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Car Detailer Gives Tips on Keeping Your Family Car Clean
May 27 2009 by Kristin Varela
What is it about moms’ cars? It takes about 0.6 seconds for them to go from clean to cluttered, but about 16 years for them to come full circle and get clean again. We live in our cars, and as they say, an organized environment leads to an organized mind (who doesn’t need that).
I’ve searched high and low to find a professional car detailer who understands a mom’s world and can give us tips on what we can do at home to keep our cars clean between details. Lauren Slaughter is that person: She was a nanny for 10 years, and now she’s the co-owner of Detail Doctors, based in the Chicago area.
When Lauren couldn’t get the swirl marks out of her car’s paint, she went in search of something better. Ronnie Vaia was the head detailer at a nearby dealership; he spiffed up her car and her life, and he taught her the detailing ropes. They went into business together and even fell in love. Now, they’re engaged. In her words, “He must have done a really good job on my car!”
Q: Moms’ cars are totally cluttered. How can we deal with this on a daily basis?
A: We need to have a little respect for our cars. Think about how much time we—and our children—actually spend in our vehicles. We owe it to ourselves to take care of them and keep them as clean as we do our houses.
I was a nanny for 10 years, and my kids were always so appreciative of the respect I had for my car. So, the first tip I would give for keeping a car well kept on a day-to-day basis is don’t let your stuff pile up. When you get out of your car each day, take it all with you. Don’t leave your empty cup, old magazine or wrappers behind. These things start to gather and before you know it, your car is more of a garbage can than a mode of transportation.
Q: Since we live in our cars, we also eat in our cars. How do we avoid the ensuing mess?
A: This one might be hard for many moms, but I know I was able to abide by it: no food, no snacks and no drinks with sugar for the kids. This eliminates so much of the mess. Give them a small toy and call it a day. It just isn’t necessary to have them eat in the car. That is what the dinner table is for. If for some reason you find it necessary, use something like animal crackers or cereal and water [to drink]. The problem really ends up being sugar. It’s not fun cleaning year-old melted gummy bears out of the carpet, and once the orange pop gets on the carpet it’s there for good. Only in rare circumstances are “professionals” even able to get that out entirely.
Q: How do you suggest dealing with, uh, unknown foul odors (aka leaky sippy cup of milk or sick child puking on the carpet)?
A: This is the most difficult issue to address. The best thing to do is get as much off as possible as soon as possible. Use a degreaser first and scrub it. Then vacuum the area. Repeat, if necessary, and then spray a sanitizer on it, which will help with the smell. The longer you let it sit, the worse it will be. If you still have the odor [in your car], your best bet is taking it to your nearest detail shop and having them get it out.
Q: What are some of your favorite easy-to-use products for the at-home consumer to use on their cars?
A: Do yourself a favor and keep a section of the garage for keeping your car clean. It takes a small amount of time, and then you have it when you need it. Go by your local auto store; buy wipes, tire shine, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths and a paint sealer. Keep these near your vacuum in the garage and use them in between details, of course. This is simple, easy stuff moms can do to keep up with the car in the mean time. It takes minutes if you maintain it.
• Microfiber cloths are a must-have. If you put a terry-cloth towel on paint, you might as well be rubbing gravel on it. They’re so necessary.
• Simple ammonia-based window cleaner is also quick and easy (although you can’t use this on tinted interior windows). You’d be amazed how clean windows can make you feel. Otherwise, using a wipe with a dressing on it is a good in-between-details tactic. They make car Armor All and leather conditioner in baby-wipe-style containers. They’re great for leaving in the trunk for a quick dash wipe down.
• Sometimes the biggest issue I see is a need for vacuuming. Keep the mats on the floor; they’re so easy to take out and shake, providing a quick fix for a cleaner look.
• I recommend paint sealers rather than waxes for moms who might go this route. They’re always in liquid form and much easier to use, not to mention they stay on the car a significant amount of time longer. Waxes offer a deeper shine but are harder to use and wash off much more quickly. If moms will be going this far and they want to get the most bang for their time, buy a paint sealer.
Q: When a mom wants to mix things up and take her car from carpooling to date night, what are some simple tips for upping the shine/bling factor?
A: If mom needs a clean, sexy car for the night, there are two options. You can go get it done quickly at a shop. Most detail shops offer a “spiff,” which involves a hand wash, wax or paint sealer, tire shine and quick vacuum. This is cheap and perfect for date night.
If a mom wants to do it herself (go Mom!), it’s easy and cheaper. Hand wash it, buy a tire shine from your local car shop, and spend 5 minutes vacuuming. You’d be amazed at how these three things can transform the look of your vehicle. If you’re feeling bold, throw a coat of paint sealer on it (or ask your shop to). That will shock your husband, and it really makes your car shine. Plus, it offers protection from the sun.
I try to keep a couple of old beach towels in my suv at all times. They’re great as lap covers to catch crumbs and spills, they make good emergency blankets, and I was every so happy to have one when my son had a gusher nose bleed. Pull them out and launder as needed.