56 Car Cleaning Hacks to Keep Your Car Cleaner

Car cleaning hacks made easy! Discover 56 DIY tips, from cleaning crevices to shining glass, for a spotless car interior and exterior—fast and efficient!

Two women in a car and driving.

Do you ever just clean the car and then it’s messy again just a couple days later?

Thankfully, there are some great ways to keep your car clean and organized (almost) permanently. With these fast car cleanup tricks and the right tools and techniques, you’ll make every detailing effort last longer.

Here are some helpful car cleaning hacks that’ll make you think, “I probably have the cleanest car in this neighborhood” every time you get in it.

So check these quick car detailing tricks out and finally get rid of those annoying crumbs, wrappers, and sticky gunk in the cup holder for good. From car interior detailing to getting rid of the exterior grime, these tips will definitely make your car look like it just came from a professional cleaning.

You’ve got this. 💪


Car Cleaning Tips: Table of Contents

How To Clean Car Interior:

  1. Coffee Filters For Dusting
  2. Magic Eraser On Vinyl
  3. Vent Dusting With A Foam Craft Brush
  4. Compressed Air To Dust Out Vents
  5. Car Cleaning Slime
  6. Animal Hair Cleanup With Squeegee & Spray Bottle
  7. Toothbrush To Remove Dirt & Grime
  8. Homemade Carpet Stain Remover
  9. Condition The Dashboard With Vaseline
  10. Olive Oil Dashboard Polish
  11. Olive Oil Leather Polish
  12. DIY Leather Cleaning Solution
  13. Clean Cup Holders With A Sock, Travel Cup & Windex
  14. Screwdriver To Remove Dirt From Crevices
  15. Rolling Up Seats
  16. Vacuuming The Inside Roof
  17. Sprinkling Baking Soda Before Vacuuming
  18. Don’t Forget The Ashtray
  19. DIY Car Floor Mat Cleaners

How To Clean Car Exterior:

  1. Microfiber Cloth Windshield Cleaner
  2. Baby Wipes Windshield Cleaner
  3. Be Sure To Roll Down The Windows
  4. Dead Bugs Removal With Drier Sheets
  5. Dead Bugs Removal With WD-40
  6. Wash Car Exterior With Conditioner
  7. Cleaning Headlights With Toothpaste
  8. Cleaning Headlights With Headlight Wipes
  9. Microfiber Mitt To Clean Your Car
  10. Remove Car Stickers With Hair Blower
  11. Clean Wiper Blades With Rubbing Alcohol
  12. DIY Rim Cleaner
  13. Tire Brush

How To Organize Your Car:

  1. Shower Caddie Trunk Organizer
  2. Shoe Bag Organizer
  3. Carabiners
  4. Ice Pop Makers
  5. Acrylic Trays
  6. Glove Box Command Center
  7. Homemade Car Kit
  8. Loose Change In Old Containers
  9. Snack Basket
  10. Cereal Container Trash Can
  11. Command Hooks
  12. Back Seat Trashbag
  13. $1 Bin Food Holder
  14. Silicone Cupcake Cup Holders

Car Air Freshener Tricks:

  1. Essential Oil On A Clothespin
  2. Pineapple Skins
  3. Car Humidifier
  4. Freshening Air With Leftover Candle Wax
  5. Cleaning Car’s Air Conditioner With Lysol
  6. Check Your Filter

Great Car Cleaning Products:

  1. Mini Car Vacuum
  2. Complete Car Care Kit
  3. Windshield Glass Cleaner
  4. Pet Seat Hammock

How To Clean Car Interior

1. Use Coffee Filters For Dusting

Coffee Filters being used For Dusting.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

If you need some dashboard cleaning tips, then this is a great one!

And while dusting is pretty easy, it can get pretty frustrating when you have a cloth that spreads lint everywhere.

But coffee filters have an awesome quality about them which allows for dust to be picked up easily, making them a great budget-friendly car cleaning tool.

The lint-free material of the coffee filter is perfect for wiping car dashboards, the center console and other parts. Try it for yourself and find out!

2. Use A Magic Eraser On Your Vinyl

A car interior.
PHOTO: HONEYBEAR LANE

Found from Honeybear Lane

If you want a good way to clean up the scuff marks in your car (e.g. around doors) then check out this tutorial to clean up your vinyl with a magic eraser, just like you would inside your home.

