Clever hack using 1p everyday item will remove grime from hard-to-reach places in your car in just seconds
A CAR cleaning expert has revealed how drivers can remove grime from hard-to-reach areas of their motor in seconds for just a penny
The cleaning whizz revealed the trick during a deep clean of a filthy plasterer’s van, leaving it unrecognisable by the end.
The expert from Elite Kleanz Valeting and Detailing documented the entire process on the firm’s Instagram account.
They shared a number of helpful tips throughout the job.
These included some of the best methods for cleaning seats and even how to get at dirt under the pedals.
However, perhaps the most useful piece of advice showed drivers how to go over an area which is rarely cleaned at all, if ever.
Most Brits likely wouldn’t pay much attention to the condition of their gear stick, but it could actually be gathering dirt and bacteria over the years.
Just a few weeks ago, scientists revealed how your car could be making you ill with some areas “dirtier than a toilet seat”.
The gear stick was one of the top 10 worst offenders for bacterial growth, with a test swab seeing spots of mould break out across it.
Fortunately, it takes just moments to clean the shifter and can be done for a penny.
The Elite expert revealed that they use a toothpick to scrape out stubborn dirt lodged in the ridges on top of the gear stick.
Many motors, especially older models, have the gear layout etched into the top of the stick and debris can build up in the indentations.
They used plastic toothpicks but the more common wooden versions could work just as well as long as you are careful not to scratch the material.
Amazon sells a bag of 250 wooden picks for just £1.01 – working out to less than half a penny each.
Commenters were amazed by the thorough job the cleaning guru did on the van.
One wrote: “You should have charged a lot more than £300 for that.”
Another added: “Deserve a medal for taking that on.”
It comes after a lawyer shared a 29p insurance trick that could save you £1,000 when stopping in a car park.
Five budget-friendly ways to clean up your motor
STEER into the week with a car that looks and feels like new.
You can skip the expensive valet service and instead follow these cleaning tips from John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com.
CLEAN UP: Start the cleaning process with a blank canvas by emptying the car, including removing rubbish and all the mats.
Those who own a leaf blower should use it to force off loose dirt.
Then vacuum the entire interior including compartments, boot and seats.
Pay particular attention to areas such as the footwells, getting into the crevices, as they collect more dirt.
SIT PRETTY: For fabric seats, spray on a carpet or upholstery cleaner to tackle stains. Let it sit, depending on instructions, then rinse with a cloth and blot dry.
Leather seats can be cleaned with a mild soap or leather cleaner, which should be worked in using a microfibre cloth. Rinse until the cleaner is removed, then buff with another microfibre cloth.
SHINE ON: Use a budget glass cleaner to prevent streaks and a microfibre cloth to clean the inside and outside of the windows and windscreen.
Follow by buffing with another microfibre cloth soaked in water.
Use a microfibre cloth on surfaces such as the dashboard and centre console for a shinier finish.
WASH ‘N’ GO: Mix warm water with car shampoo and work from top to bottom using a sponge. Pay attention to areas such as the hinges and number plates, rubbing shampoo foam with a soft brush before rinsing off.
For wheels, use washing-up liquid and hot water and a soft sponge, then go in, using circular motions, with a wheel brush to tackle stubborn dirt and hard-to-reach areas in the alloys.
BUFF IT IN: Once the car has completely dried, apply wax in small sections and thin layers on to the paintwork of the car, working in circular motions.
Wait 20 minutes before buffing it dry with a microfibre cloth. The wax polish should have cleared the coat and illuminated the colour and shine of the car.