Raising kids is always an adventure, and they never keep you bored. One of the biggest tasks when it comes to being a parent is trying to keep things clean and orderly. This includes your vehicle, which can be a challenge when combating things like your kid’s spilled juices, stale dropped french fries, or any other mess you can imagine. With all that in mind, the folks here at Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM wanted to pass along a few tips and tricks we’ve picked up from our vehicle detailing department. Every used vehicle at our Fayetteville, AR Jeep dealership that we bring in goes through an intense detailing process to make sure it’s sparkling clean when it goes to its new owner, and we wanted to share some of that expertise and hopefully make your parenting job just a touch easier.
Vacuuming
This would seem pretty straightforward, but it’s actually one of those tasks that has a tendency to get put off, especially when you’re wrangling kids. Vacuuming a vehicle can take up a lot of time and energy, especially if you don’t have a way to do it at home. However, it’s worth the effort to vacuum your vehicle out every few months, plus you get the satisfaction of having a clean and dirt-free car.
Wiping Down Surfaces
It’s probably a good guess that your vehicle has streaks, fingerprints, and other grime on the car doors, the seats, the windows, and anywhere else within reach of your kiddo’s hands. Food and other substances have a tendency to cover every surface thanks to the kid's curiosity and the need to touch everything. One thing that can help with a quick clean-up, that you probably have on hand anyways, is a package of baby wipes. You can stow a few extra packs in your vehicle, to make things extra convenient.
Covering Seats
The best way to protect seats, especially through the temporary toddler stages, is to cover them. There’s a bunch of choices out there that are cheap, stylish, and easy to clean. In a pinch, you can even use an old cloth sheet or make the search for a super easy to clean plastic cover. Whatever you choose, if you want to protect the resale value of your vehicle, a set cover will make sure your kiddo does as little unintentional damage as possible.
Removing Odor
Getting a nose full of trapped odor is not a great experience, especially in the small area of a vehicle. An air freshener can help to cover things up, and you can find some options that also absorb odors. An at-home hack that’s easy is to place baking soda under the driver, passenger, and rear seats, and let it do the work of absorbing all the random smells for you.
We hope that you’re able to keep your vehicle as clean as safe as possible as you’re doing the hard work of raising the next generation. For any Service or Safety concerns, feel free to set up an appointment with our CDJR Service Department in Fayetteville, and we’ll make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape to keep you and your kiddo’s out on your adventures together. You can always give us a call during business hours at Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM at (479)439-5620, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.