| Car Life
a person removes a basket full of grocery bags from the trunk

For many, the winter months have brought harsh weather (snow, ice, rain, and/or sub-freezing temperatures) that takes a toll on our vehicles and makes us want to stay inside. But soon, the sun will shine and the weather will warm up again, signaling the start of spring. Before you jump in the car, and take off on a road trip, you might need to do a little spring car cleaning! Who knows what you may have tracked in from the weather! We’re here to help you out, so here are six pieces of car cleaning advice to help you have a fresher, more organized vehicle.

1. Mess-Free Trash Can

When it comes to spring cleaning for your car, we have to start with trash. Keep old wrappers, empty cups, and used napkins from consuming your car with a portable trash can! You could buy one of The Drive’s top-rated options, or you could convert an empty disinfecting wipe canister or plastic cereal holder into a portable garbage bin. Either way, this will help keep your car neat and tidy. If you go the DIY route, make sure to line your trash can with a plastic bag!

2. Odor Be Gone

Get rid of funky smells by leaving an open bag of charcoal in your car overnight, according to Vivint. Don’t worry; you can still fire up the grill with this very same charcoal, so it will serve a dual-purpose for you. Don’t have any charcoal? You can always use baking soda or coffee grounds to soak up foul smells.

3. Make Scents with Dryer Sheets

Once you rid your car of any funky smells, fill it with your favorite. But rather than dangling a miniature pine tree from the mirror or clipping something to the air conditioning vents, choose a cheaper, less-visible option. There’s a good chance you already have dryer sheets lying around your house, so why not stuff a few in side pockets, compartments, nooks, and crannies around your vehicle. Nobody will see them, but the fresh smell will be noticeable.

4. Smile Bright

Make your car’s “smile” sparkle by polishing the headlights with a little toothpaste! It’s true, you can really restore some of that lost shine with the same substance you use on your teeth! Clean off your headlights with soap and water, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the wet headlight, and start scrubbing, according to Today. Make sure to apply a sealant when you’ve removed that protective coating, though!

5. Anchored and Organized

To keep your groceries or other bags from moving around your trunk, put your trunk items in one or two plastic laundry baskets. Your trunk will stay cleaner and more organized, and when it’s time to clean out the car all you have to do is grab the basket! It’s a dream come true if you believe you’re only allowed one trip to bring all of your groceries or belongings inside!

6. Easy Kid Compartments

Keep the kids’ toys, games, and snacks from ending up in every corner of the car by hanging a shower organizer or fabric shoe holder over the back of your two front seats.

Have any hacks we missed? Share them in the comments below! Also, before you clean up your car and hit the road for spring break, be sure you have the right insurance coverage. Give Direct Auto a call or stop by one of our convenient locations.