Spring Clean Your Vehicle

April 3, 2012 10:20 am CT

Confession: I’m a neat freak. An over-the-top, type-A neat freak. I subscribe to Martha Stewart’s Daily Organization Tips and spent two years as a “cleaning girl” for my first job. Needless to say, spring cleaning is right up my alley.

We often only think of spring cleaning for our home and lawn; however, it’s important to remember to take care of the interior and exterior of our vehicles, as well. In fact, regular cleaning and maintenance not only enhance the appearance of a vehicle, but also help maximize value. According to Kelly Blue Book, keeping your vehicle clean can increase the value up to a few hundred dollars. So get scrubbing with the tips below!

• Waxing – Make it a point to wax your vehicle at least once a year to help maintain its paint job and prevent damage such as scratches, rust or oxidation.

• Windshield – Apply a glass treatment to the exterior of your windshields and windows for better visibility in rain or snow, which makes driving in stormy weather safer.

• Shampooing – Car mats and carpeting inside a vehicle deserve extra attention, especially after a snowy winter. A little vacuuming, spot stain lifters and carpet cleaner can go a long way and get rid of the musty odor from the damp outdoors.

• Leather – There are many great leather cleaning products on the market that work wonders for a vehicle’s interior; don’t underestimate the power of an old toothbrush, Q-tips and rags!

How are you sprucing things up this spring?