Clean Your Vehicle Like a Pro with These Five Simple Household Items

There is something about getting your vehicle detailed that gladdens the heart. Whether it’s a new or ageing vehicle, a luxury model, or an economy brand, it doesn’t matter. It makes you feel good to see your car’s exterior gleaming and its interior clean, organised, and emitting a fresh odour.

Getting your car cleaned professionally is an excellent way to maintain it cosmetically. However, when funds are low, you may have to resort to other means. Namely, getting that shine done without the aid of the experts—at least until you can afford to do so.

We want to help. We’re sharing tips on cleaning your vehicle, and you don’t have to spend a dime. You read correctly. Look around your home, because you’ll likely already have most, if not all, of these items. Let’s get started. 

Clean Your Car Like A Pro With Five Simple Household Items

Toothbrush. Do you have a used toothbrush? Don’t discard it because it’s pretty nifty for vehicle cleaning. Use your soft or medium-bristled toothbrush to get at dirt and grit stuck in crevices around your gear selector and other hard-to-reach places.  

Toothpaste. Along with your toothbrush, a dollop of toothpaste is quite handy when cleaning your vehicle. A moderately abrasive toothpaste can help remove oxidation from your headlights. Maintaining your headlights’ appearance is critical to your safety and that of other motorists.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Head to your pantry and grab your bottle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), because it’s good for more than salads. You can use EVOO to clean interior vinyl surfaces, as it’s gentle and environmentally friendly. For example, use it on your dashboard by applying a thin layer with a soft, lint-free cloth. One thing to note is that olive oil is best suited for dark interiors as it is less likely to leave a residue.

Baking soda. Baking soda is incredibly dynamic, and its wonderful cleaning power is well known. Many of us may use it around our homes, but did you know it’s equally useful for cleaning your vehicle? Also, there are various ways you can incorporate it into your car cleaning. It can help clean your rims, wheels and seats, the latter mainly if they are faux leather. Also, sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit for a short period, then vacuuming, helps remove unpleasant odours.

Hair Conditioner. You may not have thought of it, but the ingredients that make your hair lustrous can also give your vehicle an incredible shine. According to the experts, the lanolin and silicone found in most hair conditioners work for car detailing. Here’s how it works: First, thoroughly clean your car’s exterior. Next, mix half a cup of your conditioner with two cups of water and apply it to the vehicle. Rinse the mixture off, then dry and polish with a microfiber cloth, and voilà.

There you have it. Our short list of common household items you can use to clean your old ‘Betsy’. But were we correct? Do you have these items? If you do, get started. However, if you’re missing a few, check out the ‘Supermarket’ listing here on FindYello for the opening hours of the one closest to you.

Sources: Family Handyman, Kelly Blue Book, Motor Snitch and Planet Care Today.