Spring cleaning: Keeping your car tidy
Show me your car and I’ll be able to tell if you’re a rider. Riders are usually easy to spot, with their scattered riding gear, traces of straw and hay, and muddy floor mats. In our two-part spring-cleaning guide, we’ll show you how to spruce up your car in just a few simple steps to ensure your passengers are happy to get back in.
Deep clean the car
Winter brings plenty of opportunities for your car to get dirty. Mud, snow and grit inevitably get tracked into the car as soon as you drive home. Dirty floor mats and stained upholstery are commonplace. Therefore, before taking any initial steps to protect your car from dirt and mess in the long term, you should start by giving the interior a thorough clean.
Although professional cleaning is expensive, it removes even stubborn stains and unpleasant odours permanently.
If you want to do it yourself, you should proceed as follows:
1. Cleaning the floor mats
Remove the floor mats and clean them according to the material they are made of. Make sure they are left to dry thoroughly to prevent moisture or even mould from forming inside the car.
Rubber floor mats are ideal for horse riders!
Fabric floor mats are subjected to heavy wear and tear, especially in winter in a rider’s car. Mud and dust, as well as straw and hay, tend to get lodged in the fibres and are difficult to remove. Rubber floor mats can be quickly hosed down and look as good as new in no time.
2. Cleaning car upholstery
Did you know that cars can be major hotspots for germs? Studies have shown that there can sometimes be more bacteria inside a car than on a toilet seat. The first step is to remove any coarse dirt from the interior using brushes and a vacuum cleaner. Light stains can be treated with a mild cleaning agent designed for car seat upholstery and a damp cloth. Bear in mind drying times again, and if possible, leave the doors and windows open while doing so.
Fabric or leather seats?
Leather seats are actually a bit easier to look after in cars owned by riders, as you can usually just wipe away animal hair and dirt with a slightly damp cloth.
3. Pet hair and dust on the dashboard
Pet hair is a constant problem for pet owners. Anyone who takes their dog in the car or transports horse equipment is all too familiar with the problem of stray pet hair. Dust and pet hair are particularly noticeable on the dashboard. Using a damp microfibre cloth and an anti-static cockpit cleaner removes the build-up and prevents dust and pet hair from settling again.
For long-lasting cleanliness in your car
Once you’ve given your car a thorough clean, our products will help prevent dirt from getting back into your car.
- Car seat covers and protective covers for the back seat or boot keep the upholstery free from pet hair and dirt.
- A decent pet hair removal brush should be just as much a must-have as an ice scraper. That way, you can give the upholstery a quick once-over now and then.
- Avoid getting into the car while wearing dirty riding clothes or muddy boots. Use storage boxes or waterproof bags to separate clean and dirty clothes, so you don’t end up dirtying the interior of your car.
- If you’re transporting wet items, you should place a dehumidifier in the car to prevent the windows from misting up and to stop mould from forming.
Keeping the car tidy
Keeping a car clean is one thing, but keeping it tidy is another matter entirely To save time, riding gear is often simply thrown into the car. This not only affects the car’s appearance, but can also damage the riding equipment in the long run. Leather goods in particular, such as saddles and bridles, should be handled with care and stored properly.
Here are a few organisation tips for your car:
- Our car saddle holder attaches easily to the headrest and keeps your saddle securely in place whilst you’re driving. Using a saddle cover can also prevent the leather from getting scratched during transport.
- The perfect companion for your bridle is a bridle storage bag. These protect your bridle during car journeys and put an end to the hassle of straps and reins getting twisted.
- As we all know, riders are always on the go, constantly travelling back and forth between home and the yard. With practical riding rucksacks, you can pack all your riding gear – such as boots, riding hat, whip and so on – into a single bag. That way, your kit won’t end up flying around the car. Our tip: always have a ’mud bag‘ – in the form of a reusable shopping bag or a bin bag – to hand in case your riding gear gets dirty after a visit to the yard.
- If you’re not a fan of strict organisation and tend to be part of the ’boot chaos‘ brigade, but still don’t want to spread dirt all over the car, the SHOWMASTER All-Purpose Storage Bag is the perfect choice. It fits easily into the boot of an estate car and offers plenty of space for storing riding gear. It also fastens with a zip and can be stowed away compactly when not in use.
More tips on spring cleaning: organisational aids for the stable – read the guide now!