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Tar, sap, dirty shoes, snack wrappers, spilled drinks and the surprises that come with kids or pets can turn your clean vehicle into a traveling mess.
"Staying ahead of messes makes a huge difference in how enjoyable your road trip will be," says Katerin Montero of D & K Detailing. "A clean car is not only more comfortable, but also easier to maintain throughout your travels."
Montero emphasizes the importance of traveling with a cleaning kit. She includes upholstery wipes, paper towels, a mini vacuum cleaner designed for auto interiors and trash bags for managing any mess when on the road.
"Having trash bags in the car is crucial alongside a good quality interior cleaner that leaves the cabin smelling pleasant after meals," Montero said.
Include several microfiber towels in your car care travel kit. They are safe to use inside and outside surfaces of your vehicle.
What about damp towels and wet swimwear? Leaving them in your vehicle can cause lingering, musty odors.
"Crack the windows open whenever you can or run the climate control system in ‘fresh air’ mode," says Montereo, who refreshes cabin air frequently while traveling. "It helps clear out moisture before it leaves that musty scent."
Liam Duthu of Turbo Detailing likes to conduct an impromptu cleanup at a gas station or rest stop. He uses leather and vinyl wipes intended for vehicle surfaces to remove dirt before it accumulates in a vehicle.
Duthu habitually cleans the steering wheel, dashboard, cupholders and door handles.
"This not only keeps your car tidy but also helps reduce the spread of infections from high-touch areas,” Duthu said. “Wipes don’t leave a sticky residue behind. They’re a fast and no-fuss way to keep your car clean on the go.”
Clean liquid spills immediately. Once they seep into upholstery fabric, spills can create stains and odors. Sugary drinks can cause mold to grow and make your vehicle cabin unhealthy.
Duthu’s practical advice is keeping a few microfiber towels and a bottle of carpet cleaner handy for quick fixes.
"If you spill something, always gently blot—don’t scrub,” Dathu said. “Blotting helps lift the liquid out of the fabric instead of pushing it deeper."
Expert tips for keeping a clean vehicle during a summer road trip:
- Start off with a cleaned and waxed vehicle which is prepared to encounter road grime and easier to clean when it does.
- Keep trash bags for snack wrappers, tissues and other junk. Get rid of them at gas stops and rest areas.
- Bring a stack of microfiber towels that can be used for all cleaning purposes. They are safe and gentle on interior and exterior surfaces.
- Use quick detailer sprays to remove sap, bird droppings and other contaminants on your vehicle while traveling. Left unattended, contaminants may permanently etch painted surfaces.
- Bring window cleaner intended for automobile glass, especially if you are driving dusty roads. Avoid ammonia-based solutions which can cause streaking.
- Soak up spills immediately to prevent liquids from penetrating fabrics. Sugary drinks provide a good food source for mold spores.
- Eat meals outside the vehicle or designated picnic areas to reduce crumbs and spills.
- Keep a pack of interior wipes handy for cleaning the dashboard, cupholders, door handles and other sticky spots.
- Place a bowl of baking soda or coffee grinds (or a mixture of both) inside your vehicle overnight to help absorb odors. Coffee grinds also leave behind a mild, morning aroma.
- Use small bins or organizers to store snacks, chargers, maps and other portable items to avoid cluttering the seats and car floor.
- Rinse off mats, especially if your family is camping or hiking.
- At day’s end collect the trash, shake out the mats and reorganize loose items.
- Find a local automated car wash if you are traveling long distances. It’s one of the easiest ways to remove grime and prevent permanent damage to painted surfaces.
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