18 tips for keeping your car clean and organized

It may be annoying at first, but getting into the habit of taking any trash out of your car every time you park will keep your vehicle cleaner than ever. Even when you're out in public, scope out trash cans to toss empty coffee cups, napkins, and other debris. 

Inevitably you're going to forget — or be too busy — to remove the trash every single time, which is why a reusable trash bag for the car is so handy. You can DIY your own, or buy a washable pouch that's easy to attach to your console or back seat. 

Messes are inevitably going to happen, and they're much easier to clean in the immediate aftermath. Keep a stash of disinfecting wipes, microfiber cloths, and other cleaning essentials in your center console or trunk, and use them frequently. 

Floor mats are magnets for crumbs, dirt, and other debris, which is why it's important to vacuum them regularly. Swing through a car wash and take advantage of their free vacuums, or drag out the Shop-Vac once a month or so for a DIY job at home. 

Whether you plug it into your car's AC adapter or buy a battery-powered option, a handheld vacuum cleaner can work wonders in your car. Store it in the trunk, and whip it out any time you find yourself tracking in mud or leaving an errant pile of crumbs behind in the passenger seat. 

Leather seats require care to stay in their best shape over time, and a leather conditioner is an absolute must if you want to prevent cracking and scratches. Score leather conditioning wipes at your nearby auto store, and use them every couple of months to keep seats clean and moisturized. 

If your pets regularly travel in your vehicle, it might be a good idea to invest in a seat cover that will protect your car's seats from muddy paws, shedding, and any other messes Fido might make in the backseat. 

Grab those extra silicone cupcake liners from your kitchen and take them out to the car, because they're perfect for preventing spills in cup holders. When the cupcake liner gets icky, just bring it inside for a quick trip through the dishwasher and it will be good as new. 

Kids bring a ton of stuff to the car, and keeping it organized can be nigh impossible. Score a backseat organizer to keep crayons, toys, and tablets corralled into one space, and as a bonus, you might have to search under the seats for your toddler's favorite toy a little less often. 

Your car's trunk is an excellent tool for keeping a vehicle organized, especially if you're prepared. Use a bin in your trunk to store essentials like a first aid kit, jumper cables, and emergency blankets so they're easy to find in the event of an emergency. 

Eating in the car is much more common now post-pandemic, and keeping a stash of napkins around can help prevent a fast-food fiasco. Stash a bottle of hand sanitizer in there, too, to keep those mitts nice and germ-free before dining a la car. 

Most glove compartments are a jumble of owner's manuals and insurance cards, but it doesn't have to be that way. Buy a small expanding folder to organize essential documents and service records, and don't forget to purge it occasionally as junk accumulates. 

You never know when an empty bin could come in handy, which is exactly why you should have one stored in your trunk. A laundry basket is also a good option and is really helpful when you've got heavy groceries to carry in or wet coats to store. 

Once your car is clean, keep it smelling fresh with an essential oil diffuser that clips right onto your air conditioner vents. Store a bottle of essential oil, maybe lemon or lavender, in your glove compartment to refresh it with a few drops from time to time. 

Air conditioner vents accumulate a ton of dust, and a spongy painting brush's little nooks and crannies are perfect for getting all that gunk out. Buy brushes in different sizes, including tiny detail brushes, for getting into other tight spaces in your car. 

If your car is older or frequently transports pets, your upholstery might be smelling a little musty. Sprinkle baking soda over your seats, then allow it to sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming it up for a total refresh. 

Most of us have a stash of empty shopping bags at home for all sorts of random uses, and they can prove equally useful in a car. Use an old tissue box or clean wipes dispenser to store bags neatly. 

Even if you keep your car pretty clean, a detailing professional can make it totally pristine. To preserve the interior (and exterior) of your car, treat it to an annual detailing — both inside and out — at least once a year.