by Wendy Brumback

Created on: February 20, 2010   Last Updated: February 21, 2010

Checklist For Spring Cleaning Your Car

It is a good idea to take the time to do a deep cleaning on your car at least once a year, so I suggest adding it to your spring cleaning list.  The car, even for as small as it is – especially compared to the home, garage and yard can be a monumental task so here is a check list to help you along in the process.

Divide the task into 4 sections – the inside, the outside, the trunk and the engine or mechanical.  Now you can chose to start with any section you like but I will start my checklist with the trunk, then move on to the inside, the engine and then finally the outside.

The Trunk

Step 1: remove all items from your trunk.  We accumulate a lot of stuff in this area of the car.  It is the place where we put all our kids’ toys, the extra random items we pick up from friends, bags, and if you are a student it is often filled with books, paper and projects.  Sift through all these items and decide what stays and what goes.  Set the items that will be returning to the house next to the door and make a pile of the other items to be placed back into the trunk once you have finished.

Step 2: Wipe down any hard surfaces.  While the vast majority of the trunk is carpeted, there are still a few hard surfaces.  Many of us have speakers or disk players in the trunk so be sure to wipe the surface down with soapy water or an all purpose cleaner.  If you have gone green using a vinegar/water solution will work great here as well.  Also be sure to take the time to wipe down the lip of the trunk.

Step 3: Vacuum.  Vacuum the entire trunk making sure to get the edges and corners.

Step 4: Shampoo/steam clean.  We put so much stuff in the trunk.  Dirt and grease always finds its way into the carpet fibers. On top of that the carpet has been pressed flat.  A good shampooing will bring life back into the carpet as well as making it look refreshed – maybe even new!

Step 5: Once the carpet is dry put the items back in the trunk.  Now is a good time to make sure you have everything you need.  The trunk is a good place to hold extra fluids (windshield cleaner, oil, etc.) You should also have a first aid kit, an emergency road side kit and, depending on where you live, winter chains for the tires.

The Inside

Before you start make sure all the doors are open and be sure to have all cleaning supplies on hand.  These items will include rags,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>