You can even use it on leather that is dirty, but I’d pass on using it on thin, dyed or worn-out leathers.

And just make sure to never use magic erasers on your clear coats, paint finishes or on cars with a clear car bra (a car bra is a stretchy vinyl you can put on your car’s front bumper to protect it from damage.)

Keep this car cleaning hack limited to inside use only!

3. Dust Your Vent With A Foam Craft Brush

Foam Craft Brush dusting a car vent.
PHOTO: ONE GOOD THING BY JILLEE

Found from One Good Thing By Jillee

Car air vents can get pretty dusty over time, but those narrow slots make it tough to clean with just a rag.

If you need some extra reach, you can make a small sponge brush soaked with some cleaner and that will take care of the job (you can also buy them in art stores or in art sections at department stores.)

Honestly, this is probably one of the most creative and easy car cleaning tips in this list!

Alternatively, you can check this mini duster out. It’s designed specifically for your car air vents. With its unique triple-headed design, you can make sure it’s completely clean.

4. Use Compressed Air To Clean The Dust Out Of Vents

Compressed Air being used to Clean The Dust Out Of Vents.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

If you’re looking for a car interior cleaning hack that’s simple and fast, try a can of compressed air to get the dust out of your vents.

Moreover, you can even spray a disinfectant enzymatic cleaner instead for a deeper clean. The possibilities are endless! Watch a video guide for that here.

5. Car Cleaning Slime

Car Cleaning Slime being used on a car.

If you think slime is just great for kids, then think again. Because of slime’s natural malleability, you can use it to pick up any dust and dirt in your car’s hard to reach crevices without making a mess.

Honestly, this trick is one of the best car detailing shortcuts!

Car Cleaning Slime cleaning the interior of a car.

6. Clean Up Animal Hair With A Squeegee & Spray Bottle

A Squeegee & Spray Bottle cleaning up animal hair in a car.
PHOTO: CAREABARESARA’S

Found from CareaBearaSara’s

If you have pets that you take in your car frequently, and you’re tired of seeing their hair build up, then this is a great car organization hacks!

Just use a spray bottle of water and a squeegee. It’s a great way to gather it up and get rid of it easily.

And to avoid accumulating your furry friends’ hair on your car seats next time, make sure to cover your seats with a blanket.

7. Brush Dirt & Grime Out Using A Toothbrush

A toothbrush getting dirt out of the crevices of a car.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

For a DIY car cleaning tip that’s pretty useful and very low-cost, use a toothbrush to brush away dirt in the seams.

Yup, a $1 toothbrush… pretty much all types will do.

Gently brush the dirt and you’ll have a mess-free car seat in a jiffy. And just make sure not to clean your teeth with it afterward before thoroughly rinsing!

8. Homemade Carpet Stain Remover

Homemade Carpet Stain Remover using hydrogen peroxide.
PHOTO: KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG

Found from Kids Activities Blog

Dirty shoes make your car carpets look stained and soiled so try this car carpet cleaning trick!

This two-ingredient carpet cleaner is super effective and will leave your car smelling nice.

All you need is some hydrogen peroxide and lemon essential oil (oh, and water too!).

Here are the instructions for the 2 Ingredient Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution!

9. Condition Your Dashboard With Vaseline

A person conditioning their Dashboard With Vaseline.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

Vaseline works wonderfully at conditioning the dashboard and giving it a nice shine. It’s a car polish tip that’s inexpensive and looks like it works pretty well!

Just make sure your dashboard is dry, apply a tiny amount using a clean cloth to rub it in, then wipe away any leftover excess. And if it starts building up dust after a couple of days, just keep the cloth nearby and give it a quick wipe!

10. Olive Oil Dashboard Polish

Olive Oil being used to Polish a Dashboard.
PHOTO: SUN GAZING

Found from Sun Gazing

Don’t have any vaseline lying around? Then most likely you’ll have olive oil. This eco-friendly approach to cleaning saves money and avoids chemicals in traditional sprays.

Traditional wipes or dashboard sprays are expensive, full of chemicals, and sometimes don’t do the job properly. So instead, try using olive oil and some paper towels to make your car dashboard clean and shiny.

Just make sure to fully wipe off excess oil with your paper towels otherwise it’ll collect more dust.

11. Polish Leather With Olive Oil

Usually, cars’ interiors and fixtures are made up of leather that gets darkened and faded over time. And since leather cleaners are pricey, you can also use olive oil as an alternative. Pretty versatile, right?

