A clean car with kids? Aim for cleanish

We get it: kids are messy. They also need to go places, which means your car becomes a mini home on wheels. From eating to watching shows, life — and its messes — happen in our vehicles. Here’s how to keep them clean-ish.

Stock the basics

Every kid-mobile needs wipes, hand sanitizer, plastic bags for wet or soiled clothes and, for little ones, a supply of diapers. A towel comes in handy, too.

Invest in an organizer

A sturdy seatback organizer is excellent for life on the go. Look for ones with closable or zip pouches, so there’s no concern about flying objects if you have to make a sudden stop.

Trash containment

Without a designated trash container in your car you’re bound to have fossilized orange peels and raisin boxes rolling around your ride. Have trash bags in your car at all times for quick garbage collection. Even better, put the bag inside a sealable plastic container, then you can close the lid on spills and messes.

When getting gas

Make a habit of doing a quick clean up when you stop for gas. There’s usually a trashcan to throw away empty snack wrappers, juice boxes and other minor garbage that didn’t make it into your designated trash container.

Cleaning car seats

If you’ve ever known the horror of vomit or a blow-out in a child’s car seat, you are not alone. Car seats are probably the most diabolical item to clean, with all their creases, buckles and complexities. Though you may be tempted to turn a hose upon it (or a lit match), there are important protocols for cleaning them to maintain their safety for your children.

Following the manufacturer’s directions is key. If you tossed or lost the manuals like the rest of us, no worries, as you can find them online these days. Most manufacturers warn against using types of products that can degrade the integrity of the harness straps or other parts. Generally, that means no bleach and only spot cleaning with mild detergent on the harnesses and buckles. For the removable fabric parts, follow the tag instructions. Most will be line-dry only.

And clear your day to put the thing back together. Most of us with kids have been there!

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Brought to you by:

Kristina Jara

Kristina has been with Capitol Auto Group for over two years as a Service Business Development Specialist. Kristina and her husband Austin have two amazing children, Thomas who is 5, and Kiylee who is 4. “There are so many things I love about working for Capitol, including how it’s become another family to me,” Kristina says. In her spare time she enjoys doing puzzles with her family and reading books with her children.