Summer is in full swing and road trips are frequent–but getting your car cleaned after every road trip or a trip to the beach can be costly!

If you’re tired of paying for detailing, keep reading for detailing tips on a budget!

Upholstery

Cloth

There are several ways to clean cloth seats in your vehicle:

  • Club soda – Spray club soda on any stains and scrub away the stain
  • Baking soda – Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with a cup of water, layer the solution on any stains and scrub away using a toothbrush.
  • Vinegar – mix a cup of vinegar with a few drops of dish soap & a gallon of hot water together, use the mixture on any stains and scrub.

Leather

Care for your leather seats using one of these methods:

  • Nail polish remover / rubbing alcohol – blot the stain with a cotton ball dipped in the nail polish remover or alcohol, once it’s removed clean the solution off with warm water
  • Non-gel toothpaste – Dab a bit of toothpaste on the stain, use a toothbrush to scrub it off, then clean off with warm water.
  • Vinegar – mix a cup of vinegar with a few drops of dish soap & a gallon of hot water together, use the mixture on any stains and scrub.

Carpets

This easy 2-ingredient carpet stain remover is not only affordable but works great!

Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar, you may include essential oil if you want to add scent. Spray the mixture onto your carpet, let sit for 2-3 minutes and scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Clean off any residue by vacuuming or using a damp washcloth.

Dashboard / Panels

Before beginning any detail on the dashboard or panels, be sure to thoroughly wipe down the surface with a damp washcloth. This will ensure any debris, dirt, and dust will be removed.

Leather dashboards should not be cleaned with alcohol, as it can dry out the leather and cause cracks. Instead, use this mixture:

  • 1/2 teaspoon of washing soda
  • 3 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil-based soap (Castile soap)

Put all these ingredients in a spray bottle and spray the mixture onto your dashboard, wipe away with a microfiber cloth. Not only will this mixture clean your dash, but the oil in the oil-based soap will help condition the leather. Vaseline is also a great alternative to help condition your dashboard.

Small Details

Small details like badges, cup holders, stitching, and everything in between can be cleaned up using q-tips, skewers, and even a vacuum with a small hose.

Have Fun this Summer!

Payne Auto Group wishes everyone a safe and fun summer!

Looking to upgrade your vehicle? Visit our website and view our entire inventory online! Schedule service online too, to keep your summer adventures moving smoothly!