Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to get those marigolds out and give your car a thorough spring clean. With the ice, snow, and road salt hopefully behind us, now is the perfect opportunity to make your car shine and get it looking its best for the warmer months ahead.
Spring and summer often mean more road trips, family outings, and weekends away, so it’s worth ensuring your vehicle is clean, organised, and ready for passengers. A tidy car not only looks better but also makes every journey more enjoyable.
So, if your car is loaded with clutter and rubbish, roll up your sleeves—it’s time to get to work.
1. Get Rid of All the Rubbish
Before tackling the cleaning itself, start by removing any rubbish and unnecessary clutter from your vehicle. It’s surprisingly easy for drinks bottles, receipts, food wrappers, and other items to accumulate in door pockets, footwells, and on the back seats.
Many of us tell ourselves we’ll clear everything out later, but that day often never arrives. Make it a habit to throw away rubbish whenever you stop at a petrol station or arrive home. Keeping on top of clutter will make future cleaning much quicker and easier.
2. Vacuum and Dust the Interior
Once the rubbish has been removed, it’s time to focus on the interior.
Start by wiping down the dashboard, centre console, and other hard surfaces. Pay particular attention to cup holders, storage compartments, air vents, and other small areas where dust and dirt tend to collect.
Remove your floor mats and vacuum underneath them, as dirt often gathers where you can’t immediately see it. Vacuum the carpets, seats, and hard-to-reach areas under the seats. If necessary, use an upholstery or carpet cleaner to tackle stubborn stains and freshen up the interior.
A clean cabin can make your car feel almost brand new again.
3. Wash the Exterior
Regularly washing your car not only keeps it looking great but can also help protect the paintwork and bodywork.
Give your car a thorough wash to remove any salt, dirt, mud, and grime that may have built up over the winter months. Once it’s clean, consider applying a coat of wax to provide additional protection and enhance the shine.
Waxing helps protect the paint from environmental contaminants and can make future cleaning easier. Don’t wait for the next rain shower to do the job for you—give your car the attention it deserves.
Washing in the summer is right where its at. Find out how else you can get your car ready for cooler weather here.
4. Clean the Windows and Mirrors
Windows and mirrors can quickly become covered in dirt, fingerprints, and road grime, all of which can affect visibility.
Clean both the inside and outside of all windows and mirrors using a suitable glass cleaner. Clear visibility is essential for safe driving, and a thorough clean can also help reduce glare from sunlight during the brighter spring months.
It’s a simple job that can make a noticeable difference.
5. Don’t Forget the Boot
The boot is often the most neglected area of a vehicle. Over the winter, it can become a storage space for everything from shopping bags and sports equipment to emergency supplies and forgotten items.
Take the time to empty the boot completely and remove anything you no longer need. Once it’s empty, vacuum away any dirt, leaves, or debris that may have accumulated.
While you’re there, it’s also worth checking that your spare tyre (if your vehicle has one) is properly inflated and that any emergency equipment is still in good condition.
For more seasonal maintenance advice, cleaning tips, and vehicle care guidance, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
Ready for Spring?
A thorough spring clean can make your car more enjoyable to drive, improve comfort for passengers, and help preserve its condition. By spending a little time tidying both the interior and exterior, you’ll be ready to make the most of the warmer weather and any adventures that lie ahead.
For more tips on tricks on the topic of spring, find out how you can get your car ready for spring here.
Now that you’re all ready for spring, are you ready for valuing your car with Jamjar too? It’s quick, accurate, and completely online. Just enter your reg to see instant offers from verified UK buyers.