My husband is probably like most guys who love taking care of their car. When we lived in Atlanta, he worked with an auto detailing business, so you can imagine how clean our car always was. When we moved out of state and Chris changed careers, we didn’t get that handy free car cleaning every week that we were used to. We had a car wash around the corner of our house and we tried it a few times, but it was terrible! I could have cleaned the car better blindfolded than that machine and it would have saved us almost $15. We decided we were going to detail the car ourselves but I didn’t want to go crazy buying a bunch of equipment. I decided to look online and find some less expensive alternatives. Here are a few great tips I found:
- Mats: Pull out your mats and get ready for some elbow grease. If you have rubber mats, all you need to do is spray some cleaner, let it sit, scrub and rinse. I like sprinkling baking soda and adding some vinegar because it is safe and the bubbling action will lift dirt. If you have carpeted mats, you may want to spray them with a carpet cleaner, let it sit, scrub and then vacuum.
- Sap and Bugs: If you have problems with bugs or you park under a tree, these two irritants can ruin your cars finish. For the bugs, just spray a solution of water, vinegar and a few drops of dish detergent and let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe clean. For tree sap, you will need to put peanut butter or solid shortening and let it sit for about 5 minutes and then wipe clean.
- Tires and Wheel Covers: By mixing water, vinegar and ammonia, you can make a very effective homemade degreaser. Just spray on your tires and wheel covers and rinse off after 2-3 minutes. For stubborn grease, make a paste of baking soda and vinegar and scrub until clean and rinse off with water.
- Carpets: You can’t clean your carpets any better than with a good vacuum. Gone are the days (thank goodness) where you had to use that little whisk broom. I used to hate to vacuum the car at home because I had to lug my big vacuum outside, find the long extension cord and then try to vacuum with the awkward attachments. Those days are also gone, because I have an awesome car vacuum from AutoAnything, an awesome online automotive heaven!
DIY Auto Detailing
My daughter is really active in school, so she is always going to a practice, a performance or weekend sleepovers. My husband loves to volunteer driving some of the kids who need a ride to the activities. He said he missed out on that when he was Caitlin’s age, so he makes sure he is always available for her. Because we always have people in the car, we try to keep it nice and clean, which is why we were prompted to do the whole DIY auto detailing idea. When I was offered the Metro Vac N’ Blo 500 Car Vacuum from AutoAnything, I was so excited! No more lugging the albatross, I mean vacuum around the car! I was really surprised at how powerful this little thing is. The vacuum only weighs 3.5 pounds, but it packs a punch! The cord is 12 feet long, which is perfect for us because our outside plug is on the deck near where we park. The vacuum comes with a 19″ hose which I love, as well as a crevice tool, dust brush, upholstery nozzle, 20” extension wand, shoulder strap, Magic Air inflater adapter and 5 extra reusable/disposable paper bags and it has a 5 year warranty. You can order either a standard wall outlet or a cigarette lighter adapter whichever is more convenient for your needs. AutoAnything is a leader among online automotive retailers, which they have worked hard to achieve. By selling the best products from brands you know and trust at an affordable price, AutoAnything can cover all of your automotive needs. The company has been around since 1979 when Selwyn Klein began as a manufacturer and retailer of Blue Ribbon genuine sheepskin seat covers and custom carpet floor mats. In 1997, his oldest son David joined in the business and two years later, his younger son Trevor made it a trio. The three worked incredibly hard to build the company that AutoAnything is today and I can attest that their products are the most top notch I have used. I plan to purchase a few items from AutoAnything for Father’s Day that I think my husband will just love!
One reader will win a Metro Vac N’ Blo 500 Car Vacuum ($89.99)
I used to bbe able to find good information from your articles.
lund catch all floor mats
I like the Vac N Blo 500. I have heard great things about it. And it’s made in the USA!
I like the 5 Star Tailor-Made Sheepskin Seat Covers.
The Coverking Neoprene Seat Covers look awesome!
Covercraft Car Sun Shade
Automotive Berber Auto Mat Floor Mats are great.
IPCW LED Tailgate Light Bar
I like the Wheelskins Leather Steering Wheel Cover in Cobalt blue.