Just apply a small amount of oil onto a cleaning rag and rub in a circular motion on your leather interior. Let it dry and wipe off all excess fully with a clean rag.

12. DIY Leather Cleaning Solution

Now, here’s another homemade car cleaner that will make your leather look like new again.

All you need is Castile soap or dishwashing liquid, water, and a spray bottle. Mix them well in a spray bottle (or bucket) and spray lightly on the leather. Wipe down and see the stains go away!

You can read more from the tutorial here!

13. Clean Cup Holders With A Sock, Travel Cup & Windex

Sock being used to clean a cup holder.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

Let’s be honest, cup holders can get pretty grimy and gross. But just attaching an old sock to a travel cup and wetting it with Windex can be an easy way to clean them out. Just twist it around in the holder, and anything stuck on will come off!

Do this a few times if need be and, hey presto, it’s done!

14. Get Dirt Out Of Small Crevices With A Screwdriver

A Screwdriver being used to get dirt out a car.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

If you’ve started noticing all the dirt that’s built up over time in small crevices and cracks, then consider giving them a cleaning too. And you can easily do this with a flathead screwdriver.

Get a cloth to catch the dirt and make sure not to cause any damage with the screwdriver!

15. Roll Up Seats

Rolled Up Seats.
PHOTO: KIWI SERVICES

Found from Kiwi Services

So this is pretty obvious really, but if you want to make sure everything is cleaned, don’t forget to roll up your seats and hunt for any spots you may have missed while cleaning. Works extra well with a long vacuum nozzle.

But if you do vacuum, remember to reclaim items you accidentally dropped down into the void of forgetfulness beforehand.

16. Vacuum The Inside Roof

Speaking of vacuuming, more often than not we tend to just vacuum our car’s ground and forget the inside roof. But did you know that roof fabric can also accumulate dust and dirt? So it seriously does make sense to vacuum it!

17. Sprinkle Baking Soda On Your Seats Before Vacuuming

Baking Soda being used to clean car.
PHOTO: MOM DEALS

Found from Mom Deals

This is probably one of my favorite upholstery cleaning hacks!

Step up your vacuuming technique even more with this humble yet helpful car cleaning hack.

If your car smells bad, it ruins the whole driving experience, plus it’s embarrassing when you’re giving someone a lift. Use the baking soda to absorb and neutralize the smells from your car carpets and upholstery.

Just sprinkle a bit, leave it for a short while, then vacuum your car as normal.

Vacuum cleaning up a car with baking soda.
PHOTO: NATURAL HEALING MAGAZINE

Found from Natural Healing Magazine

18. Don’t Forget Your Car’s Ashtray

Make it a habit to always clean out your car’s ashtray to avoid the cigarette smell. After cleaning it, spray some rubbing alcohol or some ordinary freshener to leave a nice smell.

19. DIY Car Floor Mat Cleaners

Before you throw out those filthy and dirty floor mats, give them new life and wash them. All you have to do is brush the dirt and dust off, put them into your washing machine, add some detergent or spray some stain remover, and leave the cleaning to your machine.

Rinse and dry after and you’ll see the difference. You’ve just saved yourself some money!

How To Clean Car Exterior

So now that we’re done cleaning our car’s inside, let’s now work on the exterior to get it looking shiny and as good as new using these budget-friendly hacks.

20. Clean Your Windshield With A Microfiber Cloth

Woman cleaning Windshield With A Microfiber Cloth.

Improve your windshield visibility by cleaning the glass with a damp cloth and then drying it clean with a microfiber glass wiper that will leave no streaks behind. Seriously, this method looks like it’s such a great window cleaning tip for cars!

It’s so great to drive with a windshield that looks spotlessly clean no matter what light it’s under.

21. Clean Windows With Baby Wipes

Woman cleaning Windows With Baby Wipes.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

As a friend of mine told me, baby wipes can be used for just about anything. So as an alternative way to get clean, streak-free windows without putting in too much work is to simply use baby wipes. One wipe surprisingly does a lot of work and really is a great budget-friendly car cleaning tool.

This works because of the alcohol in the wipes that keep your windows clean and free of streaks. So on your next trip, keep a pack in your compartment and use when needed.

22. Make Sure To Roll Down The Windows

Man rolling down windows to clean them.
PHOTO: FAMILY HANDY MAN

Found from Family Handy Man

Make sure that when you’re cleaning your windows, you roll them down to make sure that all of the grime and dust gets cleaned off.

