Shopping·11 min read

17 Products to Help You Keep Your Car Clean

car-clean-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Pura, Calpak
September 13, 2023

This post was originally published in July 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

If you’re like us, your car is a bit of a second home. It helps you complete your list of errands, is there when you want to take a spontaneous road trip, and acts as a second closet. Now it’s time to show [insert your car’s name] some love. We’ve found items to help you deep clean, like a decal remover and a tiny vacuum, plus things to keep it organized to reduce future clutter. Let’s ride.

Car wash
Amazon

A car wash spray you can use anytime, anywhere…

Skip the drive through and DIY it whenever you want with this quick and easy spray. It's safe to use on your paint, glass, headlights, and rims, and begins to work immediately. The formula protects against scratches, rain, mud, and has shine enhancers to leave your whip as glossy as ever. ($11.97, Amazon)

Buy it
Wheel sealant
Amazon

Wheel sealant to make your tires shine…

Keeping your rims shiny and clean used to sound impossible — until we met Max Coat. All you have to do is rub the coating on your rims to enhance their shine, protect against the elements, reduce brake dust contamination, and more. Shine on. ($24.99, Amazon)

Buy it
Car diffuser
Pura

A car diffuser with elevated scents…

Toss your trees in the trash and snag this upgraded air freshener instead. You’ll get high-quality scents that last for 30 days, and a device that evenly distributes the smell when you need it most. It’s also smartphone-compatible, so you can set your fragrance intensity and frequency through your Pura app. ($34.99, Pura)

Buy it
Car organizer
Calpak

A car organizer that’s big enough for the next road trip…

Errands are about to get a whole lot easier with this storage hack. It’s got three different compartments that are all water-resistant — perfect for grocery runs or rainy days out — and handles that make it easy to move from your car to your house. Plus, it comes in seven different colors so you can travel in style. ($98, Calpak)

Buy it
Cargo net
Amazon

A cargo net for a little extra storage space…

This roof net goes inside the car, so you can store your extra clothes, shoes, games, or whatever else you can't throw in your suitcase or on top of the car. It attaches to your car’s four handles and adjusts to avoid any drooping in the center. Plus, it's got a ton of zippered pockets on the outside that allow for easy access — no more sifting through the trunk baggage for the kids’ tablets. Win, win, win. ($19.99, Amazon)

Buy it
mask-holder
Amazon

A tissue holder to keep things within arm’s reach…

Are you someone who stores napkins and tissues haphazardly in the glove box? Not anymore. Try this dispenser that clips onto your car’s sun visor so you don’t have to reach over to the passenger’s side while driving. ($11.99, Amazon)

Buy it
seat-gap-filler
Amazon

A seat-gap filler so you don’t have to fish for your phone or stranded fries…

Everyone knows about the space between the driver’s seat and the center console. Irksome, to say the least, especially when your cell or whatever drive-through treat you’re eating falls down there. These plush neoprene pillows (sold in a set of two) will fill in that annoying gap and fits most cars. Genius. ($24.99, Amazon)

Buy it
back-seat-cover
Amazon

A back seat cover to protect against muddy paws…

Made out of a waterproof material that’s easy to vacuum and spot clean, this cover will keep your seats mud-, hair-, and slobber-free when your dog is riding with you. It fits in most cars and works for dogs of all sizes. It also has heavy-duty headrest anchors to make sure it won’t slide around as you drive. ($29.62+, Amazon)

Buy it
mesh-organizer
Amazon

A mesh organizer to keep your stuff in one place…

We all have random items floating around our cars. To keep the floor from becoming way too cluttered, this mesh holder attaches to the driver’s and passenger’s seats, sitting between them. The netted material acts like a catchall, and keeps your purse from turning over and spilling. It also serves as a barrier for pets in the back seat. Customers like that it holds steady and doesn’t flop around while they drive. ($21.98, Amazon)

Buy it
headrest-hooks
Amazon

A set of headrest hooks perfect for handbags…

An infamous age-old question: Where do I put my handbag while I’m driving? Answer it with these handy handbag hooks that fasten to the back of a headrest. They’re super sturdy and can also be used to hang groceries, shopping bags, an umbrella, or a water bottle. ($6.99/4-pack, Amazon)

Buy it
vacuum-cleaner
Amazon

A vacuum cleaner specifically meant for a car…

Few vacuum cleaners are nimble enough to tackle all the nooks and crannies in your car. This one is lightweight, compact, and has a HEPA filter to remove all manner of dust, dirt, and leftover drive-through food crumbs. It also has powerful suction and comes with three tiny attachments for an even deeper clean. Customers say it works great for pet hair as well. ($29.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
sticker-remover
Amazon

A tool that removes stickers and decals…

Say you have a sticker on your back window that did not age well. To remove it, just attach this wheel to a standard drill. The wheel will gently scrub off the unwanted decal and is safe to use on paint and glass. It’s much faster and less dangerous than using a chemical spray. Customers say they’ve also used the tool to buff away paint scuffs and scratches. ($14.49+, Amazon)

Buy it
leather cleaner
Amazon

A cleaner to keep your leather seats looking like new…

Easily remove dirt, oil, and stains from your leather seats with this nontoxic, natural cleaner. There’s no need to mix it with anything else, just apply with a cloth, wipe away the excess, and let the seats dry. You can also use it on faux leather and on other items like handbags, shoes, and jackets. ($16.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
trash-can
Amazon

A hanging trash can so you have somewhere to put used tissues and food wrappers…

Trash has a knack for disappearing in your car. Fasten this hanging trash can to the back of a headrest to collect items easily. The interior is waterproof, so even if you toss in drinks, it won’t leak. The garbage also comes in three sizes, depending on your needs. Customers say it pairs well with the car-sized trash bags for easy removal. ($7.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
trunk-organizer
The Container Store

A trunk organizer that folds up when not in use…

Keep this stashed in your trunk, and when you need it, pop it open. The cubbies are made from durable polyester fabric and are perfect for separating sports equipment or beach supplies. It also has four exterior pockets for smaller items. Fold it up once you’re done. Piece of cake. ($24.99, Container Store)

Buy it
cleaning-gel
Amazon

A cleaning gel sticky enough to grab tiny crumbs…

Smush and stick this gel anywhere you can’t reach, like air vents, the console panel, and inside the cup holders. It’s super tacky and will grab dust and dirt, but won’t fall apart in your hands. The best part is that it can be reused. ($5.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
registration-holder
Amazon

A registration holder so you always know where it is…

When you got your first car, chances are your parents made sure you knew where the registration was located. Do you still know where it is? Is it in that same spot? If not, why not keep everything tidy and in one place with this compact holder? It has five pockets to organize insurance cards, registration cards, and emergency information. Just keep it available in your glove box. ($7.48+, Amazon)

Buy it

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.