You rely on your car day in and day out to get you and your family where you need to go, so it’s important to make sure it’s always in top shape. Along with maintenance such as oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations, it’s also important to keep it tidy and clean. Premier Island Auto Detail, a full-service car wash and auto detailing center in Honolulu, HI, is here to explain the do’s and don’ts of keeping your vehicle clean.

Do:

Declutter regularly. 

Just as you declutter your home, remove excess items from your car at least once a week. That means combing the seats, floors, trunk, glove box, and other storage areas to find loose change, wrappers, toys, food, and anything else that’s been left. Keep a trash bag in the vehicle as well to throw away garbage on the go. This will help prevent trash from being strewn throughout the car. 

Get it detailed.

Most people wash their car exterior and vacuum the interior once every few weeks. However, these procedures only brush the surface. It’s important to get the car detailed regularly as well to keep it in top shape and retain its resale value. A professional hand car wash and detailing service will have the tools and expertise to do the job correctly and efficiently. Ask about a ceramic coating as part of the detailing process to protect your vehicle from the elements. 

Don’t:

Use it for storage.

You spend a significant amount of time in the car, especially if you travel a lot or commute a long distance to work, so it makes sense to keep some necessities in your vehicle. However, you should avoid using it for storage. While it makes sense to keep emergency supplies in the car, keep food, toys, clothes, and valuables elsewhere. These items can quickly accumulate and clutter your vehicle. Also, keeping valuables in the car makes you more prone to theft. 

Use household cleaners.

Don’t use household cleaners to clean your car. Many people wash their car with dish soap or other cleaning products. Although they may work wonders on kitchen grease and bathroom grime, they can strip the wax and paint from your car and damage the interior materials. Heavy-duty and ammonia-based cleaners are particularly dangerous. 

Keeping your vehicle clean and decluttered can make your life easier while improving your vehicle’s appearance and extending its lifespan. If you’re a Honolulu resident, stop by your local hand car wash, Premier Island Auto Detail, for all of your vehicle hygiene needs. From car interior cleaning to scratch and stain removal, they can restore your vehicle to like-new condition. Call (808) 234-9789 to schedule a car wash, and visit the website to see their full list of services.