How to Keep Your Car’s Interior Clean and Fresh

Ever heard the one about this Kenyan bazuu who goes to a house bash and made everyone leave the house? He bends over at the door, unties his shoelaces, kicks off the boots and gets in…

And just like that, the party was over! 😂 You could hear some of the revellers (with hands covering their mouths and noses saying) “Kuna panya ilikufia huku?” to mean “Did a rat die in here?” Talk about a smelly situation, right?

Now, we know we’re not all walking around with feet that could clear a room (thank goodness!), but let’s be real – sometimes our cars can smell just as funky. And trust me, nothing kills the vibe faster than picking up your date in a ride that smells like sweaty socks fresh out of worn gum boots on a sunny day. Yikes!

The struggle is real, fam…

Keeping your car clean in Kenya is like trying to keep white shoes clean during the rainy season – it seems almost impossible! But even so, we all need a clean car, because it not only looks good but also makes your driving experience more comfortable. 

And for that, Peach Cars has got your back today. Read on to find out how to take your car from “Ew!” to “Oooh!” faster than you can say “Bei ya mafuta imepanda tena?!”

Enter the tips.

Declutter Regularly.

First things first, it’s time for some tough love. We’re talking a clear-out so thorough, your car will feel lighter than your wallet after a night out in Westlands.

Declutter. Start by removing everything from your car. And we mean everything. Those old newspapers you’ve been meaning to read since the last election? Out. The collection of reusable shopping bags that could stock a small duka? Goodbye. That mysterious sticky patch on the floor mat that’s been there since your cousin’s wedding? … Maybe wear gloves for that one, bro.

Set a routine to remove unnecessary items weekly. Use the compartments in your car to store what you need, like tissues or phone chargers, but make sure they don’t overflow.

Pro tip: Keep a small trash bag in your car. It’s a game-changer, promise. No more excuses for turning your backseat into a mobile garbage dump! Plus, it’s perfect for those roadside snack wrappers. 

Vacuum the Interior.

Dirt, dust, and crumbs accumulate quickly in a car. A regular vacuum session is key to keeping your seats, carpets, and mats clean. 

Channel your inner strength for this one. Get into all those nooks and crannies. You know that spot between the seats where loose change and mandazi crumbs go to die? Yeah, show it no mercy.

Don’t have a vacuum? No problem! Grab a brush and dustpan. It might take a bit longer but think of it as a workout. Who needs a gym membership when you have a dirty car, right? 💪

And don’t forget to tackle the ceiling! You’d be surprised how much dust can collect up there. It’s like a reverse rainy season in your car. By the time you’re done, your car’s interior should be cleaner than your plate after a good serving of nyama choma.

• Seats: If you have fabric seats, vacuum them thoroughly to remove dirt and crumbs. For leather seats, you can use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratches.
• Floor Mats: Remove the mats and shake off loose dirt before vacuuming. You can also wash them for a deeper clean.
• Boot: Seriously, don’t forget about your trunk. It’s not a dumping ground for everything you’re too lazy to carry into the house. Clean it out regularly, or before you know it, you’ll have enough junk in your trunk to open a small kibanda. Vacuum it like you’re searching for loose change (because let’s face it, you probably are). If there is anything in there that doesn’t spark joy or hasn’t been used since Moi was president, it’s time to let it go!

Pro tip: For those hard-to-reach corners, use a small brush to loosen dirt and vacuum it up.

Wipe It Down Like Your Reputation Depends On It.

Next up, grab some cleaning wipes or a damp cloth and go to town on all those surfaces. Dashboard, steering wheel, gear stick – if you can touch it, it needs cleaning. Think of it like this: if your grandmother wouldn’t approve of eating off it, it’s not clean enough.

Remember that sticky cup holder that’s been haunting you since that time you spilled your dawa tea? A bit of all-purpose cleaner and elbow grease will have it looking brand new. Who knows, you might even rediscover what colour your interior is supposed to be!

Pro tip: For tough stains, mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste. It works like magic, especially on those mysterious marks that appear after giving your buddies a ride home from the local.

Window Cleaning – Because Peeping Toms Shouldn’t Have All the Fun!

Let’s talk about those windows, shall we? You want them so clean that even your nosy neighbour Mama Njeri would be impressed. 

Smudged windows aren’t just an eyesore; they’re as dangerous as trying to cross Mombasa Road during rush hour with your eyes closed!

Grab yourself a good glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Why microfiber? Because it’s gentler than your grandmother’s touch and more effective than a politician’s promises. Clean in circular motions, like you’re trying to hypnotize the dirt away.

Don’t forget the inside of your windshield! It collects more fingerprints than a CSI crime scene. And for those stubborn water stains that refuse to budge (we’re looking at you, Nairobi rains), mix some vinegar and water. It works like magic!

Pro tip: Clean your windows when it’s cloudy. The bright sun dries the cleaner too quickly and leaves streaks. We want your windows clearer than a Safaricom network on a good day!

The Scent of Success.

Now that your car is cleaner than a whistle, let’s make it smell as good as it looks. Of course, you can have those little tree-shaped air fresheners – or you could go natural, the full-on Kenyan style!

Got some coffee beans lying around? Put a handful in a small, breathable bag and tuck it under your seat. It’ll absorb odours and leave your car smelling like your favorite kahawa joint.

Or, if you’re feeling fancy, grab some essential oils. A few drops of lavender or eucalyptus on a cloth pinned to your air vent will have your car smelling fresher than a forest after the rains. Just don’t go overboard – you want your car to smell nice, not like you’re trying to cover up a crime scene!

Remember, Consistency is Key.

Look, keeping your car clean is like maintaining a relationship – it needs constant effort. Set aside some time every week for a quick clean-up. Think of it as a date with your car. Play some Sauti Sol, get your cleaning gear, and show your ride some love!

A little bit often is better than a marathon cleaning session once in a blue moon. It’s like eating your veggies – a little every day keeps the doctor (or in this case, the car wash guy) away!

Conclusion: Ride Clean, Live Large (and Maybe Finally Impress that Special Someone)

There you have it, folks! Follow these tips, and your car will be so clean, you’ll be tempted to eat your ugali off the dashboard. (But don’t get carried away!)

Remember, a clean car isn’t just about looks – it’s about respect. Respect for yourself, your passengers, and yes, even for that poor vehicle that carries you through Nairobi’s crazy traffic every day.

So go forth and clean, fellow Kenyans! May your rides be fresh, your passengers impressed, and may you never again clear a room with your car’s funk. Keep it clean, keep it fresh, keep it Kenyan, and most importantly, keep it Peach Cars, because here, we believe that a clean car is a happy car! And whenever you’re ready to explore our latest vehicles or get expert advice on car maintenance, call us today! We’ll be happy to help.