6 hacks to help keep your car fresh and clean

6 hacks to help keep your car fresh and clean

With another school holiday around the corner, it’s time to gear up for more hours on the road, whether you’re heading out on a family getaway or just keeping the kids entertained during the break.

A close up of a human hand cleaning the car
A close up of a human hand cleaning the car/iStock/Moostocker

As another school holiday approaches, we thought we’d share some fun and helpful car hacks that might just be game-changers for busy parents.

If you're a parent, you know the drill: a good chunk of your day is spent driving – from school runs to sports practises and everything in between. And let’s be honest, your car often bears the brunt of it.

To help you stay ahead (and keep your car feeling a little more organised and fresh), we’ve rounded up six hacks to make life on the road a little easier.

1. Freshen up your car on a budget

There's no need to splurge on fancy air fresheners. Grab a wooden peg, spray it with your favourite perfume or essential oil, and clip it onto your car’s air vent. Turn on the air and just like that, your car will smell amazing.

2. Be spill savvy

Spills happen, especially with little passengers in the back. Line your cup holders with cotton facial pads to catch drips from coffee cups or juice boxes. They absorb the mess and make cleaning up a breeze.

3. Hidden fresheners

Tuck a few lightly scented tissues between your seat cushions. Not only will they keep your car smelling fresh, but when you remove them later, they’ll also help lift out some of the hidden dirt and crumbs. 

4. Toothpaste for rainy days

Struggling to see through your windows or side mirrors when it rains? Gently rub a small amount of toothpaste onto the glass until the white residue disappears. It helps repel water and improves visibility, just like magic.

5. Vaseline + fabric softener = a dashboard glow-up

Mix a bit of fabric softener with Vaseline or petroleum jelly and use it to wipe down your dashboard. It not only gives it a fresh scent and shine but also helps keep dust from settling.

6. Ziplock bags are your helpers

Ziplock bags aren’t just for snacks – they're road trip lifesavers. Slide your phone into a Ziplock bag and secure it to the back of a headrest to create a quick DIY screen holder for the kids.

Watch the video to see exactly how these hacks work below – courtesy of TikTok.

@iramotherhood2under2 the most favorite with vaseline and phone 👌🏼 #lifehack #hacks #tips #car #carhacks #mom #momhack #cleantok #cleaning ♬ original sound - 𝕃𝕪𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕤

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Image courtesy of iStock

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