Spring Car Cleaning Tips: Inside and Out

Give your car a fresh start with these essential spring cleaning tips for both the interior and exterior.

After a long winter filled with snow, salt, and slush, spring is the perfect time to give your vehicle a deep clean and refresh. The cold season can leave behind a surprising amount of grime, inside and out, which can take a toll on your car’s appearance and performance over time. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just want your car to feel like new again, this guide will walk you through simple but effective spring cleaning tips to get your ride looking, feeling, and even smelling fresh.

Exterior Spring Cleaning

1. Give It a Deep Wash

Start with a thorough exterior wash to remove road salt, dirt, and debris. Use a car-specific soap to avoid stripping your paint’s protective layers. Don’t forget the often-overlooked undercarriage and wheel wells, where salt and mud tend to build up and cause corrosion.

2. Use a Clay Bar to Decontaminate

Even after washing, your car’s surface might feel rough. That’s where a clay bar comes in, it removes embedded contaminants that soap can’t. This step preps your paint for polishing and waxing.

3. Polish & Wax for Shine and Protection

Polishing helps reduce light scratches, while waxing seals the paint and provides UV protection. A good wax job will not only give your car a glossy finish but also help keep it cleaner for longer.

4. Clean the Wheels & Tires

Your wheels take a beating over the winter. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and a stiff brush to remove grime and brake dust. Follow up with tire shine to give your wheels that just-detailed look.

5. Refresh Your Headlights

Cloudy or yellow headlights? A restoration kit can improve visibility and instantly make your vehicle look newer.

Interior Spring Cleaning

1. Clear the Clutter

Begin by clearing out your car: remove trash, receipts, and any forgotten winter gear for a fresh start.

2. Vacuum Every Nook & Cranny

Vacuum the seats, carpets, mats, and trunk. Use attachments to reach tight spots under the seats and between the console.

3. Shampoo Upholstery and Carpets

If your seats or carpets are stained or smelling musty, give them a good shampoo. Use a fabric or leather cleaner depending on your interior.

4. Wipe Down All Surfaces

Use non-greasy car wipes or an interior cleaner with a microfiber cloth to clean the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Pay attention to areas like cup holders and vents, which often collect dust and crumbs.

5. Clean the Glass Inside

Use a streak-free glass cleaner on all windows and mirrors. Crystal-clear windows improve visibility and give your interior a finished look.

6. Replace the Cabin Air Filter

This small step can make a big difference in your driving experience. A fresh filter improves air quality and reduces odors.

Bonus: Spring Maintenance Touch-Ups

Spring cleaning isn’t just about looks, it’s a great time for basic maintenance too:

• Check and replace wiper blades if they’re streaking.
• Top off or replace essential fluids like windshield washer fluid, oil, and brake fluid.
• Check tire pressure and tread wear—cold temperatures can throw them off.
• Inspect for rust or paint chips, especially around the wheels and lower body panels.

In summary

Spring cleaning your car goes beyond just improving its appearance; it also helps maintain its value, safety, and comfort. A well-maintained vehicle performs better, lasts longer, and provides a more enjoyable driving experience. Whether you choose to do this yourself or take your car to a professional detailing service, be sure to make this seasonal reset a priority.

Need help getting your car spring-ready?

Book a detailing service or seasonal tune-up today and let us take care of the hard work for you.