Keeping your car clean isn’t just about making it look good—it’s about making sure it stays in great shape for the long haul. Sure, you could spend a fortune on fancy cleaning products, but sometimes the best solutions are already sitting in your kitchen. I’ve tried a bunch of these over the years, and honestly, they work just as well (if not better) than store-bought cleaners. Here are some of my go-to home remedies and how you can use them.
1. Vinegar and Water Solution
Vinegar is my ride-or-die when it comes to cleaning—seriously, I use it for everything. A few months back, I walked out to my car after a rainy week and noticed these ugly water spots all over my hood. No amount of wiping was getting them off. Then I remembered my trusty vinegar trick. A quick spray and wipe, and bam—those spots vanished.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on dirty areas like windows, mirrors, or the body.
- Wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, rinse with water, and dry.
Why It’s Great:
- Super cheap and totally natural.
- Works like magic on water spots and grime.
Watch Out:
- Don’t use it on waxed surfaces—it’ll strip the wax right off.
- Test it on a small area first, just to be safe.
2. Baking Soda Paste
If you’ve ever dealt with brake dust on your wheels, you know how stubborn it can be. Last summer, after a road trip, my rims looked like they’d been through a war. I tried soap and water—nothing. Then I made a baking soda paste, scrubbed a little, and my wheels were back to looking brand new.
How to Use:
- Mix baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste.
- Apply it to problem areas (like wheels or bumpers).
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse and dry.
Why It’s Great:
- Mildly abrasive, so it cleans without scratching.
- Also works inside the car to remove funky smells.
Watch Out:
- Don’t let it sit too long on paint—it can be a little too abrasive.
3. Lemon Juice and Water
Lemon juice is like nature’s degreaser. I first tried this on my windshield after a long road trip when bug splatter and dirt just wouldn’t budge. A little lemon juice and water, and suddenly my windshield was sparkling—and my car smelled amazing.
How to Use:
- Mix lemon juice and water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Apply with a sponge or cloth, then rinse and dry.
Why It’s Great:
- Cuts through grease and grime.
- Leaves a fresh citrusy scent.
Watch Out:
- Avoid using it in direct sunlight—it can leave streaks.
- Rinse well to prevent any sticky residue.
4. Olive Oil for Interior Shine
My dashboard was looking dull one day, and I didn’t have any fancy interior cleaner on hand. On a whim, I grabbed a bottle of olive oil, rubbed a tiny bit on a cloth, and wiped it down. Instant shine. It even worked on my leather seats! Just be careful not to overdo it—you don’t want your car feeling greasy.
How to Use:
- Put a little olive oil on a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe down your dashboard, leather seats, or other interior surfaces.
- Buff with a clean cloth to get rid of any extra oil.
Why It’s Great:
- Keeps leather soft and plastic looking fresh.
- Natural and chemical-free.
Watch Out:
- Too much can leave a greasy residue.
- Don’t use it on fabric seats or carpets.
5. Club Soda for Windows and Mirrors
This one blew my mind the first time I tried it. After a hiking trip, my car’s windows were covered in smudges and fingerprints. A little club soda, a quick wipe, and suddenly my windows were crystal clear. It’s like a secret weapon against streaks.
How to Use:
- Pour club soda onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto the glass.
- Wipe in circular motions, then dry with a clean cloth.
Why It’s Great:
- Super cheap and works like a charm.
- No harsh chemicals, just bubbles doing their thing.
Watch Out:
- Make sure the soda is flat—bubbles can be a little annoying.
- Use a fresh cloth to avoid streaks.
6. Cornstarch for Grease Stains
Ever spilled food or oil inside your car? I have. One time, I dropped a greasy takeout bag on my passenger seat, and I thought the stain was there for life. Then I remembered a trick I saw online—cornstarch. I sprinkled some on, let it sit for a bit, and it soaked up the grease like a champ.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle cornstarch directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease.
- Brush it off and wipe the area with a damp cloth.
Why It’s Great:
- Non-toxic and super effective.
- Works fast, especially on fresh stains.
Watch Out:
- Can be tricky to clean from fabric seats if you use too much.
7. Toothpaste for Headlights
Okay, I was skeptical about this one. But when my headlights started looking cloudy, I figured it was worth a shot. I grabbed some non-gel toothpaste, rubbed it in, and wiped it off. The difference was insane—it actually worked.
How to Use:
- Put some non-gel toothpaste on a clean cloth.
- Rub it onto the headlights in circular motions.
- Rinse and dry.
Why It’s Great:
- Gently removes oxidation and cloudiness.
- Way cheaper than buying a headlight restoration kit.
Watch Out:
- Don’t use it on paint—it can be abrasive.
- Rinse well to avoid leftover residue.
Conclusion
You don’t need expensive products to keep your car looking sharp. With a few simple home remedies, you can tackle dirt, stains, and grime without spending a dime. I’ve used all of these tricks, and they’ve never let me down. Just remember—test anything new on a small area first, rinse thoroughly, and always finish with a good dry.
Happy cleaning!