An inescapable part of having a car is that, at some point, you or someone else will make a huge mess in it. Whether it’s a spilled drink, a muddy dog or the most dreaded mess of all — vomit — one of the worst things about messes in cars is that, when they happen, we’re typically not in a position to clean it up right away.
Because a mess will inevitably happen, creating a DIY cleaning kit for the car is a smart idea — one that requires very little time and effort. But that small amount of time and effort will pay off majorly down the line when a spill or accident happens and you’re able to take care of it immediately.
We created this guide to creating an on-the-go car cleaning kit with parents, pet owners, hobbyists and rideshare drivers in mind. For expert insight, we asked Michael Schultz, a senior VP of R&D for Turtle Wax, and Michael Stoops, a senior global product and training specialist at Meguiar’s, what they store in their own cars to address messes as they happen.
When creating a DIY car cleaning kit, consider buying a car trunk organizer to store everything in. This portable bin keeps a small selection of supplies organized, and the handles allow you to quickly grab it from the trunk or back seat when there’s a mess to be cleaned.
Paper towels are a staple of any on-the-go cleaning kit, and when it comes to the car, Stoops recommends highly absorbent shop towels. “Absorbent paper towels are ideal for quick spill cleanup and wiping surfaces,” he says.
Car interior wipes are formulated so that you can use them on any surface inside your vehicle, including cloth and leather seats, carpet or rubber floor mats and hard surfaces like the console and dashboard. They are a quick way to easily clean up messes, and they leave behind a new car scent as well as a layer of UV protection.
To clean the interior of his car, Schultz keeps Turtle Wax Fresh Clean on hand. “These products clean interiors extremely well and eliminate odors while leaving a clean, fresh scent,” he says. This spray can be used on all interior surfaces, including plastics, vinyl, leather and synthetic materials, and because it is a non-aerosol formula, he notes, it’s safe to store in the car in hot weather.
“Microfiber towels come in handy for wiping glass and controlling any ‘oops’ inside the car,” Schultz says. “If you have pets, microfiber cloths help get rid of dirty wet stains on seats and carpet from wet paws fast and easily.”
Stoops recommends stashing a small vacuum in the car “for removing dust, crumbs and pet hair from carpets and upholstery.” This portable vacuum is tiny; it can fit under the seat of the car or even in a cup holder. And because it is USB, it can be charged right in the car. It includes three attachments: a crevice tool, dusting brush and tail hose that can get into just about every nook and cranny of the vehicle.
Stoops also recommends keeping a small dustpan and brush set in the car for quickly sweeping up crumbs, soil and other debris.
If you have pets who shed, Stoops suggests keeping a sticky roller in the car, which he calls, “efficient for removing pet hair from seats and clothing.” Check out our guide to the best pet hair removers for more ideas on how to control the fluff.
Schultz says, “It’s important to get rid of the trash! So many drivers stuff napkins, food wrappers, plastic bags, cups, straws and all kinds of litter in door pockets, cup holders between the seats and in the consoles.” We also suggest getting a car trash can, like this editor-approved option.
While trash bags certainly work in a pinch, if you frequently drive small children or adults after a night out, you may want to invest in a set of disposable barf bags.
Do you have a hobby that finds you frequently transporting heavy items that threaten to tear or soil your car’s interior? A small canvas drop cloth will be a lifesaver. Stash it in the trunk and throw it down before loading the car up to protect soft surfaces like seats and carpeting.
Cargo liners designed to keep pet hair and other messes from soiling car seats and cargo spaces can also be a smart choice for hobbyists like gardeners who are frequently hauling heavy-duty or spill-prone items in the trunk or back seat.