The Weekly Car Cleaning Checklist That Keeps My Car (and Sanity) in Check

Home & Living
Written By Kassandra

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Our car sees a lot of life. Quick errands, snack stops, coffee breaks, and let’s be honest, a few too many wrappers tucked into the side door. If yours is starting to feel more like a traveling junk drawer than a peaceful place, this car cleaning checklist might be exactly what you need.

I used to let it pile up until it felt overwhelming.

Then I created a simple weekly routine that actually fits into real life.

No intense detailing sessions. No complicated systems. Just a 15-minute reset that keeps your car looking and feeling fresh without taking up your whole Saturday.

Here’s what I’m sharing in this post:

  • My weekly car cleaning checklist that takes 15 minutes or less

  • What’s actually in my car cleaning kit and where I keep it

  • A surprisingly satisfying DIY cleaning slime for crevices

  • The simple tools that make the whole thing feel doable

 

♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡

 

Step 1. Make it a Weekly Habit (15 Minutes Max)

This is the biggest game changer. We spend about 15 minutes on the weekend doing a quick car reset. My husband and I usually do it together so it goes faster, and it’s just become part of our rhythm.

The secret is doing a little every week instead of letting the mess pile up until it feels like a full-day project

Step 2. Make Your Car Cleaning Supplies Easy to Grab

I don’t keep a separate bin just for the car. I use the same cleaning products in multiple areas, so I store my car-specific items in our main cleaning closet. It’s easy to grab what I need and quick to put it away when we’re done.

Tip: If keeping your kit in the trunk or under a seat works better for you, go for it. The best system is the one that’s easiest for you to keep up with!

Step 3. Use Tools That Actually Help

Don’t overthink this part. The tools I use are all about making things easier and quicker. Cleaning slime is one of my favorites. It grabs crumbs from tight spots like cup holders and vents in seconds.

If you’ve ever tried cleaning cup holders with a washcloth and spray, you know how awkward that is. Having the right tools makes all the difference in how doable this feels week to week.

Weekly Car Cleaning Checklist (15-Minute)

Step 1: Declutter

  • Toss any trash

  • Remove anything that doesn’t belong in the car

  • Return random items to the house

Step 2: Quick Clean

  • Dust dash, console, and vents with a soft brush or cloth

  • Use cleaning slime or vacuum in tight spots

  • Wipe down high-touch surfaces like the steering wheel and gear shift

  • Shake out floor mats

  • Spot vacuum seats and floors

Step 3: Bonus Task (Pick One Each Week)

  • Wash the car

  • Deep vacuum under seats

  • Shampoo carpets or seats

  • Wipe visors and mirrors

  • Clean interior windows

  • Tidy glove box or center console

  • Clean and organize the trunk

  • Check tire pressure

  • Top off wiper fluid

Pro Tip: Pick one bonus task each week. Once you’ve worked through the whole list, start over. Small consistent effort is better than waiting for a full-on deep clean day.

 
 

CAR CLEANING KIT ESSENTIALS

I keep this simple. Here’s what I use for a quick reset or a deeper clean. Nothing fancy. Just tools that actually help.

That’s it. No big bin. No overflowing pile of random supplies. Just a few go-to items that make the job quick and doable!

♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡

 
Weekly car cleaning checklist printable showing declutter and quick clean steps for keeping your car tidy in 15 minutes
 

DIY Cleaning Slime

This is one of the only cleaning DIYs I actually make and enjoy using. It grabs dust and crumbs from vents, buttons, cup holders, and all those little spots that are awkward to clean.

Author: Kassandra

Cleaning Slime

This DIY cleaning slime is oddly satisfying and makes car cleaning easier. You can press it into dusty vents, buttons, or cup holders to lift out all the gunk.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup white school glue
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1½ tablespoons contact lens solution (must contain boric acid)
  • Small storage container or plastic bag

Instructions

  1. Mix the glue and baking soda in a bowl
  2. Add contact solution slowly while stirring
  3. When it starts pulling together, knead it until it forms slime
  4. Store in a jar or airtight bag between uses.

Notes

Tip: I like to pull just enough off to clean with and then I just throw it away. That way I'm not storing the gunky, dirty slime and a I get several uses from one batch!



 

♡ PIN IT FOR LATER ♡

Free printable car cleaning checklist with bold text and image of someone wiping down their car interior
 

You don’t need to spend hours scrubbing to have a car that feels clean and calm. Just a simple checklist, a few easy tools, and a weekly reset you can actually keep up with.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to feel better. A quick tidy can go a long way, especially when life already feels full. Hugs!

Homemaking blog signature by Kassandra B.

For more car cleaning tips and motivation, follow me on Pinterest!

Free car cleaning checklist graphic with printable image and headline promising a 15-minute routine
Simple car cleaning checklist with a printable download and bold text saying “not a deep clean”
Realistic car cleaning checklist for weekly use with printable shown on a car seat background

Updated on: 6/25/2025

 

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