It can be easy to just spray some cleaner on the window and wipe it down. But what a lot of us forget to do is to clean the very top of the window. So make sure the window is rolled down so you can get the grime off the top too!

PS. This also prevents the grime from streaking down when there’s a rainy day!

23. Get Dead Bugs Off With Drier Sheets

Woman getting Dead Bugs Off With Drier She.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

Rather than going to the nearest car wash, you can use dryer sheets to get those nasty bugs off the front of your car quickly. You’ll save so much time and money as well by simply trying out this trick.

24. Remove Dead Bugs Using WD-40

If you go on a road trip and pick up a lot of dead bugs, then WD-40 is another great way to clean them off. Spraying a bit of WD-40 on the car’s grill will remove them off easily, as well as grime

You can also spray some WD-40 on your car’s hood or roof and then rinse with soapy water to remove bird droppings, sap and dirt. WD-40 can even be used to spray off old bumper stickers. Seriously, this stuff can be used for so many things!

25. Wash Your Car With Conditioner

Person washing Your Car With Conditioner.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and effective car soap, then try using a cheap hair conditioner. It has lanolin in it (a type of wax), which will make your car shine in no time without having to pay for expensive car wax.

Most importantly, it will also help you avoid the water spots caused by rain or dew.

Feel free to check out the link to get direct instruction for this hack!

26. Clean Your Headlights With Toothpaste

Person cleaning Your Headlights With Toothpaste.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

A woman using toothpaste to clean Headlights.
PHOTO: HOW TO GET RID

Found from How To Get Rid

More and more cars these days come with plastic headlights. Plastic headlight lenses tend to get dull and dirty, as the UV rays from sun mix with rain and road grit.

Plus, they might get foggy due to oxidization over time. This oxidization is actually quite similar to the plaque buildup on teeth, which is why toothpaste works as a car stain removal tip.

To maintain proper functioning of headlights as well as keep them clean and fog-free for a clear view, clean it with toothpaste (preferably baking soda toothpaste since it has a slightly rougher texture.)

Squeeze out the toothpaste into a clean rag and rub the paste all over the headlights. Rinse the headlights with water after and get all the grime off.

27. Use Specialized Headlight Wipes

Man using Specialized Headlight Wipes.

If that last car cleaning tip just felt too much like home DIY for your taste, you can also try these headlight wipes that are made especially for your car.

It comes with three large restoration wipes that’ll remove any streaks from your lights. It’s super easy to use and is much cheaper than visiting your local car shop.

28. Use A Microfiber Mitt To Clean Your Car

Person using A Microfiber Mitt To Clean a Car.
A person using a microfiber mitt on car.

Taking your car through an automatic car wash can sometimes leave scratches on your vehicle’s paint. So do yourself a favor and hand wash your car with a quality soap, a bucket of water, and a microfiber mitten. In a few minutes, you’ll have a properly cleaned and scratch-free car.

These mitts are really handy and hold lots of water for cleaning your car.

Also, it makes for one of the best car washing tips, so make sure to keep it in mind the next time your vehicle needs to be cleaned!

29. Remove Car Stickers With A Hair Blower

A man removing a Car Sticker With A Hair Blower.

Found from Cars

Removing stickers is not as easy as putting them on. If you need to remove that old bumper sticker, you’ll need a hairdryer, razor blade (if the sticker is on glass), a stiff plastic card, towels, some cleaning solution, and a bit of patience.

Hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the sticker and move the hot air around the sticker, heating the center of the sticker first and the edges last.

Then use your plastic card (razor blade if on glass) to slowly peel up the sticker around the corners. After the sticker has come off, use some cleaning solution on where the sticker used to be to remove any stickiness.

30. Clean Wiper Blades With Rubbing Alcohol

Overtime driving, road debris, dirt, and rocks can get in between your car’s wipers. This grime will cause your wipers to streak across the windshield.

So keep your wiper blades clean by simply soaking a micro-fiber cloth into rubbing alcohol and wipe your car’s blades. This will remove any soapy film or residue that’s left on the rubber.

31. DIY Rim Cleaner

A person cleaning car rims.

To easily make your car’s rims and hubcaps sparkling clean, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 2 cups of warm water in a small bowl.

Get a soft sponge or towel and gently scrub the tires and hubcaps. Rinse off with water and your tire will look like new.

