Homemade Cleaning Products to Detail Your Ride

Make your car sparkle without spending a dime

Father and Daughter Washing Car
Inti St Clair / Getty Images

A clean car does drive better. (At least it feels like it!) But getting it that way doesn't have to clean out your wallet. Here are a bunch of homemade car cleaner recipes that will make your car look like it was detailed by a professional. 

Car Wash Solution

What You Need:

  • A bucket of water
  • Liquid castile soap

Add a couple of drops of liquid castile soap to a bucket of water, stir it in, and use it to wash your car. Liquid castile soap is made from plant oils and contains no harsh chemicals or detergents, so it's perfect for cleaning your car. It won't create suds like store-bought car wash soap, but don't let that fool you. It's a cleaning powerhouse. 

Add a couple of drops of liquid castile soap to a bucket of water, stir it in, and use it to wash your car. Liquid castile soap is made from plant oils and contains no harsh chemicals or detergents, so it's perfect for cleaning your car. It won't create suds like store-bought car wash soap, but don't let that fool you. It's a cleaning powerhouse. 

Window Cleaner

What You Need:

  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Newspaper

Spray full-strength vinegar onto your car's windows. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then wipe dry with a piece of newspaper. You'll be left with perfect, streak-free windows.

Chrome Cleaner

What You Need:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Sponge or cleaning cloth

Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then spray it on your wheels and work it in with a sponge or cleaning cloth. Give it a few minutes to go to work on all that brake dust and other grime. Then rinse it off. If dirt remains, repeat the process.

Note: Vinegar should not be used on aluminum alloys.

Tire Cleaner

What You Need:

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Scrub brush

Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Then work the paste into the tires with a scrub brush. Let it sit for several minutes and rinse.

Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover

What You Need:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • Scrub brush

Mix white vinegar and baking soda to form a paste. Work the paste into any carpet and upholstery stains with a toothbrush or something similar. Allow the paste to dry. Vacuum up the baking soda, and the stains should be gone. Some stains may need to be treated more than once. Tough stain? ​Laundry stain removers might prove helpful in removing it.

Interior Cleaner

What You Need:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Cleaning cloth

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Then spray it on any vinyl, plastic, or wood surfaces in your car that needs cleaning. Allow it to soak in. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Interior Protectant/Dressing

What You Need:

  • 1 cup mineral oil
  • Spray bottle or bowl
  • 2 cleaning cloths

Put the mineral oil in a spray bottle or bowl. Use a clean cloth to wipe a small amount of the dressing on the dashboard and any other plastic, wood, or vinyl surfaces. Finish by wiping off the excess with another cleaning rag.

Warning: Do not use mineral oil on the steering wheel, pedals, or any other controls where slipperiness could pose a hazard. Also be careful not to get in on your windows.