Cleaning the interior of the car with a microfiber cloth

10 Ingenious Car Cleaning Hacks


July 31, 2023 | Allison Robertson

10 Ingenious Car Cleaning Hacks


Keeping your car clean might seem like an unending task, especially when you're juggling daily life, work, and kids. 

However, with the right hacks up your sleeve, it can be simpler than you think. 

From creative ways to manage trash to repurposing household items, here are 10 ingenious and cost-effective car cleaning hacks to keep your ride spotless and fresh. 

1. Olive Oil For Dashboard Shine

Car cleaning split imagesAdobe

Advertisement

Give your dashboard a shiny look by applying a little bit of olive oil. This natural solution is a cost-effective alternative to store-bought products.

2. Toothpaste For Headlight Cleaning

Person cleaning car headlightsChanakon, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Apply a bit of toothpaste on a rag, scrub your headlights, and then rinse off. The mild abrasive can help clear up the haze on your headlights, improving visibility.

3. Baby Wipes For Window Cleaning

Cleaning Car Windshieldberdardbodo, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Baby wipes can double as an effective tool for cleaning windows. They remove grime and leave a streak-free shine, and they're very affordable.

4. Lint Roller For Quick Upholstery Cleanups

Person using lint rollerNew Africa, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

A lint roller can quickly pick up dust, crumbs, and pet hair from your seats and other fabric surfaces in the car.

5. Silicone Or Rubber Gloves For Pet Hair

Blue rubber glovesm_____k___, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

If you have a pet, a pair of rubber gloves can help gather the hair on seats and floor mats. 

The static electricity generated when you rub the glove on the upholstery helps gather the pet hair.

6. Use A Paint Brush To Dust Air Vents

Cleaning car vents with brushzphoto83, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

An inexpensive paint brush or makeup brush can help you reach the dust in your air vents. You can also cover the brush bristles with a cloth if you need extra dusting power.

7. Baking Soda For Odor Removal

Man vacuuming carDusko, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Sprinkle baking soda on your car seats and carpet, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum. 

The baking soda absorbs unpleasant odors, leaving your car smelling fresh.

8. Laundry Detergent For Upholstery Cleaning

Person cleaning carHoda Bogdan, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water, and you've got a great cleaner for fabric upholstery.

9. Hair Conditioner for Shiny Exterior

Man Waxing CarREDPIXEL, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

 Wash your car with a hair conditioner containing lanolin. This substance will leave your car with a freshly-waxed look.

10. Coffee Can For Trash

Girl throwing a coffee can in trash canSandu, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

A plastic coffee can with a lid can be a convenient and compact option for a car trash can. 

A small plastic bucket with a bag and a lid can also be a great solution, especially for larger items or wet trash, as they can be easily cleaned and are durable. 

Remember, regular cleaning can keep your car in the best condition and extend the life of its interior. 

Try these tricks, and your vehicle will not only be cleaner, but also a healthier and more enjoyable place to be!


READ MORE

Frustrated woman in a driveway with a car in winter, holding a remote start keyfob

The free trial for my new car’s remote start subscription expires right before winter. Is there any other way that I can activate it?

Car companies can now remotely shut off a factory remote-start feature if you stop paying for their subscription, even if it's built into your car. This is official policy of many large automakers, but there are still options for subscription-weary consumers.
September 10, 2026 Carl Wyndham
Rss Thumb - Classic Car Insurance

My classic car is barely driven, but the insurance company still wants mileage proof. How strict are collector policies?

Why does your classic-car insurer want mileage proof when you barely drive the car? Learn how collector insurance mileage limits, usage restrictions, odometer verification, agreed value, and occasional driving typically work.
September 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Woman next to her car with scratched bumper

My car was damaged in a parking lot, but the other driver’s dashcam recorded everything. Can I force them to share the footage?

Dashcams are complicated. You can ask the other driver for the video, but your private request normally would not carry legal force. If the dispute becomes a lawsuit, then it's a different story, but the exact procedure depends on your state and court.
September 9, 2026 Carl Wyndham
AI-generated image of a man leaning down next to the rear of an Isuzu VehiCROSS

Only Real Gearheads Can Name These Forgotten SUVs From One Rear-End Clue—How Many Do You Recognize?

Test your SUV knowledge with 15 forgotten models identified only by rear-end clues, from quirky spare-tire designs to distinctive taillights, badges, hatches, and tailgates that true gearheads may remember instantly.
September 10, 2026 Sasha Wren
Rss Thumb - Son Bought Aftermarket Exhaust

My son bought a really loud exhaust. He's already been pulled over and now the car may not pass inspection. Are aftermarket parts not worth the risk?

My son installed a loud aftermarket exhaust and is already facing police attention and inspection trouble. Here's how to tell whether aftermarket car parts are worth the legal, financial, and ownership risks.
September 9, 2026 Jack Hawkins