Spring is finally here – and about time too! After months of winter grime, muddy shoes, and cluttered interiors, it’s the perfect time to give your car a good clear out. Much like the process of scrapping your car, it always makes the job a bit less daunting if you’ve got a plan of where to start. So, if you’re looking for the best ways to get yours ship-shape for spring, here are our suggestions on where to start.
Clear the clutter
Before you get started with cleaning products or sponges, the first step is to remove all the unnecessary items from your car. Over time, cars accumulate old receipts, food wrappers, empty bottles, and random belongings that don’t need to be there, so a good place to start is by going through the seats, glovebox, centre console, and door pockets to get rid of any rubbish.
Once the obvious waste is gone, take a look at the boot. If there are items you don’t use regularly, take them out and store them elsewhere. For anything that needs to stay in the car, such as a first-aid kit or de-icer, take a moment to organise them neatly and prevent them from rolling around while driving.
Focus on the seats
Seats tend to collect everything from dust and crumbs to stains and marks. You can kick things off by running a vacuum cleaner over the upholstery, making sure to get into the creases and seams. If the seats are fabric, you might want to consider using an upholstery cleaner to freshen them up and remove any stubborn smells.
For leather seats, a damp microfibre cloth will remove most surface dirt, but a leather conditioner is useful for keeping the material soft and preventing cracks. Remember to move the seats forward and backward to reach those easily-forgotten cavities.
Don’t forget the dashboard
The dashboard is one of the most noticeable parts of a car’s interior – so, naturally, it’s also the proverbial magnet for dust and fingerprints. Thankfully, wiping it down with a soft microfibre cloth will remove most dirt, and a mild interior cleaner will help tackle built-up grime. It’s worth paying particularly close attention to will clean these tricky spots without risking damage.
Air vents also need some care, as they often harbour dust that can blow into the car when the heating or air conditioning is turned on. A quick blast of compressed air or a vacuum with a brush attachment will dislodge any trapped debris. Finishing with a dashboard protectant gives a subtle shine and helps reduce dust build-up in the future.
Clean the door panels
Along with your dashboard, your door panels are one of the most frequently touched parts of your car’s interior – which again can make them a hotspot for dirt, grease, and fingerprints. Handles, armrests, and storage compartments often collect dust and grime over time, so wipe them down with an all-purpose cleaner and a microfibre cloth.
And of course, you’ll want to check the speaker grilles and buttons on the doors, as these areas can trap dust and crumbs. A soft brush or vacuum nozzle can help remove debris from small crevices without causing damage. If the door panels are fabric, a light upholstery cleaner may help remove any stains, while plastic panels benefit from a simple wipe with an interior cleaning solution.
It’s what’s on the outside that counts
Once you’ve sorted the interior, turn your attention to your car’s exterior. A good car wash helps here – as well as making the car look more attractive from the outside, it also protects the paintwork from damage caused by road grime, bird droppings, and tree sap.
If you’re doing this manually, you’ll want to start with a rinse to remove loose dirt before applying a proper car shampoo with a soft sponge or wash mitt. Lots of people favour the two-bucket method – one for clean soapy water and one for rinsing the sponge. It’s a good way to prevent dirt from being dragged across the paint, reducing the risk of scratches.
After washing, dry the car with a microfibre towel to prevent water spots from forming. While drying, take a few moments to inspect the bodywork for any scratches, dents, or rust spots that need attention. Checking the glass for streaks or marks is also worthwhile, as clear windows and mirrors improve visibility and make the car feel even cleaner.
Then there’s the really important stuff – tyres and headlights. Headlights are an easy one to check first. Over time, these can become cloudy or yellowed, which can have a real impact on your ability to see at night or during bad weather. A headlight restoration kit is the best way to get peace of mind on this front, but if you’ve not got one to hand, a quick wipe-down in the short term can work wonders.
Make sure not to overlook your tyres. Cleaning the sidewalls and checking the tread depth are both really important, as this ensures they remain safe and effective on the road. It’s also a good time to check your tyre pressure, as it can ensure you enjoy optimal fuel efficiency and handling.
And if it’s still looking past its prime…
There always come a time when cleaning and fixing up your car can only take your car so far. When that moment arrives, then you can always count on us here at EMR Vehicle Recycling to give you the very best price.
We have a proven track record of fast, friendly service and we operate Authorised Treatment Facilities all over the UK, so - wherever you’re based - you can always rely on us to provide gold-standard service.
It couldn’t be easier to get started. All you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode into the fields on our homepage, and you’ll have an instant online quote before you can say scrap my car. Do you know how much your car could be worth?
