It is amazing how women can be engaged with working, kids, cooking and cleaning, and still have the time and effort to create a calming ambience around them and amuse everyone at home.

With everything on their plate, normally some things remain in the background, and one of them is probably the car. Using myself as an example, my car has always remained the last thing on the list when it comes to cleaning.

Knowing how easily my car turns into a mess, it is essential to share with you these hacks ASAP, so you can keep your car looking tidy all the time.

Start with a purge

Тhrow away everything unnecessary from the inside of your car. Take a black garbage bag and an empty box for the purpose.

Start with the front and work your way to the back, tossing garbage in the bag as you go. Don’t forget the boot!

Everything that belongs in the house or the garage put into the box, so you can easily sort and arrange it later. Take out and shake the floor mats too. Your car is looking so much better already, isn’t it?

Quick tip:

When stopping at petrol stations make use of the handily positioned garbage bins and throw empty food containers, packages and dirty tissues – everything you can grab quickly.

• 10 brilliant ways to use vinegar
• Natural cleaning: baking soda, lemon and vinegar

Clean the tyres

Dust, dirt, grease and mud rapidly accumulates on your car’s rims and tyres, removing them is also a very quick job.

You don’t need any specialty products, just a bucket of warm water, mixed with dish soap.

Dunk a soft sponge into the water and start scrubbing the rims and tyres. I don’t wring the sponge at all, since the water washes away the mud and dirt as it runs down the tyre. Once you’re done with the rubbing of all four tyres and rims, rinse them with clean water, dry them off with a towel and voila!

Quick tip:

If your kids love to play with water, put them in their oldest clothes and hand the tools they need to clean and play. It is a win win situation, plus they will learn something new, and even might want to clean the tyres again.

Wipe all interior surfaces

Work your way from top to bottom. This is the way dust settles, so you don’t want to double your work.

Fill an empty spray bottle with equal amounts of water and vinegar. Use this solution to clean the sun visors, ceiling and door handles, dashboard and steering wheel. Generally, you can wipe every surface that needs refreshing!

Windows and mirrors can be cleaned too, but make sure you use a paper towel, it’s way easier and dries faster.

Quick tip:

Keep a small spray bottle with the same mixture and a clean microfibre cloth in your glove box.

This way you can do a quick clean in between errands, or while you’re stuck in traffic if you see anything is overly dusty or filthy.

Upholstery

Mums who are proud owners of vehicles with leather interior should not read further.

For the rest of you, I know exactly what will help you in the fight against stains. It is vinegar again! Spilled coffee, dropped food or even puke, it happens in a split second and can be very irritating.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle, shake well and spray lavishly on the soiled area. Use a stiff brush to rub the stain and continue until completely removed.

Quick tip:

If you are behind the wheel, when the accident happens, pull over at the first opportunity, remove the residues of food, vomit whatever it may be and scrub with a few wet wipes. They can do magic, especially when you have nothing else by hand. A big pack of wet wipes is a must have in the car of every self-respecting mum!

Final tip

Make it a habit to clean your car at the end of every working day.

It takes such little time, but the end result is definitely worth it.

There is no better feeling in the morning, than to start your day, getting into a fresh, clean car. Believe me, it’s true!

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com