Keep a car's interior clean

Ask anyone who has taken an extended road trip what a car looks like post-trip and visions of food stains, trash and other not-so-pretty things might soon appear. But it doesn't always take a road trip to create a messy interior. Ordinary day-to-day living can lead to stains, scratches, clutter and more.

Although many interior messes can be cleaned up, taking a proactive approach to interior cleanliness can save time and frustration. These are a few ways to keep the car clean and minimize damage.

Detail the interior

There are many products on the market that can be applied to the dashboard and other trims around the car. For the most part, these are leather conditioning treatments or vinyl coatings that help prevent cracking or drying out of the materials. They also impart a nice shine onto the trimwork, and alleviate finger smudges and other eye sores.

Using a shop vacuum is a smart way to clean the carpeting and mats, as well as catch crumbs and other dirt that can end up staining the seats of the car. A shop vac has more horsepower than a regular vacuum and will draw dirt out more easily.

If you have leather seats, use a mild soap and water solution and dampen a cloth to wipe down the seats. The same solution can be used on the plastic components, such as cup holders and storage areas. Use a dry cloth to dry and buff out any streaks. There are leather seat protector products available, and upholstered seats can be protected with a scotch guard-type product.

Create a dirt barrier

Carpeted mats are meant to make the car interior appear sleek and refined. Yet many times these mats can get soiled quite quickly. A good investment is to purchase vinyl or plastic mats that have a raised perimeter that will trap any dirt or liquid (like melted snow) on the mat. Then the mats can be easily removed and hosed off.

Along the same lines, car seat covers can be bought that will serve as a barrier between dirt, crumbs, fur, and anything else that would normally become embedded in the upholstery. There are kick mats that can be placed on the rear side of front seats. This way, if kids in the back put their feet up on the seats or have a tendency of kicking, they won't dirty the seats.

If your car has a trunk, consider lining it with an impermeable material that can absorb spills and catch dirt. With the spring planting season just around the corner, you don't want the topsoil or fertilizer spilling into the carpet-lined trunk making a mess. For SUV drivers, a mat or liner can be installed in the cargo area. Check with your dealership or an aftermarket retailer if there are products specifically designed for this purpose. Otherwise a blanket, absorbent sheet, etc., can be used in a pinch.

Clean off before driving

The warm-weather season is one full of frolicking in parks or seaside. Be sure to stomp shoes clean of sand and dirt before entering the car. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of pets and children's feet before entering the car.

Get a trash receptacle

In a perfect world, there would be no eating and drinking in a car and no chance for food and beverages to spill. However, many people find from time to time they need a snack or a refreshment in the car. Avoid a mess by having a small bag or trash can to collect the remnants of the meal so they don't end up on the floor or seats. Look for drinks with straws and covers for easier drinkability in the car. Only allow foods that won't cause major stains if spilled, such as water and dry snacks.