Automotive Berber Auto Mat Floor Mats are great.
My favorite product is the Covercraft SeatSaver Seat Covers
I’d like the motorcycle cover for my moped! 🙂
WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners
Lloyd Mats Luxe Floor Mats.
i like the WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners
I need a roof rack for my van
I really like the Wet Okole RealTree Camo Seat Covers.
Lloyd Mats Classic Loop Floor Mats
I like the trailer hitches~~~
AVS Ventvisor Window Deflectors
I like the Intro-Tech Automotive PitStop Formula One Series Chair.
I love the Energizer All-In-One Battery Jump Starter with Air Compressor and Power Inverter-cool!
The Bully Collegiate Leather Steering Wheel Covers are my favorite product.
The floor mats
Rhino Shelter Motorcycle Storage Bag
Husky Liners Gearbox
I like the CalTrend NeoSupreme Seat Covers
i like the Intro-Tech Automotive Berber Auto Mat Floor Mats in the light grey color.
Wheelskins EuroTone Leather Steering Wheel Covers
I like the
BAK BAKFlip F1 Tonneau Cover
i like the CIPA Panoramic Rear View Mirror
Coverking Leatherette Seat Covers
i like the Covercraft Ready-Fit Block-It 380 Car Covers
The floor mats are nice!
CalTrend “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Leather” Seat Covers
the anzo usa headlights!
jagar0047 at yahoo dot com
My favorite product is the Lloyd Mats Luxe Floor Mats.
Metro Vac!
LeBra All Weather Car Bra
I could really use a new trailer hitch. I’ve got my eye on the Tow Ready Tri-Ball Ball Mount
I like the Weathertec side window deflectors.
One of my favorite products is the Kurgo Portsmouth Dog Booster Seat.
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
I like the Intro-Tech Automotive Ultimate Reflector Car Sun Shade, which would definitely be a better fit than most since it is custom fitted for your car.
Prox 300 rev protector
I like the Lloyd Mats Ultimat Custom Floor Mats. They would look cool in my car.
I would love the prize and also love the seat covers! Great products!
I like the seat covers.
Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
I like the DogAbout Rear Seat Protector
I like the seat protectors
I like the prox 300 rv protector – Thanks.
EchoMaster Dolphin SonarStep Hitch Backup Sensor
I like the DogAbout Rear Seat Protector
I like the Anzo USA Headlights.
I like the Lloyd Mats Luxe Floor Mats.
The camo seat covers and floor liners.
Motor Trend by PetEgo Jet Set Pet Carrier and they also have a pet tent that is super cool
weathertech floor mats
Bike Rack
The Wheelskin Leather Steering Wheel cover.
I love the Intro-Tech Automotive PitStop Formula One Series Chair!!
Street Scene Cal-Vu Sport Mirrors
Husky Liners Classic Style Floor Liners
I like the Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Rack
I love he weather tech floor mays
seat covers
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I like the 3D Maxpider Handy Trunk
i like the Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Rack
WeatherTech Floor Mats.
my favorite product is the
Griot’s Garage Orbital Machine Polish & Wax Kit
Covercraft Cargo Area Liner
weathertech floor mats
I like the cltrend leather seat covers.
kelleyc76(at)live(dot)com
I love the mats and the auto detailer! My dog rides with me all the time and the hair is crazy!
Husky Liners Classic Style Floor Liners
I like the Coverking Saddle Blanket Seat Covers. My dogs go in car with me often and my seats are starting to show wear.
I like the Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Rack
floor mats
Anything and everything for my Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4×4. Love making it look good and run good
I like the windsheild covers.
Saddle an camo seat covers
I like the WeatherTech Floor Mats
I like the 4tek Kreepstool
fender flares sound kinda interesting to add to my ford
I like the Covercraft Pink Ribbon Car Sun Shade for a Cause
The ARB Fridge
My favorite product is the Autero Wireless Backup Camera. I would love to have it.
Kurgo Bench Seat Cover
I like the Camo seat covers!
At the moment my favorite would be the brake parts and rotors.
I like the WeatherTech Floor Mats.
