5 Chick-Friendly Tips to Clean and Maintain Your Car (PLUS Enter To Win!)

*I received free samples from Procter and Gamble in preparation of writing this piece. This post reflects my personal opinion and was not influenced by the sponsors.
Our cars have become our home (and even office) on four wheels. It’s a place where we spend so much of our daily commute, so it’s only natural we want to keep it clean and clutter-free.
I must admit I can’t stand it when my 2011 Ford Escape gets dirty, but I really hate cleaning it. That’s usually my husband’s forte (I suspect you all are agreeing with me right now).
Between eating on the go, taking the kids to school, ballet lessons, soccer games, and taking the dog to the park, my car is a magnet for collecting dirt and harboring nasty smells. I just don’t have time to keep my car in mint condition all week long but have learned a few time-saving tips to make the job easier.
#1 – Tackle Smells from the Start
Moms like me can rejoice - Febreze, the odour eliminator we all know and love at home, is now available in a format that works in your car. The Febreze CAR Vent Clips employ the same great technology as other Febreze products; delivering light scents while eliminating unpleasant odours.
#2 – Small Efforts for Big Gains
Cleaning the car to a “like new” condition is a lengthy process. Be realistic about and prioritize the type of cleanup your car will get. Shaking out the car mats and sweeping up crumbs and grit with a hand broom will do almost as much as a good vacuuming when you’re in a pinch, so don’t stress about a 100% job when an 80% job will already make a world of difference. You can leave the deep cleaning to the professionals (or for the next time your husband wants to duck an indoor cleaning job).
#3 – Quick Cleanups
Tuck a cleaning rag or pre-moistened wipes in your glove box. As you wait for your car to warm up in the mornings, take a moment to wipe down your dashboard. Use a proper glass-cleaning cloth to wipe away fog on the interior of your glass instead of a fast food napkin or your sleeve. This will eliminate streaking and take any extra dust and dirt with it.
#4 – Prepare for Messes in Advance
Use fabric protector and spray your rugs and seats to help prevent stains (you know that it’s just a matter of time before someone spills), and keep a supply of disposable bags in your car to deal with clutter and trash quickly. They will also be a life saver if anyone gets car sick!
#5 – Use Proper Car Care Products
You might think any soap will do to wash the car, but think again. Dish soap is a big no-no: it will actually strip the protective coat on the paint of your car. Make sure you choose products specifically designed for a vehicle’s needs or are safe for use on your car’s exterior or interior. If you have leather seats, condition them regularly to prevent cracking and grimy buildup.
Do you have any car care tips to share? Prime road tripping season is just around the corner, so show your car some love by entering our special draw for a $50 gas gift card plus a CAR Vent Clip from Febreze! Click here for contest rules and how to enter.

* No purchase necessary. Limit of one entry per person. Open only to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec), must be age of majority. Contest closes April 29, 2012. Skill testing question required. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Total approximate retail value of Febreze Car prize pack is $52.99 CDN. See full rules.
More on Travel, Contests
Facebook Comments
20 Comments
![]() |
on May 02, 2012
mamaluv
STAFF
said:
UPDATE: Winners of the Febreze giveaway have been announced! |
![]() |
on March 22, 2012
car hire
said:
Good information. I appreciate the writer for the efforts to make this article so informative for the people. |
![]() | I was selected to review the Fabreze Car but never received it in the mail. I did email about it but haven't heard back. Can someone please contact me... |
![]() |
|
![]() | I drive an awesome Toyota FJ cruiser and luckily it has not fabric or carpet on the floors, so one of my favourite cleaning tips for it is to take the water hose and flood the floors...I have my shop vac handy to suck up the excess water. I find that by doing this it remove the road salt from around the seat bolts and it keeps the inside of my pretty SUV rust-free. I usually do this in the Spring once the snow is all melted. I am very excited about the new Febreze product, I use Febreze in my truck often to give it a fresh scent. |
![]() | No eating in the car = less mess |
![]() |
|
![]() | A great tip for those who travel with the family dog! Spray a dry rag with an ultra hold type hairspray til rag is slightly damp. Gently wipe carpet, cloth seat, etc., and hair will stick to the rag. Remove excess hair from rag and repeat! Will remove up to 90 per cent of the hair. I do this quite often as my dog is my co-pilot on those once a week grocery trips! |
![]() |
|
![]() | Great contest!! Perfect for the spring cleaning season! |