Our vehicles are host to a whole range of activities beyond transporting ourselves, our families and pets – eating, drinking, putting on makeup and changing diapers for instance.
While Co-op can help leave your ride sparkling clean outside at more than 130 car wash locations across Western Canada – which can help improve safety and protect it from damage – detailing interiors is just as important.
Cleaning interiors prevents yesterday’s chocolate bar from ending up on today’s clothing and can improve air quality. It can also minimize allergens and harmful bacteria like E. coli, that can grow from food crumbs and spills.
Start from the top
Start by removing all garbage, papers, toys and unnecessary items from your vehicle. When cleaning, work from top to bottom, saving windows for last. There are four primary interior categories to cover:
1. Paneling: Spray surfaces – including dash, controls, consoles, steering and doors – with an all-purpose cleaner and use a micro-fibre cloth to wipe down in long horizontal strokes. Wrap the cloth around an old screwdriver to clean vents, trim lines and the rubber edging around doors.
2. Seats: Vacuum the seat, headrest and pockets to remove dirt and debris. For cloth seats, apply an upholstery cleaner and scrub lightly, letting it dry before vacuuming. For leather seats, apply a leather conditioner and let it air dry.
3. Carpet: Use a scrub brush to work dirt to the surface, increasing the effectiveness of vacuuming. Move the seat completely to the front or back to expose all areas while cleaning. Use foaming carpet shampoo for tough stains and rinse rubber floor mats outside using a garden hose.
4. Windows: Apply glass cleaner and wipe off using straight-line strokes. If streaks remain, wet a micro-fibre cloth with water, wring it out and wipe off residue.
The case for cleaning
We spend a lot of time in our cars. Canadians spend one hour in their vehicles every day on average according to Statistics Canada. This time climbs for people with long commutes and those heading out on a roadtrip, when time may be measured by hours instead of minutes.
Before you head out on the road, tidy your vehicle to optimize storage, carry materials to manage messes and wipe down surfaces when you return home as spills are bound to happen. This will help reduce the build-up of dirt and ensure your vehicle continues to look – and smell – its best.