5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Car Clean with Kids

Between chauffeuring my kids to a gazillion activities and running errands, I practically live in my car. Now as moms, we know that keeping a car clean when you have kids can sometimes feel like an impossible task. From spilled snacks to muddy shoes, and cleats, keeping my minivan clean is no joke!

I’ve had moms tell me they don’t allow snacks in the car, and while I would love the “no-snack rule”, it’s just not practical, crumbs happen, because most of the time snacks in the car are a necessity to keep everyone fueled up and on schedule. 🥪

So, here are 5 must-haves I always have stashed in my car to make tidying up a breeze amidst all the kid chaos. Having these 5 things in your car will make a huge difference between a clean car and a messy smelly one!

1. Plastic Grocery Bags

Always have a trash can or bag in the car: One of the easiest ways to keep your car tidy is to have a designated spot for trash. Kids are notorious for leaving wrappers, empty juice boxes, and other trash scattered around the car. By having a trash can or bag readily available, I like to keep a bag or can in the front and in the back, just remember to get rid of the bag when you get home so it doesn’t pile up. Consider getting a small trash can that fits in the backseat or hang a bag on the back of the seat for quick disposal.

2. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are every mom’s best friend when it comes to cleaning up messes on the go. Whether it’s spills, sticky hands, or muddy footprints, baby wipes are versatile and effective at quickly wiping away dirt and grime. Keep a pack of baby wipes in your glove compartment or center console so they’re always within reach when you need them.

3. Handheld Vacuum

Buy a handheld vacuum and keep it in your car. A handheld vacuum is a game-changer when it comes to keeping your car clean with kids. Crumbs, dirt, and other trash tend to find their way in between seats and crevices. Having a handheld vacuum allows you to easily suck up messes before they become ingrained in your upholstery. Look for lightweight options that are easy to store in your trunk or under a seat. I tend to check the car while the kids are busy waiting for their sports to start, so the mess doesn’t pile up, and food gets stuck on the seats!

4. Clean it often

The key to maintaining a half decent clean car with kids is cleaning it often. Set aside time each week to give your car a thorough cleaning – vacuuming floors and seats, wiping down surfaces, and tossing out any trash. My kids are older, so I have them take care of the car every couple of weeks on their own. I chauffeur them around all week, it’s only fair they clean the car! Now if you have littles, there’s no reason why they can’t help you. They can empty the trash can or pick up trash that never made it into the bag yet, vacuum up the dirt, little chores like that.

5. Use air fresheners

As much as we adore our little MVPs, let’s face it – the aroma in the car can go from “fresh as a daisy” to “locker room chic” real quick. That’s where the unsung hero, the air freshener, steps in! It’s not just a fragrance; it’s your trusty sidekick on this odorous adventure. Choose scents that you enjoy or opt for kid-friendly fragrances like fruity or tropical scents that will keep your car smelling fresh and inviting, and let’s face it, prevent you from passing out from the smell!.

So as you can see, keeping your car clean with kids doesn’t have to be an overwhelming chore. By following these five simple tips – always having a trash can or bag in the car, stocking up on baby wipes, investing in a handheld vacuum, cleaning regularly, and always having an air freshner in the car – you car won’t look and smell like a massive trash can on wheels! You can indeed enjoy a cleaner and more organized vehicle despite the daily chaos that comes with chauffering kids on-the-go. So don’t stress about those spilled snacks or muddy shoes; armed with these strategies, you’ll be cruising around town in style with a clean(ish) car!