple strategies exist that help keep the car cleaner and fresher longer.
Hair Conditioner for Shine
Head to the shower and check the ingredients of your hair conditioner. The ingredient, lanolin keeps hair looking healthy and shiny, but it also improves the look of your vehicle. The waxy residue works well to repel rain and give the car a fresh-wax appearance.
Cola for Windshields
Windshields build a grimy film regardless of how often you use cleaner fluid. Streaks, blotches, and dirty marks make it difficult to see. However, the effervescent bubbles contained in cola serve as a solution. Stretch a towel along the bottom of the windshield while pouring cola down the window. Watch the bubbles fizzle the grime off of the surface.
Vodka as Fluid
The soda leaves a sticky residue despite removing grime. If you find you’re out of washer fluid, take vodka from your bar and create more. Mix 3 cups of vodka with 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid. Shake the mixture and pour into the washer vessel under the hood.
Pantyhose as Washcloth
Keep headlights and turn signals clean by spraying them with window cleaner and then following up with a pantyhose wipedown. It seems odd and an unlikely way to use pantyhose, but it works well and keeps the headlights shiny and bright.
Baby Wipes as Window Cleaners
Baby wipes work well to clean many surfaces in the house. Keep a bundle stored in your glove compartment and use them to rub your windshield and windows. It’s a quick and easy way to keep windows looking great.
Maxi Pads for the Windshield
Now, it’s getting a bit more surprising – use maxi pads as a substitute for windshield washer fluid. Rub the windshield with a pad and you’ll be impressed by the difference it makes.
Ammonia for Blades
Blades get dirty and then provide no help in getting the windshield clean. You don’t want big streaks across the window! A few household ingredients quickly clean the blades and make them as good as new. Use a quarter cup of ammonia and a quart of cold water. Lift the blades and wipe both sides with a paper towel. Then, wipe the blades with a dry cloth before lowering them back into position.
Car Covers for Easy Clean
Interior surfaces get dirty from constant use. It’s time consuming to scrub the surface of the interior, yet it’s incredibly easy to strip a car cover off and throw it in the washing machine. Shop the Shear Comfort website for seat covers for your car or truck.
Baking Soda as Washing Detergent
Some people use baking soda to brush their teeth. Why not utilize the cheap product to wash the car? Pour a quarter cup of baking soda in a gallon-sized jug along with a quarter cup of dishwashing solution. Mix the concoction and pour it into a 2 gallon pail filled with hot water. The mixture makes a vehicle look new again.
Tartar for the Windshield
Some roads are sprayed with oil to maintain the sand and dust. However, the oil collects on a car’s windshield. To get rid of the grime, sprinkle cream of tartar on the windshield and wipe the glass with soapy water. Rinse and dry with a cloth (or maxi pad).
Kerosene as a Washer
Place a cup of kerosene in a 3 gallon bucket filled with water. Using a sponge to coat the car with the solution. You don’t have to spray the car before or after the process. Water beads on the surface of the paint and lessens the likelihood of rust.
Terry Cloth Versus Air Drying
Some allow the vehicle to air dry after a wash, yet doing so can leave watermarks on the exterior, which defeats the purpose of getting the car washed. Use a terry cloth along with a squeegee, which helps get rid of excess water.
Dryer Sheets as Air Freshener
Cars quickly attract the smells of food, environments, and dirt. Air fresheners work well to curb foul odors, yet fresheners are expensive and quickly lose effect. However, dryer sheets give off a fresh scent and can be placed under the seats. They will be out of sight but will continue to keep your vehicle smelling fresher longer.
Cindy Mack is a housekeeper. She loves to share her experiences by posting on the web. Her articles can be found mainly on frugal living websites.
