Keeping your vehicle spick and span doesn’t have to mean shelling out for pricey products or strong chemical cleaners. Instead, you can put together simple DIY cleaning solutions using a few ingredients you probably have at home. And while these cleaners might not be suitable for every surface or type of dirt, when used correctly, they can be just what you need for routine maintenance. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the top tried and true homemade car cleaners.
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DIY Vehicle Cleaners
Why Use Natural DIY Vehicle Cleaners?
Homemade cleaning products are often a great option for casual cleaning and regular maintenance. Many people prefer natural cleaners they can whip up at home because they:
- Are wallet-friendly and created from common household items.
- Great for lots of everyday cleaning jobs.
- Generally have fewer synthetic ingredients than most commercial car cleaners.
- Can cut down on the number of cleaning products purchased.
- Include ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, which are biodegradable.
Please Note: Like all ingredients, natural ones should be used with care as well. Remember to keep cleaning products away from children and pets, away from your eyes, and always avoid mixing vinegar with bleach or other chemical cleaners.
Ingredients List for Homemade Car Cleaners
Most of these elements are common household items and should be easy to source:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Unscented Castile soap
- Distilled water
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloths
- Spray bottles
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
These will work well for most routine cleaning jobs around your car.
All-Purpose Interior Cleaner
This gentle cleanser is perfect for many hard interior surfaces like plastic trim, vinyl, and door panels.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon unscented Castile soap
Directions:
- Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly onto the surface.
- Gently wipe the area clean.
- Dry with a separate clean microfiber cloth.
Do Not use this cleaner on:
- Infotainment screens
- Touchscreens
- Digital instrument displays
- Navigation screens
For electronic displays, follow your vehicle manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.
Natural Glass Cleaner
Keeping your windows and mirrors clean not only improves visibility, but gives your vehicle a polished appearance.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup white vinegar
Directions:
- Mix ingredients in spray bottle
- Spray lightly onto automotive glass.
- Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth until dry.
Using distilled water will help reduce any streaks that can result from mineral deposits.
Important: If you’ve put an aftermarket window tint on your vehicle, check the tint manufacturer’s care instructions before using vinegar-based cleaners.
Light Wheel Cleaner
For minor road grime, a simple paste made from baking soda can help loosen dirt.
Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Warm water
Directions:
Mix warm water with baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply to tires with a soft sponge or brush, gently scrub, then rinse thoroughly.
Remember that old brake dust that’s been caked onto your tires may need a professional wheel cleaner.
Note: Do not use abrasive brushes or pads that could potentially scratch painted or polished wheels.
Natural Fabric Freshener
To help eliminate odors in seat upholstery between deep cleans, use baking soda as follows:
- Shake a light layer of baking soda on the fabric.
- Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Vacuum well.
Tips for Top Results
To ensure you keep your vehicle protected while cleaning:
- Start from the top of the vehicle and work downward.
- Go for clean microfiber cloths to avoid scratching surfaces.
- Test any DIY cleaner on a small, inconspicuous part first.
- Rather than store your cleaners, make fresh batches often, as DIY cleaners don’t have preservatives.
- Avoid mixing household cleaners.
Final Thoughts
Making natural cleaners at home can be an effective and wallet-friendly way to approach many routine vehicle cleaning tasks. Basic ingredients like Castile soap, baking soda, distilled water, and vinegar can do wonders for light cleaning when used on appropriately. Remember to consult your manufacturer’s recommendations and only apply your DIY solutions on the right surfaces.
