If your car has been on the road all winter, it’s probably filthy by now. Salt, sand and snow have made their way inside the car, and you’ve probably got a shovel and a jug of windshield washer fluid in there with you.
As soon as spring rolls in, it’s time to get rid of winter clutter. From shovels and jumper cables to traction mats and bags of salt, it all has to go into the garage. While you’re at it, make sure your car has the right emergency gear for summer, like a first aid kid and flashlight.
Next comes removing the rubber mats. Wash them with soapy water to keep them in good condition and prepare them for next winter. You may also want to clean the car floor. Even if you have good protective mats, it’s worth your while to vacuum in all those nooks and crannies to clean out grit and crumbs. Special carpet shampoos can help bring your mats back to life. Deep cleaning the original carpeting is especially important if you don’t have rubber mats, otherwise it can be damaged by the salt.
Cars with leather seats need a little extra attention. Apply protective leather cream over the seats and rub it in vigorously.
Then all that’s left to do is dust the dashboard, clean the windows (use car cleaners, not household products, as these can cause reflections in the glass) and put on your favourite tunes. You’re good to go!
