Being a dealership that trades used vehicles, we see a lot of different vehicles every day. Customers often bring in their vehicle to trade for a newer one. One of the many questions that our customers ask us is "How do I keep the interior of my vehicle clean?"

Keeping your vehicle clean helps it keep its value longer. If a vehicle stays dirty for long periods of time, foreign substances can leave impenetrable stains. These stains only devalue the vehicle.

Here are some tips to help you keep a clean vehicle:

• Buy a small plastic container or bag that can be used for trash such as gum wrappers, paper cups, mail and other compactable trash items. Putting trash in a container rather than setting it in the floor will help keep the vehicle clean.
• Set ground rules for yourself and your passengers to follow. (No eating/drinking in the vehicle, no muddy shoes inside the vehicle, etc.) Setting ground rules will prevent your vehicle from becoming dirty longer. It is up to you how strict you want to be with your rules.
• Keep a few towels or a blanket in the trunk in case of emergencies. In the event that you or a passenger becomes wet or extremely dirty, these objects can serve as a shield to put over your seats and carpet.
• Buy a package of wipes made especially for the interior of vehicles. Use the wipes when there are dirty spots on the surfaces in your vehicle. Mitchell Chevrolet's staff recommends that you keep these wipes in your glove box or center console so that you can quickly clean up any messes.
• Make it a habit to vacuum the interior of your vehicle when it becomes dirty. Vacuuming the carpet and seating inside your vehicle helps get the foreign substances out before they create stains.
• Avoid letting pets from damaging your seats by placing protective mats/covers over where they will be seated. By doing this, you can preserve the seats for longer and keep your vehicle comfortable for future passengers.
• Invest in floor mats. Floor mats, especially those that are weather-proof, protect the flooring of vehicles insanely well. Stop by Mitchell Chevrolet and talk to an associate about ordering floor mats made to fit your vehicle.
• Take a clean rag and warm water with a few drops of soap in it and lightly scrub the surfaces of your vehicle. Be sure to check and make sure that what you are washing in your vehicle can come in contact with water and the soap you are using. Normally, warm water and a drop of mild soap are great to use on seats, carpet, and vinyl. For screens and other surfaces, use a microfiber cloth to take off any smudges.
• Refrain from creating odors inside your vehicle. Old food, smoke, trash, and dirty shoes are all odors that make the vehicle smell bad. Keeping these odors out of your vehicle will help that "New Car Smell" stay around longer.

Hopefully these tips will help you keep your vehicle clean! When you bring your vehicle into Mitchell Chevrolet to trade, we will certainly be impressed if you have taken our advice!

Remember to make sure that you are cleaning your vehicle with the proper materials. Using improper materials can permanently damage your vehicle. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach on your vehicle. Additionally, never place containers, bags, mats, covers or other items in the floor of the driver's seat area. Placing items in the floor of the driver's seat area that aren't made specifically for that purpose can become lodged in the pedals that control the speed of the vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions can result in vehicular accidents. Always drive safe!