8 Genius Car-Cleaning and Organizing Hacks
Having a stinky, messy car is no fun at all. I’ll never forget the time I left a lobster roll in my rental car in Maine. Another couple asked for a ride to the not-so-close airport, and none of us could breath on the hour commute. It was mortifying! Forgotten food aside, even clean and tidy people are guilty of having a junk-ridden car, especially where the kiddos sit.
After reading umpteen articles and blogs on the subject, I’ve compiled a list of my 8 favorite car cleanliness tools and tricks.
1. BACK OF SEAT ORGANIZERS
Car rear seat organizers attach to the back of the driver or passenger’s seat and allow easy access to anyone in the back. They may vary in size and material (mesh, Velcro etc.) but they don’t vary in their usefulness and versatility. These organizers are invaluable in helping you avoid distractions, rid you of clutter, prevent spills, create more space in your vehicle and help keep the seats clean.
2. GLOVE-BOX WALLETS FOR YOUR CAR
Sort your glove-box paperwork like car registration and insurance card in an organizer wallet or invest in an expanding file folder. Glove box organizers are simple, sleek and affordable. They neatly hold all sorts of paper in large, clear pockets. The extra sleeves can store essentials like gas cards, concealed carry license and loyalty cards.
3. DIY AIR FRESHENER
If you’re not much of an air freshener person and think the scents often smell overwhelmingly chemical, try a wool ball diffuser instead. Choose your favorite essential oil and add 5 drops to a wool ball. Attach the ball to a clothespin with glue (Elmer’s, craft, hot glue gun work great) and hang it on the lowest rung of your air vent. Amazon sells itty-bitty pom poms that would be perfect for this DIY.
4. PHOTO CASE IN MIDDLE CONSOLE
Clear photo 5x7 boxes are great for keeping your car organized. Once labeled, these make it so easy to find things and everything fits nice and neatly in the middle console. In my car, I have a container for first aid, makeup (mostly lip-gloss—you can never have enough!), dental hygiene, office supplies, hair ties and masks.
5. SOCK ON CUP TRICK
I know I am not the only one who struggles with the cup holders! Well, not anymore. Grab a fuzzy sock – or any sock – and stretch it over the bottom of a plastic cup. Spray the sock with an all-purpose cleaner. Twist it around in the cup holder with light pressure. Remove the cup and admire all the dirt and grit it collected. Voila!
6. DVD CASE FOR PENCILS AND CRAYONS
Don’t throw away that old pile of DVDS… repurpose them! There’s nothing more fun that giving old stuff new life. Upcycle your old DVD case into a to-go drawing kit for the kids complete with crayons, colored pencils and paper storage. This makes a perfect compact sketchbook that can fit in a seat pocket or mom’s purse.
7. FOAM CRAFT BRUSH
Air vents get filled with dust, dirt, and debris. Getting in these deep crevices is no easy task. Use a foam craft brush to get inside these fussy nooks and crannies. You can get this type of brush from a craft store like Michaels or Texas Art Supply for under $1. In a pinch, a paintbrush will also work to dust between the AC vents.
8. DIY PLASTIC BAG DISPENSER
You never know when you may need a grocery bag for unexpected trash, a wet bathing suit or heaven forbid, a dirty diaper. Turn an old container into a plastic bag dispenser. Get creative with the vessel. We’ve tried an old tide pod container, Clorox wipes, old coffee canister, a tissue box and an oatmeal container. Simply flatten a stack of plastic bags, fold them in half, layer them and roll them up. You would be shocked how many bags can fit in a small box!
I cannot implore enough how important it is to teach young kids the value of tidying up. Work alongside your child in the organizational process and make it fun project to do together. Get into the habit of cleaning the car out and carrying things inside. Be sure to let your kids know how much they’re helping out and reward them for their helpfulness. As with everything, tidying up is considerably easier for everyone when everything has an established place, even in your car.
