How to spring clean your entire Toyota

Spring has definitely sprung in Orlando (it was in the 90s yesterday). Now is the prime time to spring clean your Toyota after a busy holiday season and our (short) bout of winter weather. We sat down with our Orlando Toyota service techs and parts specialists to get an idea of just what you need to spring clean and how to do it – check out this quick guide and don’t forget to stop by our parts store to shop for car detailing supplies.

How to spring clean the exterior of your car

Even though we don’t see snow and ice here (or road salt, for that matter), your car could still use some prep to get it ready for warmer weather. Here are the things our Toyota of Orlando service techs recommend taking care of when it comes to exterior spring cleaning:

• Wash your car thoroughly using the right products – you can ask our parts specialists which soaps are best for your car. (Dish soap can damage your paint, FYI.) Remember to wash your car tires and wheels, too, and be sure to scrub the brake dust off your wheels while you’re there.
• Dry your car well with a microfiber cloth to avoid water spots (this is why we recommend doing your car detailing in a shady spot).
• Clean your car windows – be sure to use an appropriate cleaner to get them streak and dust-free.
• Next, you should clay bar your car. Using a clay bar helps remove imperfections and blemishes from your paint that soap just can’t get to, and is a great way to prep your car for wax.
• After you’re done with the clay bar, it’s time to apply a coat or two of quality wax. Make sure to do it in the shade and use the right product; Toyota of Orlando’s parts specialists can help you choose one. This wax will protect your car from moisture, which we see plenty of in the spring and summer, and ward off UV rays that can fade and damage your car paint.
• Once you’re done waxing, apply some tire shine to your tires to get them looking like new. While you’re there, make sure they’re good on traction and in good physical condition (no bulges, blisters, sidewall separation, or other damage).
• Clean your headlights and taillights, and be sure to replace any burnt-out bulbs while you’re at it.
• Also, check your windshield wiper blades. How did they fare over the winter? You’re definitely going to need them this spring and summer, so make sure they’re in good shape and ready to use. If you need to replace them, Toyota of Orlando’s parts store can make it happen.

How to spring clean the interior of your car

Now let’s talk about the interior spring clean – you want to keep up with the inside of your Orlando Toyota, too. Here’s how you can get it back to like-new after the busy holiday season:

• Vacuum the interior of your car. Be sure to get into all those hard-to-reach places like under your seats, in your seatback pockets, in your center console and glovebox, and in the trunk and cargo space.
• Dust the interior, wiping down all the plastic pieces with car detailing supplies, including knobs, buttons, and levers. You can use a paintbrush to get into hard-to-reach places like your air vents.
• If you have fabric seats in your Orlando Toyota, shampoo them and spot-treat any stains in the upholstery. Same goes for your floor mats and headliner. If you have leather seats, take the time to clean and condition them so they’re prepped for the heat of summer.
• Clean all of the glass in your car – the windows, windshield, back window, and mirrors. Be sure to use the right cleaners so you don’t damage any tint on the windows.
• Find your sunshade and have it ready to use, and stick some dryer sheets under your seats to make the interior of your Orlando Toyota smell fresh and clean.

Have questions about how to spring clean your car or what supplies you’ll need? Toyota of Orlando has you covered. Stop by 3575 Vineland Road (just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall) to chat with us, or give us a call with questions at (407) 298-0001.

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