How to Spring Clean Your Car in Ten Easy Steps

James Sprosen ·
Spring cleaning your car might seem like a chore, especially if dirt and grime have accumulated over time. However, fear not! In just ten easy steps, you can revitalise both the exterior and interior of your car, restoring it to its former glory.

Check out our top tips below to learn how to clean your car effectively. 

How to clean your car’s exterior

Who doesn’t want to drive a vehicle that looks as good as new? Cleaning your car’s exterior keeps the following elements in good condition: 

  • Windows 
  • Windscreen 
  • Wipers 
  • Paintwork 
  • Wheels 
  • Tyres 
  • Lights 

Maintaining these features ensures your vehicle holds its resale value too. 

Before you get started, ensure your car is parked with a cool engine. 

Windows and windscreen

A dirty windscreen can impair visibility, making it dangerous to drive – so this part isn’t just for aesthetic purposes! Carefully lift your wipers away from the glass and remove any debris. Spray automotive glass cleaner across your windscreen and wipe in smooth strokes with a microfibre cloth. Buff the glass with a dry microfibre cloth to polish. Remember to put your windscreen wipers back in place after you have finished. Repeat this process on your car windows. 

Windscreen wipers

There’s little point in cleaning your windscreen if you don’t check your windscreen wipers too. 

If you find your wipers are continuously smearing debris across your windshield, it may be time to get a replacement. Check out our guide on when to replace your windscreen wipers for more information. We have a wide selection of quality windscreen wiper blades available from leading manufacturers. These include BOSCH, MICHELIN, Lucas, Valeo, and more. 

If they don’t need replacing, you can clean them using hot soapy water and an automotive sponge. Carefully lift your wipers away from the windscreen. Wipe the blades with the sponge and detergent until they come up clean. Remember to be gentle, as scrubbing the rubber too hard can damage your wipers. 

Body panels

Get two large buckets. Fill one with warm water and automotive shampoo and the other with water. Use a sponge and the soapy water to wash the panels of your car. Start from the top of your vehicle and work your way down, as most dirt on your car will be found near the bottom. Keep rinsing your vehicle with water to remove any residue. Polishing the car with a dry microfibre cloth after it has been cleaned will ensure a streak-free finish. 

Wheels and tyres

Rinse loose dirt and debris from the wheels and tyres with water. Spray wheel cleaner onto the wheels, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Use a tyre brush to scrub the tyres thoroughly, removing dirt and grime as you go. Start at the top of the tyre and work downwards. Rinse the wheels and tyres thoroughly with water. Use a towel to dry the area afterwards. 

Lights

Mix car shampoo and warm water in a bucket to create a soapy solution. Using a microfibre cloth, gently wash the headlights, daytime running lights, and rear lights, removing any dirt, grime, and bugs. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and rub dry with a microfibre towel. 

How to clean your car’s interior

Cleaning the interior of your car creates a more pleasant environment for you and your passengers. Before you start, remove any clutter, rubbish, and personal items from the cabin. 

Upholstery

Start by vacuuming the upholstery to remove loose dirt. For fabric upholstery, you can use a specialised fabric cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. For leather upholstery, use a dedicated leather cleaner formulated for automotive use. Spray the cleaner onto the upholstery and rub the areas with a clean microfibre cloth or sponge. For fabric seats, toothbrushes can be a useful tool to scrub in the creases, however this isn’t recommended on leather seats. 

Dashboard and screens

Apply a small amount of surface cleaner to a microfibre cloth. Make sure the cleaner is safe for use on electronics and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use the dampened cloth to wipe down the surfaces in gentle, circular motions. A fresh microfibre cloth can be used to dry the areas following this. 

Centre console, doors, and cupholders

Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust and debris from the centre console, door panels, and cupholders. Apply a small amount of surface cleaner to a clean microfibre cloth and wipe all areas. For stubborn dirt, use a detailing brush or cotton bud to clean around any buttons, switches, and other intricate areas. 

Mats

Hot, soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush should work to loosen embedded materials. Add car shampoo to the mat and rub in to remove any leftover dirt and bad odours. 

Air vents

You may notice a funny odour when you turn your air con or heating on if you haven't cleaned the vents in a while. Spray disinfectant onto a foam paintbrush and insert it between the slats of the air vent. Remove any residue with a clean microfibre cloth. Dry out your vent system by blowing your fan on max with the air con off and be sure to clear away any debris that collects around the air intakes. 

Once everything is clean and dry, step back and admire your work. We hope this article has provided some handy tips on how to spring clean your car. 

If you need new windscreen wipers to keep your freshly cleaned windscreen clear, look no further! We have a wide range available, and an expert team on hand to help if you have any questions. 

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