Buying a car is a major purchase for most people, and statistics show that 32% of potential buyers prioritize appearance. Looks could also seal or break a deal. You don’t need to be a professional to detail your car before trade-in. These 15 cleaning tips will help you shine your car and boost its value without spending a fortune.

Vacuum Thoroughly With a Handheld Vacuum

Don’t let crumbs and dirt reduce your car’s value when you’re trying to create a strong first impression. A handheld vacuum can reach the dirt in those tight spaces under seats and between cushions. You can start by tossing the floor mats out for a good wash. Then, move from seat to seat and clean the debris.

Wash the Exterior

When detailing the exterior, dish soaps, detergents, and rags are your worst enemies. You’ll need a gentle car wash soap, a microfiber cloth, and warm water. Wash the body in sections, starting from the top, and rinse with clean water. Immediately use a second microfiber cloth, compressed air, leaf blower, or distilled white vinegar to prevent water spots.

Use a Toothbrush for Crevices

You’d be surprised how a simple toothbrush works wonders for those hard-to-reach areas that trap dust and crumbs. You can use it to clean tight spaces like air conditioning controls, seat seams, and door handles. Gently brush away debris, using small, circular motions to lift dirt, then remove loosened particles with a vacuum.

Clean Vents With a Foam Brush

With this simple tip for dusty air vents, your car can give off the vibe of a well-cared-for vehicle. Slightly dampen a foam brush with water or a mild cleaner. As you slide the brush into each vent, wiping away dirt, follow through with a cleaner brush. Repeat this slide and clean process until the vents are spotless.

Use a Magic Eraser for Scuffs

A Magic Eraser can make unsightly scuffs on doors, dashboards, and handles disappear within seconds. Dampen the eraser slightly and gently rub the marks until they vanish. This hack works well on plastic surfaces, giving them a cleaner and newer look without damaging the material.

Remove Pet Hair With a Squeegee

Pet hair can cling stubbornly to car seats and fabric, but there’s a clever trick to make it vanish. Lightly spray your seats with water, grab a squeegee, and drag the rubber edge over fabric surfaces. You’d see hair collect in satisfying clumps. Then suck up the gathered fur with a vacuum.

Clean Windows With Vinegar and Newspaper

Although conventional cleaners work fine for windows, many of them leave unattractive streaks. After mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, lightly spray the liquid mix on the glasses and wipe with crumpled newspaper. This mixture dissolves grime while the newspaper prevents streaks and lint for a crystal-clear finish.

Polish the Dashboard With Olive Oil

Who knew kitchen staples could double as car care essentials? A few drops of olive oil on a soft cloth can give the dashboard a nice shine. Besides cleaning, olive oil gives plastic, vinyl, or leather a rejuvenated look without the harsh chemicals. You can also use water-based plastic shine that’s UV protectant.

Use Baking Soda for Odors

After getting the looks right, the last thing you want is all your effort going down the drain because the interior smells funny. To clean the air in the car’s interior, sprinkle the carpets and fabric seats with a baking soda and natural deodorizer mix. These neutralize smells and leave a fresh scent without masking them.

Condition the Interior With Baby Wipes

Don’t underestimate the power of baby wipes for quick interior refreshes. These soft materials allow you to quickly clean the steering wheel, dashboard, and other surfaces without scratching or damaging them. They’re gentle yet effective, leaving a soft sheen and a subtle, pleasant scent. You can even keep a pack in your glovebox for last-minute touch-ups.

Fix Headlights With Toothpaste

Dull, cloudy headlights can make a car look older than it is. An easy fix is toothpaste—they have mild abrasives that polish away grime. Grab a non-gel toothpaste and a soft cloth, and apply the whitening paste to the headlight lens. Rub in circular motions for several minutes with firm pressure, rinse with water, and repeat if necessary.

Use Coffee Filters as Dusters

While dusters are okay, coffee filters are the secret weapon for spotless interiors. Their lint-free texture is perfect for wiping dashboards, displays, and other surfaces without scratching. Simply fold a filter and wipe down surfaces to pick up dust, crumbs, and debris. Please remember to swap fillers often to prevent stains.

Inspect and Clean Tires

First, get a fresh wash bucket for your car’s tires and check for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear before washing. Then, scrub away dirt and grime with a good wheel and tire cleaner or an All-Purpose Cleaner (APC). To get that fresh, black look, shine up the sidewalls with tire gel or foam.

Clean the Undercarriage with a High-Pressure Washer

When cleaning your car, don’t abandon the undercarriage. Although hidden, this part often collects dirt and debris that hardens with time. You can use a high-pressure washer to blast away the gunk while focusing on wheel wells and suspension components. You should also inspect for rust or damage and apply undercoating if necessary.

Wipe Down and Clean the Engine Compartment

The cleaner the engine compartment looks, the more maintained your car appears. You don’t need much; a degreaser, damp cloth, and plastic conditioner will do just fine. However, cover sensitive parts like the battery and alternator before cleaning. You may also need to clean the battery terminals and connectors and check for leaks or stains.