Homemade Car Cleaning Products

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

 

A clean car needn't clean out your wallet. Here are a bunch of car cleaner recipes for you to try:

Car Wash Solution

What You Need:

• A bucket of water
• Liquid castile soap

Add a couple drops of liquid castile soap to a bucket of water, and wash.

Window Cleaner

What You Need:

• White vinegar
• A spray bottle
• Newspaper

Spray full strength vinegar onto the windows. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe dry with a piece of newspaper.

Chrome Cleaner

What You Need:

• White vinegar
• Water
• A spray bottle
• A sponge or cleaning rag

Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, spray it on your wheels; and work it in with a sponge or cleaning rag.
Note: Vinegar should not be used on aluminum alloys.

Tire Cleaner

What You Need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• A scrub brush

Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into the tires with a scrub brush. Let it sit for several minutes. Then, rinse off.

Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover

What You Need:

• White vinegar
• Baking Soda
• A scrub brush

Mix white vinegar and baking soda together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into any carpet and upholstery stains with a toothbrush or something similar. Allow the paste to dry. Then, vacuum up the baking soda, and the stains should be gone.
Note: Some stains may need to be treated more than once.

Interior Cleaner

What You Need:

• White vinegar
• Water
• A spray bottle
• A cleaning rag

Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, spray it on any vinyl, plastic, wood, or leather surfaces in your car that need cleaning. Allow it to soak in. Then, wipe dry with a clean rag.
Note: As with any leather cleaner, you should test on a small area before applying to the entire surface.

Interior Protectant/Dressing

What You Need:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• A spray bottle or bowl
• 2 cleaning rags

Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a spray bottle or bowl. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe a small amount of the dressing into the dashboard and any other plastic or vinyl surfaces. Finish by wiping off the excess with another cleaning rag.
Warning: Do not use on the steering wheel, pedals or any other controls where slipperiness could pose a hazard. Also be careful not to get in on windows