Use a small rubbish bin
One of the biggest culprits of car mess is random rubbish - receipts, snack wrappers, and empty coffee cups. A small, portable rubbish bin (or even a plastic bag) in your car can make a huge difference. Just toss out the rubbish (into a bin, obviously) whenever you fill up with fuel, or at the end of the day, and you’ll never have to disappear under a pile of random wrappers again.
Shake out mats regularly
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Floor mats collect a surprising amount of dirt and debris. Instead of letting it build up, get into the habit of giving them a quick shake every few days. This prevents dirt from grinding into the fabric and keeps your car looking fresh with minimal effort.
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You could also try rubber floor mats to protect your carpets from mud and dirt and just give them a hose down when they’re looking a bit grotty.
Keep cleaning wipes handy
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A quick wipe-down of your dashboard and steering wheel can instantly make your car feel cleaner.
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You can also use them to wipe up spills as soon as they happen (not while you are still driving, obviously – always pull over safely).
Use a car seat organiser
Loose items like sunglasses, tissues, and charging cables can make your car feel cluttered. A car seat organiser (or even a simple pouch on the back of your seat) keeps everything neatly stored.
Ban eating in the car (or be strategic about it!)
If you can, avoid eating in your car - food crumbs are a major contributor to mess. If that’s not an option, stick to less messy snacks (think granola bars instead of flaky pastries) and use travel-friendly containers to minimise spills.
Use a silicone cupcake case in drinks holders
Cup holders can quickly become sticky and dirty from spills but putting a silicone cupcake case in each cup holder makes cleaning easy - just remove, rinse and replace!
Use a car vacuum
Investing in a small handheld car vacuum can save you loads of time. A quick once-over each week helps keep dust and crumbs under control so they don’t become a bigger job later. When vacuuming, start from the top and work down to the bottom, so any stray dust doesn’t fall into the parts you’ve already cleaned.
Store a lint roller for quick clean ups
Pet hair, dust, and lint can accumulate fast, especially on fabric seats.
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Keeping a lint roller in your car lets you quickly clean up seats and clothing.
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A rubber squeegee can also quickly lift pet hair off fabric seats and carpets, making cleanup a breeze.
Keep a small microfibre duster
A microfibre cloth tucked in your glove box is perfect for quickly dusting off your dashboard, vents, and touchscreens without needing sprays or wipes.
Banish smells
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Sprinkle bi-carb soda on your car upholstery, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then vacuum to get rid of bad smells.
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Instead of using artificial air fresheners, place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and tuck it in your air vents. This will keep your car smelling fresh naturally.
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Tucking a few dryer sheets under your seats can help keep your car smelling fresh while also reducing static and dust buildup.
Cover seats with washable covers
If you have kids or pets, consider using car seat covers that you can pop into the washing machine when they get dirty (which is usually often!)
Take it with you
Don’t let stuff such as coats, running shoes and excess shopping bags build up - every time you leave your car, take something out.
Have a ‘car reset’ routine
Before heading inside for the night, do a quick 30-second check - take out any rubbish, grab any items that don’t belong, and do a quick tidy up. This small habit prevents clutter from building up and keeps your car consistently clean with barely any effort.
Line the boot with a removable mat
If you're constantly hauling groceries, sports gear, or pets, a removable boot liner or mat makes it much easier to clean up spills, dirt, and pet hair - just take it out and shake or wash it.
More ways to look after your car
Keep your car's exterior clean and protected
