As a busy mum, keeping the family car clean can often feel like an impossible task. Between school runs, sports practices, grocery shopping, and everything else on your plate, finding the time to give your car a thorough clean can seem like a distant dream. But fear not!

With a few time-saving hacks and a little bit of planning, you can keep your family car looking spick and span without adding extra stress to your busy schedule.

Here are the team's top 10 time-saving hacks:

Declutter regularly

Make it a habit to declutter your car every time you leave it. Clean out those receipts, shake out the car mats and bid farewell to any rubbish and unnecessary items (e.g. toys, socks, misplaced shoes… and that coffee cup from last week!). A clutter-free car instantly feels cleaner and more organised.

Keep cleaning supplies handy

Keep a small basket of cleaning supplies in your car at all times. Include essentials like wipes, microfibre cloths and a rubbish bag. This way, you can quickly tackle spills and messes as soon as they happen.

Set a weekly cleaning schedule

Designate one day a week for a quick clean of the car interior. Spend 10-15 minutes wiping down surfaces, vacuuming the floors, shaking out the car mats and clearing out the rubbish. Consistency is key to maintaining a clean car.

Use organisational tools

Invest in car organisers to help keep things tidy. Hanging organisers on the back of seats can keep toys, snacks and other essentials categorised, while boot organisers can prevent shopping groceries from rolling around.

Regular exterior washes

Schedule regular visits to the car wash to keep the exterior of your car clean. Or mark a date each month on the calendar for a car washing day. Regular washes to remove dirt and grime ensures the longevity of your car’s appearance.

Implement an ‘In and Out’ rule

Encourage your kids to follow the ‘In and Out’ rule, which means any belongings they take in the car, they must take out of the car when they exit. This prevents clutter from accumulating and makes it easier to keep the car clean.

No food or drink policy (or perhaps just on certain items!)

Establish a rule that no food or drink, or that certain foods and drinks, are allowed in the car (goodbye banana, yoghurt and crumbly foods!). This helps prevent spills, stains and crumbs, keeping your car interior cleaner for longer.

Take advantage of convenient services

When doing your shopping at Westfield Booragoon, take advantage of Silver Sponge Hand Car Wash. Conveniently located in the shopping centre’s basement parking under Myer, dropping your car off for a clean not only saves you the hassle of hunting for parking, but it also allows you to tackle both your shopping and car care needs in one go.

Delegate tasks
Get whole family involved in car cleaning. Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids, such as wiping down surfaces or vacuuming, to lighten the load and teach responsibility.

Stay consistent

Consistency is key to maintaining a clean family car. By incorporating these time-saving hacks into your routine, you can ensure that your car is always ready for whatever life throws your way.

Remember, maintaining a clean family car doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these time-saving hacks and making them a part of your routine, you can keep your car looking its best without adding extra stress to your busy life!