I would love to have the Wet Okole RealTree Camo Seat Covers!
I like the seat covers.
CARPOD Cargo Carrier.
Like the Rugged Ridge All Terrain Floor Mats!
Intro-Tech Automotive Berber Auto Mat Floor Mats
the vacum
I like the Lloyd Ultimate Cargo Liner for a 2013 Hyundai Accent HB. I finally got a new car, but couldn’t afford any extras. lol. I’ll get one eventually I guess. These guys have great prices and even better reviews.
I honestly like the vacuum.
Canine Covers cargo liner
would love to win this for my daughters car!
Cal trend I can’t believe it isn’t leather!
I like the Canine Covers Cargo Liner
tonnoPro TriFold tonneau cover
Softride access dura 4-bike rack
I like the CalTrend Velour Seat Covers
I like TonnoPro Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover
I like the
Saddleman Saddle Blanket Seat Covers
I like the Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning.
I like the Griot’s Garage Master Car Care Collection.
I like the
Coverking Spacer Mesh Seat Covers
I like the Ventvisor Window Deflectors
Thule Doubletrack Hitch Bike Rack!
I like the FANMATS NFL Cargo Mats
Motor Trend by PetEgo Mesh Pet Barrier
the metro vac!
I like the
Spyder LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
I like the
Thule Parkway Bike Rack
I like the Coverking Leatherette Seat Covers.
hschonrock at yahoo dot com
i can’t believe it’s not leather seat covers
I like the vac. that’s in this picture having two children in the back of my car I need a good car vaccume
Yakima DoubleDown Bike Rack is my favorite product on their website.
i like the Lloyd Mats Velourtex Floor Mats
I LOVE the Metro Air Force Master Blaster Car Dryer.
I like the storm proof car cover, to protect my hubby’s mustang. 🙂
I need a canvasback canvas jacket.
ky2here at msn dot com
cover craft premier floor mats
I like the G-Floor Garage Floor Protector.
I like the metro vac. Looks handy!
I think the PlasmaGlow Fire & Ice LED Tailgate Bar is really cool. Thanks!
I like the folding ramps!
WeatherTech Extreme Duty Digital Fit Floor Liners!!!
Energizer All-In-One Battery Jump Starter with Air Compressor and Power Inverter
The Covercraft SeatSaver Seat Covers
The metro vac
I would like the Metro Vac.THX
My favorite is the Lloyd Mats Ultimat Custom Floor Mats
Dash Designs Suede Dashboard Cover
the CalTrend SuperSuede Seat Covers
My favorite product is the Husky Liners X-act Contour Floor Liners.
Kurgo Bench Seat Cover
metro vac
My favorite products are the floor mats and liners
The metrovac is my favorite
I really like the dash kits something I need
the metro vac 🙂
metro vac
My dog has recently started going everywhere with me so I like the Ruff Rider Roadie Dog Harness
Sherwood Factory Match Dash Kit is my favorite.
Wheelskins Leather Steering Wheel Covers
i like the dash kits
I loved all the car dash kits! thanks for this giveaway!
dog seat covers!
I’d love the Yakima DoubleDown Bike Rack : )
My favorite is the CalTrend NeoSupreme Seat Covers
The Metro Vac
One thing I would like is the CalTrend SuperSuede Seat Covers
i also like the Dash Designs Suede Dashboard Cover
the canine seat covers
I like the AVS Ventvisor Window Deflectors
i like the Dash Designs Suede Dashboard Cover
Cruiser Accessories Tuff-Shield License Plate Shield – has a cool design! LOVE
I like the B&I rocker panels:)
jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
License2Bling Swarovski Crystals License Plate Frames
the pet ramp is kinda cool
i would like to have a canine cover for the back seat
I like the Canine Covers Cargo Liner.
I like the Intro Tech Floor Mats in tan.
tarter95 at hotmail dot com
I like the pet ramp, so handy!
like the wheelskins euro tone wheel cover
hollow_sins@yahoo.com
I like the Party King Grills Roadshow Portable Entertainment System. Thanks!
I could use some new floor mats
I like the PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step, pet seat protectors and harnesses, and the 3 bike bike rack.
