How to Minimise Child Mess and Damage in Your Car
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Just like our homes, our cars bear the brunt of our children’s daily activities. Whether it’s spilled food, smear marks on windows, squashed sweets in between seats, or crayon on upholstery, cars can get very messy very quickly. If you’re in despair of ever having a clean car again, don’t worry! Maintaining a clean and tidy car, even with kids on board, is not an impossible task. It merely needs a bit of perseverance, a handful of helpful products and a slew of preventative measures.
Steps to a Cleaner and Damage-free Car
Firstly, remember how critical it is to keep your vehicle in good condition, not just for appearances but also for its resale value. If you ever need to sell a car quickly, having it neat, tidy and in top-notch, ready-to-go condition is a huge advantage. Smashed crackers in the upholstery or ink stains on the seats are not going to impress potential buyers. And that’s before we even get into the performance and safety issues that mess can cause (bugs and rodents get attracted to food mess, for a start). So, start by reminding yourself that it really is important to keep child chaos to a minimum in your car.
Educate about Car Cleanliness
It’s essential to educate your children about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the car. Start this education early and enforce the rules consistently. Make it very clear what actions are not acceptable in the car – like eating without a snack trap or playing with pens and crayons. Reward them for good behaviour – and don’t forget to be a good role model. Leading by example can influence their behaviour more than just words.
Invest in Car-friendly Kids’ Accessories
Investing in child-friendly car accessories can significantly cut down on child mess and damage. Snack traps can let the little ones munch away without littering crumbs everywhere. Sippy cups and bottles should be your go-to for any drinks to avoid spills and stains. There are also numerous car organisers available that can hold their toys, books or tablets, reducing the mess and risk of items getting lost or stuck in awkward areas.
Implement a Regular Clean-Up Routine
An essential part of maintaining a clean and damage-free car with children on board is a regular clean-up routine. Try to make a quick clean-up part of your everyday journey. Pack some antibacterial wipes and paper towels in the car for easy access and quick tidy ups. Encourage your children to dispose of their rubbish immediately rather than leaving it on the floor or tucked into seat pockets.
Protect your Car Interiors
Car seat protectors are an absolute must when you have children. They protect your seats from crumbs, spills and stains and are simple to install and easy to clean. If your kids are particularly prone to spilling drinks or getting car sick, it may also be worth investing in some waterproof seat covers. Meanwhile, window shades not only protect your child from the sun; they also keep the window corners safe from sticky fingers.
In Summary
While keeping a car clean and damage-free when you have children can seem like a constant battle, it’s definitely possible by implementing a few preventative measures. Just remember – start the education early, invest in the correct child-friendly accessories, run a regular clean-up routine and protect your car interiors. Not only will these steps ensure a pleasant driving experience, but they’ll also ensure you’ll have a well-maintained car that you could sell quickly in the future.
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