32. Tire Brush

A person using a Tire Brush.

To increase the effectiveness of the other tire cleaning hacks, clean your tires while also using this brush.

Built for quick and effective cleaning, this brush will totally get the job done. It can clean those hard-to-reach spots, is very flexible in cleaning wheel spokes, protects your rims from scratches, and gently scrubs your wheel.

How To Organize Your Car

I hope you liked those car cleaning tips above, but now we need to find ways to keep your car clean and organized so that you don’t have to keep cleaning it over and over again.

33. Shower Caddie Trunk Organizer

Shower Caddie Trunk Organizer in a car.
PHOTO: THE CASTRO HAPPYNINGS

Found from The Castro HAPPYnings

Using a shower caddie as a budget-friendly car organization hack for your trunk is a good way to make road essentials more easily accessible.

This really is a cool way to keep things that you need in your car organized. Imagine seeing this every time you pop open your trunk—you’ll be sure to feel a warm glow inside each time you do!

With everything so accessible and neat, now you don’t have to go fumbling through your giant purse trying to find that box of bandaids.

34. Shoe Bag Organizer

Shoe Bag Organizer on the back of a car seat.
PHOTO: MARTHA STEWART

Found from Martha Stewart

Again, just another great way to use an ordinary organizer as a way to keep things organized in your car (but this time not in the trunk.) This will be your greatest helper when on a road trip.

Whether you need wipes or an umbrella nearby, a shoe bag organizer is never a bad idea! You can place all sorts of things inside each pocket, such as toys, coloring books, headphones, water bottles, cords, road maps, and so much more.

This first one was made just by cutting a large shoe organizer in half, hemming the bottom, and attaching ribbons to tie it to the seat.

Shoe Bag Organizer being used to organize items in the car.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

Another great way to use a shoe bag organizer is for toys! If your kids are at a certain age where they need something to keep them entertained, then this is a great idea. Especially if you don’t want a ton of cleanup afterward.

35. Carabiners

Carabiners holding items in the car.
PHOTO: HGTV

Found from HGTV

A simpler hack than the organizers above, but I think this idea of using carabiners is nonetheless super clever! It’s just a handy way to discretely hang your belongings so they’re easily accessible, meaning you’ll spare yourself some potential back pain reaching the floor to grab them.

It also means your items are less likely to go missing (that’s presuming you don’t also lose your headrest too…but you kind of deserve losing your items if you lose a whole headrest 😉)

36. Ice Pop Makers

Ice Pop Maker keeping a car organized.
PHOTO: HGTV

Found from HGTV

Head to the dollar section in Target and get some ice pop containers to organize the small things you need in your car. You can’t get more simple than that!

It’s little car cleaning tips like this that make me feel like I’m making the world a slightly better place…

37. Acrylic Trays

Acrylic Trays for organizing items in the car.

Image found from Leigh Lusk LivingArticle no longer available

If Ice Pop Makers aren’t your thing, then acrylic trays are also a great way to keep the front of your car neat and organized by storing loose odds and ends.

38. Glove Box Command Center

Glove Box Command Center for the car.
PHOTO: A BOWL FULL OF LEMONS

Found from A Bowl Full of Lemons

Keep all of your important car documents organized and easy to grab by following this simple tutorial.

You can include things such as a car parking money pouch, insurance and registration papers, car mechanic contact details, road service contacts, mileage details, car expenses, and repair history in one convenient folder in your car.

It’ll definitely help you out in many situations and it’ll give you more peace of mind knowing they are there!

39. Car Kit

Car Kit for the car.
PHOTO: SIMPLY KIERSTE

Found from Simply Kierste

Keep all of your cleaning supplies in this super easy-to-make car kit. Whether it’s hand sanitizer, garbage bags to clean up a mess, wipes, a first-aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, paper towels, or a plastic tablecloth, you’ll be prepared!

So pop it in your trunk and drive relaxed knowing you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

40. Loose Change In Old Containers

Loose Change In Old Containers.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

If some of these other car organizers were a bit too much for you, here’s one so simple anyone can do it straight away.

Don’t you just hate frantically searching for loose change in your car when paying for parking or toll roads? So why not make it easier on yourself and keep all your change in a small unused container? (Preferably one with a lid!)