I like the Intro-Tech Automotive PitStop Grand Prix Series Chair!
I really like the Thule Raceway Trunk Bike Rack.
I like the Yakima DoubleDown Bike Rack
i also like the Covercraft Car Sun Shade
Like their 3 bike bike racks.
Thule base rack system!
I like the Cal Trend Neo Supreme Seat Covers!
My favorite product is the CalTrend Leather Seat Covers.
Metro Vac N’ Blo
Softride Access Element Bike Rack
Smittybilt Replacement Jeep Soft Top-and WOW great price!!
I like the PortablePET Pet Partition!
I like these CalTrend Hawaiian NeoSupreme Seat Covers.
deflectors
i like the FANMATS NFL Carpet Floor Mats
I love the all terrain floor mats
I like the Coverking Leatherette Seat Covers
MAXLINER MAXFLOORMATS
Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat
My favorite product is the K&N Air Filter
I like the Ruff Rider Roadie Dog Harness
kurgo bench seat cover
Love the all weather floor mats! Need them in new England!
Great site with so many products! I like the Ruff Rider Roadie Dog Harness
I like the Ulti-Mate Pro garage storage system. But I would have to get the works.
I like the Kurgo bench seat cover.
The Metro Vac N’ Blo 500 Car Vacuum that you’re giving away looks awesome….sure could use it too!
Kurgo Bench Seat Cover
I like the Coverking Spacer Mesh Seat Covers
Canine Covers Semi-Custom Covers
Love the Saddleman neoprene seat covers.
Thanks for the giveaway…WeatherTech Floor Mats
I like the Custom Wet Okole Seat Covers
I like the CalTrend NeoSupreme Seat Covers
I would want the Lloyd Mats RubberTite Rubber Floor Mats
CalTrend “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Leather” Seat Covers
Kurgo Bench Seat Cover is my favorite
The Canine Covers Custom Covers look great for protecting the seats from the dogs. Expensive, though.
Wheelskins EuroPerf Perforated Leather Steering Wheel Covers look nice.
I like the Lloyd Mats Luxe Floor Mats. About once a year I like to change my floor mats in my car to keep the interior nice.
Wheelskins EuroTone Leather Steering Wheel Covers
Love the Napier Sportz SUV & Minivan Tent
Metro Vac N’ Blo 500 Car Vacuum…I’d never have a messy car again, I promise.
I also like the Energizer All-In-One Battery Jump Starter with Air Compressor and Power Inverter
Classic Accessories Hurricane Boat Cover
Kurgo Tire Roo looks handy
I like the Covercraft Cargo Area Liner
Kurgo Bench Seat Cover
I could really use the Rhino Rack J style kayak racks. Nice
I like the carpet dash cover
Intro-Tech Automotive PitStop Grand Prix Series Chair
Vacuum to keep my car clean since I’m having a baby on the way.
The ARB fridge looks awesome.
I like the PotrablePET Pet Partition
I like the CalTrend “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Leather” Seat Covers.
This would work great for our daughter at school
I like their pet hammock seat cover
Kurgo Bench Seat Cover
Kurgo Tire Roo
I like the BarsGo Rhino 6″ Oval Nerf Bars.
Kurgo Tire Roo looks handy
I like the Kurgo Bench Seat Cover
the vacume to pick up all the cheerios
Covercraft Cargo Area Liner
Covercraft Premier Floor Mats.
I like the CalTrend Hawaiian NeoSupreme Seat Covers.
lloyd mats ultimate custom mats
I like the Rugged Ridge Interior Trim & Dash Kits
Kurgo Backseat Pet Barrier
the vac n blo would be great. Dragging out the full-size vac is really a drag.
Lloyd Mats Ultimat Custom Floor Mats for me!
Tonneau covers are cool
Lloyd Mats Ultimat Custom Floor Mats
I like the
WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners
I like the Coverking Ballistic Seat Covers
Lloyd Mats Ultimat Custom Floor Mats
Motor Trend by PetEgo Hammock Seat Protector
Neoprene Seat Covers
I like the Wade In-Channel Window Deflectors by Westin, We are in need of something to block out some of the sun!
