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Travel and everyday , Selling your car , Maintenance and tyres · Posodobljeno 2026-10-18

Cleaning your car inside and out

A clean car is more pleasant to drive, and regular washing is also real maintenance. Dirt, road salt, bird droppings and insects can eat into paint, and a dusty interior wears out faster. You do not need professional equipment. You need the right order, the right materials and a bit of patience. This guide covers the outside, the inside and the places people forget.

Before you start

Park in the shade, and let the car cool down. Washing a hot body in direct sun makes water and soap dry in streaks and spots. Gather what you need before you start: two buckets, car shampoo, soft wash mitts, soft towels, a glass cleaner and a separate brush for wheels. Do not use washing-up liquid on paint, since it can strip protective wax. Never use old rags that may hold grit, because grit scratches.

Washing the outside

1. Rinse the whole car with water first to loosen dirt and sand. Start at the top and work down.
2. Wash the wheels and tyres first, with their own brush and bucket, because they are the dirtiest parts.
3. Wash the body with a soft mitt and car shampoo, from top to bottom, one section at a time.
4. Rinse the mitt often in a second bucket of clean water, so you do not rub dirt back over the paint.
5. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean soft towel to avoid water spots.

Be careful with high-pressure washers. Keep the nozzle at a safe distance from paint edges, seals, badges and any damaged paint, where strong water can lift the surface. Do not aim water directly at electrics, the engine bay or door seals from a short distance.

Protecting the paint

After washing, a layer of wax or sealant helps the water bead off and protects the paint from the sun and light dirt. How often depends on the product and the conditions, and the instructions on the pack tell you. Avoid waxing in strong sun. If the paint feels rough after washing, a clay bar can lift stuck contamination, but if you are not sure how to use it, ask a professional.

Things to remove quickly

• Bird droppings and tree sap are acidic or sticky and can mark paint. Soften with water and wipe gently.
• Insects dry hard on the front of the car; soak them with water before wiping.
• Road salt is a long-term enemy in winter; wash the car, including the underside, regularly. See winter prep.

Glass and wipers

Clean windows inside and out with a glass cleaner and a clean towel. Dirty glass is dangerous at night or in low sun. Wipe the wiper blades with a damp cloth to remove grit; worn blades can be replaced, as described in wipers, lights and bulbs.

Cleaning the inside

Start by removing rubbish and taking out the floor mats. Then work from top to bottom.

1. Vacuum seats, carpets, the boot and gaps between the seats.
2. Wipe the dashboard, door panels and centre console with a soft cloth and a mild interior cleaner. Avoid very shiny products on the dashboard, since glare in the windscreen can distract you.
3. Clean fabric seats with an upholstery cleaner. For leather, use a cleaner made for leather, and condition it from time to time.
4. Clean the floor mats outside the car and let them dry completely before putting them back.
5. Finish with the glass.

Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first. Keep liquids away from screens, switches and electrics, and spray the cloth, not the panel.

Smells and moisture

A musty smell usually means damp. Look for a wet carpet, a blocked drain or a leak around the door or window seals, and have it fixed. Drying alone does not solve a leak. Smoke and pet smells are best removed by cleaning the soft surfaces and the cabin filter; see air filter and cabin filter. Open windows or use the air conditioning to air out the cabin regularly.

Pets and children

Seat covers and a boot liner make cleaning easier. Brush off hair before vacuuming, and wipe sticky spots quickly. Keep a small kit in the car; see driving with kids and pets.

Cleaning before you sell

A clean car signals a cared-for car and can help the sale, but never use cleaning to hide a problem. Clean the engine bay only carefully, if at all, and never with strong water on electrics. Read prepare your car for sale and photos that sell for the full routine.

A simple schedule

• Rinse or wash the outside every few weeks, more often in winter or after long trips.
• Vacuum the interior about once a month.
• Clean windows whenever they look dirty.
• Wax or seal the paint a few times a year.
• Deep-clean the interior once or twice a year.

What to remember

• Wash in the shade, with clean materials and two buckets.
• Use car shampoo, not household soap, and soft cloths.
• Remove droppings, sap and salt quickly.
• Clean the interior top to bottom and test products first.
• A damp smell means a leak or moisture that needs fixing.

Beginner Cleaning Do it yourself Pets Selling Winter