41. Snack Basket

Snack basket in a car.
PHOTO: THE REALISTIC MAMA

Found from The Realistic Mama

Whether you want to make sure you’re eating healthy and not eating out, or it’s for your kids, this is definitely an awesome idea that will also keep your car organized!

You can store in it water bottles, nuts, fruits, dried fruits, sunflower seeds, and whatever healthy options you can cram inside it.

You’ll definitely spend less eating out and will eat healthier if you plan ahead, which is why I love this neat snack basket idea.

42. Cereal Container Trash Can

A cereal Container Trash Can on a car floor.
PHOTO: BHG

Found from Better Homes & Gardens

These things are cheap which is why I think it’s a great idea to keep at least a couple of them in your car to ensure that any messes are picked up (especially good for road trips.)

Once you come home you can easily throw it all away without having to search your car like Indiana Jones for lost wrappers that you know are in there but haven’t been seen for a thousand years.

43. Command Hooks

Command Hooks holding up a trash bag in the car.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

A great idea to keep trash off the ground is to use a command hook to hold up a bag so that trash is easily disposed of.

Long road trips always seem to be accompanied with chips and snacks, but you can keep your car free from all the crumbs and trash after finishing your food by using a command hook to keep a paper (or plastic) bag in place. Then you’ll have a convenient place to dispose of the trash!

44. Back Seat Trashbag

Back Seat Trashbag hanging from a car seat.

As an easier non-DIY option, this back seat trash bag, that you can purchase online, looks nice on the outside, will hold any trash you have, and empties in a snap. It’s perfect for long road trips, especially if you have kids that eat plenty of snacks and create messes easily.

45. $1 Bin Food Holder

$1 Bin Food Holder in a car.
PHOTO: LOOKIE WHAT I DID

Found from Lookie What I Did

This particular blogger found this bin in the dollar section of Target. I’m pretty sure you could find something very similar there or at any dollar store to keep food and food waste altogether.

So if you’re the kind of parent who allows food in the car, your kids won’t have an excuse anymore for making a big mess. And those guilty post-work takeaways can be cleaned away more conveniently. Pretty handy right?

46. Silicone Cupcake Cup Holders

Silicone Cupcake cups keeping cupholders clean.
PHOTO: ONE GOOD THING BY JILLEE

Found from One Good Thing by Jillee

I’ll just get straight to it, I really, REALLY like this idea of making sure that your cup holders stay clean. We all know how gross cup holders can get with dried spilled juice, crumbs, and gunk that can so easily get down in there and be nearly impossible to clean.

Woman placing Silicone Cupcake cups in Cup Holders.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

You can get silicone holders on Amazon for pretty cheap and it’ll definitely be a conversation starter with all your passengers who’ll praise your mastermind-like intelligence.

Car Air Freshener Tricks

Ok, you’ve cleaned and organized your car, but how on earth are you going to keep it smelling fresh? Read on for some ideas on odor removal in cars!

47. Essential Oil On A Clothespin

Woman putting Essential Oil On A Clothespin.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

The best time to add an air freshener is straight after cleaning your car. So here’s your first DIY option!

Get a wooden clothespin and apply 5-10 drops of essential oil, and pin onto your car’s air vent to let it blow the natural scent around the car. Pretty ingenious if you ask me.

This DIY car air freshener is so simple and looks pretty effective!

48. Pineapple Skins

Woman putting Pineapple Skin in a plastic bag.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

If you like pineapple and you’re looking for a homemade car freshener, then try putting the rinds in a plastic bag to give your car a tropical sweet scent. Once the pineapple starts going bad, just replace the rinds with a new ziplock bag filled with new pineapple skins.

If you’re worried this might look a bit weird to other people, simply put them in a place not as visible but where the smell is still able to waft slightly around the car.

If you do this, you might end up needing two bags to strengthen the scent a bit more.

49. Car Humidifier

Car Humidifier in a car.
PHOTO: VYAIME STORE

Another way to make your car smell great after cleaning it is a humidifier with an aroma diffuser. You just need to add a few drops of your essential oil and/or water for a cool mist.

50ml water equals 2 hours of use and it comes with an automatic shut-off once it gets empty. It plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and provides you with an extra two USB ports.

50. Freshen the Air in Your Car with Leftover Candle Wax

Person freshening the Air in Car with Leftover Candle Wax.
PHOTO: THE KRAZY COUPON LADY

Found from The Krazy Coupon Lady

Yet another simple and super-easy way to freshen up your car’s air and get the best car scent: put a scented candle in your car’s cup holder, and when the wax melts due to hot weather, your car will seriously smell good!

