1. Keep a small trash bag in the car
Most messy interiors start with wrappers, receipts and cups that have nowhere to go. A small bag on the back of a seat or in the door pocket, emptied every time you get gas, keeps the floor clear.
2. Shake out the floor mats every week
Most of the dirt in a car comes in on your shoes. Pulling the front mats and shaking them out takes a minute and stops sand and grit from grinding into the carpet underneath. In winter, rubber all-weather mats are worth it.
3. Wipe the high-touch spots
The steering wheel, shifter, door handles and screen collect oils from your hands. A quick wipe with an interior cleaner and a microfiber cloth every week or two keeps them from getting sticky and shiny. Skip household glass cleaners with ammonia on screens.
4. Wash the outside the safe way
Every two weeks or so, wash with two buckets, a microfiber mitt and a soft towel to dry. Brush car washes leave swirl marks over time. Here's why automatic washes can be rough on paint.
5. Deal with spills and spots right away
Coffee, bird droppings, tree sap and bug splatter are all easier to remove when they're fresh. Bird droppings and bugs can etch into the clear coat if they bake in the sun. Keep a microfiber towel and a small bottle of quick detailer in the trunk.
How often to get a professional detail
With these habits, most daily drivers do well with a full interior and exterior detail two to four times a year, often in spring after winter salt and again in the fall. Families, pet owners and people who commute a lot may want it more often.