Spring cleaning your car: What you need to know

 Spring is here - not only is spring break right around the corner but it's also been in the 80s for two weeks and counting. It's time to spring clean your car and get it back in the best shape after a busy holiday season and a (short) winter. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips! 

How to spring clean the exterior of your Orlando Toyota 

Let's start with the exterior of your Orlando Toyota. Here's what our auto service techs recommend for spring cleaning - remember, this is going to be a deeper clean than your normal car detailing process. 

• Wash your car first. You'll want to do it in the shade so the sun doesn't cause water spots as it rapidly dries the water. Use the right soap; dish soap can actually damage your car's paint over time, so pick out a formula made for automobiles. Wash it from bumper to bumper, and don't forget to scrub the wheels and tires. 
• Dry it. Dry your car in the shade too, using a microfiber cloth to ensure no water spots on the paint or glass. 
• Clay bar it. Clay bars aren't TOO commonly known, but they're a great way to take off dirt and imperfections that washing couldn't get rid of. They also prep your car's paint so it's ready for car wax. 
• Wax your car (again, in the shade). You'll want to apply a couple of coats of quality wax. You don't have to spend a ton of money; a mid-grade wax should work. This will protect your car's paint from the sun + moisture this spring and summer. 
• Shine your tires. Use tire shine to get them looking like new again. While you're there, check the PSI and tread to ensure you're ready for a new season and don't need tire service at our Orlando Toyota service center. 
• Clean the glass. You'd be surprised how dirty the glass of your car actually is, even after washing. Use a cleaner formulated for car glass to get your windows and windshield sparkling. 
• Check your wiper blades. How are they looking? If the rubber looks worse for the wear, then you need to replace them, and the Toyota of Orlando parts center can help. 

Tips for spring cleaning the interior of your car 

Now to the interior. Here are our Toyota of Orlando tips for spring cleaning the interior of your vehicle. 

• First, clean out the clutter. Throw away trash, remove anything you won't need for the spring season, and organize what's left to make cleaning easy. 
• Vacuum and wipe it next. You'll want to vacuum, all of those hard-to-reach places like under seats, in the trunk, your center console and glovebox, and seatback pockets. Wipe down all surfaces with an appropriate cleaner to get rid of dust. 
• Next, shampoo and spot treat the seats, headliner, and floor mats. If you have a leather interior on your car, this is the perfect time to clean and condition it so it's ready for the summer heat. 
• Clean the glass and don't just use Windex; it can damage your tint. 
• Stick a few air fresheners in there, or even throw dryer sheets under the seat for a clean smell every time you open the door. 

Need car detailing supplies for your spring cleaning? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and you can stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.