Vehicle Spring Cleaning Guide with Printable Checklist

Spread that great, refreshing feeling of a quality Spring Cleaning to your vehicles! Wipe away winter grime and treat your car to some TLC.

Most people participate in Spring Cleaning of some kind, but it’s usually for our home. Our vehicles often don’t get the credit they deserve. We’re always relying on them to get us from Point A to Point B, but we rarely take the time to give them a quality deep cleaning.

Not only can this make your commute more enjoyable, it can make your drive safer and extend the life of your vehicle!

Giving your house a thorough cleaning is pretty common (76% of Americans report participating in spring cleaning!), but when was the last time you gave that time and attention to your car? Here are some tips and a printable to help you revitalize your ride!

Vehicle Spring Cleaning Supplies

You’re going to want to stock up on supplies before starting to clean! Think about the things that need cleaning in your vehicle and how you would like to tackle it.

Interior:

• Microfiber towels
• Stiff-bristle brush
• Vacuum
• Leather cleaner & conditioner
• Carpet cleaner machine or spray
• Rain-resistant Ammonia-free glass cleaner

Exterior:

• Headlight defogger
• Microfiber towels or mitt (make it even easier with a long handle!)
• Car wash and bucket
• Battery terminal cleaner spray or brush
• Tire cleaner
• Wax

Maintenance:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Replacement windshield wipers (check manual for correct size and type)
• Replacement fluids (brake, transmission, coolant, windshield washer, oil — check manual for correct types)
• Battery voltage meter
• Replacement air filter (check manual for correct type)
• Roadside emergency kit

Tips for Vehicle Spring Cleaning

• Stock your cleaning supplies before you begin. It’s so frustrating to be in the cleaning groove, only to run out of supplies.
• Start from the top and work your way down to prevent spreading dirt and debris to already-cleaned areas.
• With cloth interiors, it’s best to brush the seats with a stiff-bristled brush and THEN vacuum. This helps loosen the dust and dirt and works it up to the surface so the vacuum can remove it.
• On the inside of the windows, ammonia-free cleaner works best on car windows. Don’t forget to roll the windows down a little to get the grime and dirt that collects at the top!
• Be sure to spray off the underside of the car. Road salt can be corrosive, so removing this will help keep your car in tip-top shape.
• If you have a truck, be sure to spray out the bed, including the corners. If you have a toolbox or storage, now is a great time to clean and reorganize that as well!
• When waxing, microfiber towels work best to provide a beautiful, streak-free shine. Waxing helps protect your paint job.
• Double-check your wiper blades. The ice and snow of winter can wear down blades faster, so check to see if you need a replacement.
• If you already have an emergency kit, double-check your supplies and replace anything that has been used/lost/broken.

Free Spring Cleaning Printable