I like the WeatherTech Extreme-Duty DigitalFit Floor Liners
The 3-star semicustom sheepskin seat covers.
Lloyd Mats Luxe Floor Mats
Neoprene Seat Covers
I like the Canvasback Canvas Jackets.
Coverking Camo Neoprene Seat Covers
I like the Covercraft Cargo Area Liner
Those floor mats are a lifesaver!
I like the Griot’s Garage Car Wash Soap.
The PetEgo Hammock Seat Protector
I like the Tonneau covers
I dig the Sherman Innovations dash kits!
I think I would say floor mats
My favorite is the FANMATS MLB Carpet Floor Mats, would love to get a set for the hubby!
I love the Coverking Neoprene Jeep Seat Covers. My husband would LOVE them for his jeep!
I like the K&N 57 Series FIPK Air Intake!
I would love a set of
Lloyd Mats RubberTite Rubber Floor Mats
Covercraft Pet Pad
floor mats
Old Tyme Gauges white #2 …They are really nice
I like the CoverKing Ballistic Seat Cover
I would love some Lloyd mats
I like the DashMat Velour Dashboard Cover in the caramel color
CalTrend “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Leather” Seat Covers
Seat covers and floor mats.
I like the License2Bling Swarovski Crystals License Plate Frames
buy the car batteries from here
I like the TruBerber Floor Mats.
CalTrend Camouflage Seat Covers
I love the seat covers!
Metro Vac Car Vacuum and deflectors
Instagram: hotval16
Pinterest: hotval16
Lloyd Mats TruBerber Floor Mats
like the dash covers
I like the Bracketron Cradle-iT Dash Mount.
I like the EGR In-Channel Rain Guards!
I like my Tonneau cover!
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A BIG FAN OF THE RAIN GUARD DEFLECTORS
The heavy duty floor mats!
I have found seat covers to be “life savers”.. I LOVE a seat cover I can take off and wash in the washing machine! I would get their american flag ones.
Lloyd Mats Classic Loop Cargo Mats
I like their selection of deflectors.
I like the floor mats
LEATHERCRAFT SEATCOVERS
The weathertech floor mats caught my eye. Thank you for the opportunity.
the covercraft auto snow shield
Hisky liner floor mats
I like the canine cover
I like the CalTrend Velour Seat Covers
I like the CalTrend Hawaiian NeoSupreme Seat Covers
i like the Motor Trend by PetEgo Hammock Seat Protectore.
I like the Park Smart Heavy-Duty Clean Park Garage Floor Mat
I like the WeatherTech Floormat.
I also like the Intro-Tech Automotive Windshield Snow Shade
I love the yakima double down bike rack!
Love the Hisky liner floor mats! (:
I’d love to have the Leathercraft Seat Covers by Steelcraft
The Husky Liner floor mats.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
The weather tech floor liners.
I’d like to get the WeatherTech floor mats because our Northeast winters are rough on my car’s floor carpet.
I like the Canine Covers Cargo Liner!
I like the Wheelskins Leather Steering Wheel Covers
NeoSupreme seatcovers
My favorite product is the CalTrend “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Leather” Seat Covers. They would fit our car and the driver’s side seat is worn.
i like Canine Covers Custom Covers
I also like the Saddleman Saddle Blanket Seat Covers
The Canine Covers Semi-Custom Covers.
I like the selection of neoprene seat covers
I like the Intro-Tech Automotive HEXOMAT Floor Mats
I like the Lloyd Mats TruBerber Floor Mats
Skyjacker Lift Kits
neoprene seat covers
CalTrend NeoSupreme Seat Covers
I like the Wheelskins EuroTone Leather Steering Wheel Covers!
love the camo car seat covers
Saddleman Hawaiian Neoprene Seat Covers
I like the Motor Trend by PetEgo Hammock Seat Protector
I like the Husky Liners floor mats. I really need those!
Camaflouge car seat covers
I like the Griot’s Garage 6″ Orbital Buffer Kit with Bag!
My favorite product is the Intro-Tech Automotive PitStop GT Receiver Chair
I really need the bi-fold loading ramp.