When you think of spring cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping inside your house are what usually come to mind. However, it’s important to give your Ford a thorough cleaning too. Cleaning your car or truck inside and out can help it resist wear and tear and make you more comfortable when you’re driving. Here are some spring cleaning tips to get your Ford in tip-top shape.
Give Your Ford A Wash
After a long winter, the first thing you’ll want to do is wash your Ford. Winter weather conditions can be quite harsh on your vehicle, especially snow and ice. Road salt, dirt, and grime can build up and begin to eat away at your car’s paint. While taking your Ford to a carwash might be convenient, hand-washing your vehicle is gentler and more thorough.
If you live in an area where they salt the roads, you might want to add baking soda to your water bucket. It will neutralize the salt and can cut through grime even better than soap. Just make sure to rinse your car thoroughly to remove any residue. Drying it with a squeegee instead of letting it air dry will prevent water spots.
Check Under The Hood
It’s possible for leaves and other debris to accumulate under your Ford’s hood in the engine area. You can wipe down the edges with a soft cloth if it isn’t too dirty. If there’s a lot of caked-on dirt, you may want to have the engine professionally cleaned.
Clean Out The Clutter
We practically live in our cars, so it’s easy for them to turn into mobile storage spaces. The kids leave backpacks, athletic gear, and coats, while you might leave packages and other items inside the cabin. It’s also common to toss old receipts or empty soda bottles on the floor while you’re on the road.
Grab a trash bag and get rid of that garbage. The kids can pitch in by getting their belongings out of the car. You’ll want to clean out the console and glove box, two common areas where unnecessary items accumulate. Finally, remove anything you don’t need from the trunk. While you’re cleaning out your vehicle, take a minute to check your spare tire and emergency kit.
Clean The Upholstery
After you remove all of the trash and clutter from your vehicle, it will be easier to clean the seats. If your Ford has vinyl or leather seating surfaces, you can use a soft cloth and a bit of dish soap or saddle soap. A good leather conditioner will keep your leather seating surfaces from drying out after you clean them.
For cloth seating surfaces, you can use a vacuum. If you notice any stains, a damp cloth and some dish soap should do the trick. A steam cleaner is another great option if you have one handy. Just make sure that you don’t soak your vehicle’s seats because that can leave behind a musty odor and create conditions for mold to grow. While you have the vacuum or out, go ahead and clean the floor too.
Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful. Once you give your Ford a spring cleaning, you’ll be ready for all sorts of adventures on the road.
Image via ford.com
Connect with us
