Family car trips can be a lot of fun. Packing your significant other and children into the car and going someplace fun like an amusement park, beach, or maybe to visit relatives. On longer trips, in addition to luggage, you want to take along snacks, beverages, and toys for the kids. Little ones get hungry and bored and there are only so many times you can hear, “Are we there yet?” without going crazy.
Even in the most ideal situations, children are generally not the neatest members of the family. In the confined space of a motor vehicle, things can get pretty messy along the way. What you need are some tips for keeping your car clean on those family adventures.
Trash Storage
You have purchased a new car, such as a new Genesis for sale and now it’s time for a family trip. To keep garbage from piling up on the floor, have a trash receptible easily accessible to the kids. Rather than use a plastic bag that they have to pull open with their little hands, use a small garbage can, laundry bag, or shoe box. Another idea is to put a small plastic bag inside a cereal bowl. These items are easy to keep handy and easy for children to use.
Control Odors
When something spills, it seeps into the carpet and upholstery and creates an odor that may not be pleasant. You can use a car air freshener but there is a great tip for controlling odor. Baking soda has no harmful chemicals and it is easy to place a box under each of your car seats. It will soak up the odor and help your car stay fresh.
Keep Seats Covered
Small children drop things. There is no getting around that. You can use a sheet, towel, or other kind of cloth covering that you can throw in the wash after the trip. Plastic seat covers affix more firmly to the seat and are easy to wipe up.
Cup Holder Cleaner
The insides of cup holders are areas that tend to get very dirty. Sticky liquids spill inside and dirt and debris get stuck. It can be hard to reach inside to get them clean. A great trick is to soak an old sock in a solution of water and dish detergent. Then, place the sock in the cup holder and swirl it around. It’s simple, effective, and easy to carry with you.
DIY Stain Remover
Having a stain remover, such as a Tide Stick, is good for spot-cleaning seats. A good DIY substitute stain remover can be made by mixing a little dish soap with a half-cup of club soda and a half-cup of vinegar. Put it in a spray bottle and store it in the trunk. It will be handy for taking stains out before they set.
Be Prepared
Children are delightful and taking them on trips and adventures is fun for you and them. Kids can’t help but spill things and make messes. With a little preparation, you can be ready for these accidents and keep your car fresh and clean. Then you can focus on family fun.