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This probably goes without saying and if you’re a parent then you are super familiar with this concept: kids are dirty. And by dirty, we mean gross. And by gross, we mean filthy. And by filthy, we mean all the ways you can possibly describe how dirty little ones can get! But they are the cutest, so we’ll keep them, amiright? LOL!!

More often than not, all that dirt and mess finds its way into mom and dad’s or grandma and grandpa’s car. It is a monumental task to keep a clean car when you have little passengers you’re chauffeuring around on the daily.

But believe it or not, there are simple and easy things you can implement to keep your car clean….or cleaner, even with babies, toddlers and kids in tow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XDjiMzjUto

Here are 7 simple ways you can keep a clean car with kids. 

1. Wash before you load.

Sudsy Hands With A Bar Of Soap

This is one of the easiest ways to keep a clean car with kids is to make sure your kiddos don’t bring germs, dirt, sand, or food along with them on the ride. Wash their hands before you go anywhere! This is just a good hygiene thing too, so it’s a double win. If you wash hands before you load into the car seat, you’re eliminating some of the bacteria and germs from entering your vehicle. Not near a sink and soap? Use hand sanitizer or maybe get one of these handy dandy mobile handwashing systems.

2. Vacuum immediately when there’s a mess.

Hand Vacuum To Keep A Clean Car With Kids
image courtesy of Bissell

Ok, we know this is easier said than done. BUT, if you have time and can vacuum your car or child’s car seat as soon as possible after a mess was made, then do it. That way the crumbs, sand, dirt, etc. don’t sit for days or weeks or longer and attract more bacteria. If you’re really strapped for time, consider booking a cleaning and renting a sanitized car seat to use while yours is being refreshed. We recommend keeping a handheld vacuum in your trunk, garage or close to wherever you park your car. That way it’s easy and convenient to clean up any messes.

3. Have wipes or napkins available!

Sanitizing Wipes

If you’re on the go (and let’s face it, who isn’t these days?) chances are you and your crew may be snacking in the car. Eating lunch or shoveling breakfast in before school drop off is a likely scenario for parents with kids. It’s super helpful to have wet wipes, baby wipes, napkins or paper towels readily available to you and your passengers. Keep some in the seat back pocket, front dashboard, center console, etc. For older kiddos, make it easy for them to help themselves to the napkins or wipes so they can clean up as they eat.

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4. Keep plastic bags handy.

How To Keep A Clean Car With Kids: 7 Simple Tips

This is super important in order to keep a clean car with kids…especially if they are in diapers. Plastic bags are multipurpose. Use them for trash, use them for dirty clothes, or for diapers or accident situations. You can even use them if you find yourself needing to clean up after your pet unexpectedly while out and about. Biodegradable doggie poop bags are a great option along with plastic bags you might accumulate from shopping.

5. Stay organized!

Child Sitting In A Car
image courtesy of Albee Baby

Once you’re organized, it is so much easier to stay organized and stay clean! So “Marie Kondo” your car. Go through it and get rid of stuff that doesn’t bring your car joy. Or in other words, clear out the clutter. We all keep random stuff in our cars. It’s difficult not to. Receipts, toys, school sweatshirts…you name it! But if you make an effort to clean out all that random clutter, your car will become cleaner and will stay cleaner longer! Maybe implement some organizational solutions too; like a car caddy! For kids, you could even have a car caddy for each kiddo in the truck so all of their car belongings stay in one place. Genius! Another good solution to keeping a clean car with kids is to require that they haul out any wrappers, papers or other miscellaneous items. Even tiny tots can be responsible for a simple task like this.

6. Invest in some heavy duty protection.

Car Mats
image courtesy of WeatherTech

If you live in a place with lots of weather (snow, rain, etc.) or if you live in the country (dirt, hay, grass, etc.), then you know the perils of keeping your car mats clean! Consider investing in some heavy duty washable car mats that stay clean and are easier to clean too! We like WeatherTech products but there’s lots of others on the market too.

7. Clean your car regularly.

Person Cleaning The Inside Of A Car

We know you’re swamped and we know that it’s like the last thing you want to do. BUT, you should consider cleaning your car, getting your car cleaned professionally or doing the drive thru car wash regularly. This regular maintenance will make sure that dirt and grime are minimal in between cleanings and that your kiddos’ secret trash pile under the seat gets thrown out sooner rather than later. Trust us. Once your car is sparkly clean and fresh, you’ll be happy you did it!

BONUS: if you opt for the drive thru car wash, it will entertain your children and you may get about 5 minutes of peace and quiet.

Sounds pretty manageable to us! Don’t ya think? Even if you only implement one or two of these “how to keep a clean car with kids” tips, you’ll be cruising along in a cleaner car and you’ll be teaching your little passengers a few ways they can be cleaner too.