And even if it’s not hot, the scent can still lift from the wax.

51. Fix Bad Smells in Your Car’s Air Conditioner with Lysol

Person fixing Bad Smells in the Car's Air Conditioner with Lysol.
PHOTO: CAR REVIEWS N CARE

Found from Car Reviews n Care

If you want to get rid of all the bad smells coming from your air conditioner, then try spraying a can of Lysol into the airflow inlet.

Shake the can for 1 minute, then spray for 2 minutes evenly over the inlets.

52. Check Your Filter

A clean and dirty filter side by side.
PHOTO: REMOVE AND REPLACE

Found from Remove and Replace

If you notice a persistent bad smell in your car even after trying out one of the above options, it might just be your filter! So check it out and get it changed. It’ll probably solve the problem.

Great Car Cleaning Products

Ok, we’re nearly at the end now! If you want to make your life easier and/or want a deeper clean of your car, here are some cool and helpful cleaning products so that you can hack and win at cleaning your car!

53. Mini Car Vacuum

Person using a Mini Car Vacuum.
PHOTO: LOLLDEAL

Portable and lightweight vacuums are best for your car so you can get rid of all the dirt and dust that comes from your shoes. This cleaner has a powerful suction leaving no debris on your floor, upholstery, or in those harder to reach places.

Professional cleaning of your car can be expensive, but this tool is gonna do the job just fine!

I personally haven’t tried this car vacuum before, but you can check it out and read the reviews!

54. Complete Car Care Kit

Complete Car Care Kit on a white surface.
PHOTO: MEGUIAR’S STORE

If you’re the sort of person who likes to have all their bases covered, this twelve-piece car care kit will have you covered in almost all situations. It has car shampoo, car wax, tire blackening, wheel cleaner, smooth surface clay, and more.

This kit will give your car some serious shine and is recommended for car enthusiasts. Plus its also great value for money.

You can check out a car care kit here. I haven’t personally used it, but it might be good for you!

55. Windshield Glass Cleaner

Person using a Windshield Glass.
PHOTO: GPCT

A clean windshield can play a huge part in a driver’s ability to actually see clearly (especially during inclement weather conditions.) So if you’re looking for convenience, try this super easy-to-use windshield cleaner.

You can keep it in the trunk ready-to-use on long car journeys.

Here’s a windshield cleaner you can check out here. I haven’t used it, so just know this isn’t based on my opinion.

56. Pet Seat Hammock

Dog sitting on a Pet Seat Hammock.
PHOTO: BARKSBAR STORE

If you’re bringing your dog (or even cat) for a car ride, make sure you use this seat cover to protect your car’s upholstery. It’s waterproof, doesn’t slip out of place, and will totally make your pet feel comfortable without spreading fur.

Here’s a link to a pet seat cover if you want to try one yourself. I haven’t used it myself, so make sure to check out the reviews! 🙂


Seriously, taking care of your car doesn’t need to be overwhelming or take loads of time when there are plenty of DIY car cleaning tips and tricks out there.

And with these car cleaning ideas from the list above, your car will be sparkling clean on the outside and tidy and organized on the inside. So give them a try and let me know what you think!

Now if you have any car cleaning hacks yourself, let me know in the comments down below! I’d love to hear about them!

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Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

15 thoughts on “56 Car Cleaning Hacks to Keep Your Car Cleaner”

  1. I love these hacks and will definitely try them…I have a question…how would you clean the whole area of the motor? Thanks in advance

    Reply
  2. Thanks for the tips. Clean my husbands truck is very therapeutic. I will using your tips. And listening to music.

    Reply
  3. Great suggestions, I have one for you: Instead of putting your floor mats in the washing machine go to the Do It Yourself car wash the ones that take the Quarters and sray the mats with the wand. If you do this on a Sunny Day, you get the mats dry. Also for the wheel cleaning mixture mix it up in an Empty 1/2 gallon milk jug and put it in the trunk when finished for use next time instead of using a bowl

    Reply
  4. Given that we are expert cleaners ourselves, we can attest that these are all some very great car cleaning hacks. You definitely want to use a good, soft mitt that will not scratch up your vehicle’s surface. Thank you for even taking the time to share, this is very good. Look forward to more articles now.
    San Jose Auto Detail

    Reply

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