It’s easy to let your car go. Because you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, it’s the norm for garbage to end up on the floor and things to smell a little less than fresh. That’s not so bad when it’s just you driving to and from work every day, but it’s not a good idea if you’re going on a date anytime soon.
It doesn’t matter if you’re picking up your date to go to dinner and a movie, or your car is the main part of your date, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to impress.
Get the Repairs You Have Been Putting Off
The first thing you should do is get the repairs you have been putting off. That includes important repairs, like a loud muffler, but it also includes cosmetic repairs. There’s nothing more tacky than a rearview mirror that’s hanging off the car.
You want your passenger to feel good about getting into your car, which means it looks good cosmetically, and it also means you’re providing them with safe transport to your final destination.
If you have the money, it may also mean doing some updates that aren’t necessary, but they will make your car look and run better. From exhaust systems that can make your engine more powerful to eye-catching rims, there are many things you can do to improve the appearance and performance of your car at a variety of price points.
Get Rid of the Clutter
Next, it’s time to get rid of the clutter. That means getting rid of the garbage, but it also means organizing the stuff that you keep in your car. There are many organizing hacks that will enable you to keep important items close-at-hand without those items being scattered all over the seats and the floor. For example, empty popsicle molds are a great way to organize small items in the center console, while shower caddies can be used to organize everything from car cleaning supplies to lunch on the go.
Like to have a small garbage can in the car? Or maybe you have coupons stashed between the seats? Do your date a favor and stow those items in the trunk. You can always put them back in the main cabin later.
Clean from Top to Bottom
After you have cleared out the clutter, you can clean your car from top to bottom. That might mean taking it to a professional car wash, but you can clean your car yourself for less.
Cleaning and detailing your car like a pro includes doing things like:
- Rinse your car before you wash it.
- Use a clay bar to remove stubborn spots and wax buildup from previous washes.
- Use two buckets—One with soapy water, and the other bucket with just water for a spot-free clean.
- Dual-action polishers and wax will make your vehicle sparkle.
- Vacuum the seats and floor mats.
- Don’t forget to wash the wheels!
Make Sure It Smells Fresh
Just because you clean your car doesn’t mean it smells good! Make sure your car doesn’t stink or smell stale by going the extra mile to make it smell nice.
Making your car smell good might mean hanging an air freshener from the rearview mirror, but a deeper clean can ensure that air freshener actually works. That might mean using a disinfectant on your car mats and washing the car seats. Sprinkling baking soda in the car can help, as can hiding dryer sheets under the seats.
Consider Covering the Seats
It’s normal for seats to look a little worse for wear after years of use. Seats can become faded, worn, and stained. No matter how much cleaning you do, they can still look bad, which may make your date think twice about going for a ride.
If your seats look a little worse for wear, consider covering them. Clean them first to ensure they don’t smell, but the seat cover will ensure your date isn’t staring down a stain or a tear when they’re ready to climb into the car.
If you’re planning on picking up your date, make sure you make a great first impression. That means taking a shower and wearing a clean, ironed outfit, but it also means making sure your car looks great too. No matter what kind of issues you have with your car, the tips on this list will make sure your vehicle is presentable.
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