One of the most exciting things about getting a new car is how clean and fresh everything is. There’s a reason New Car Smell is the most popular air freshener scent, after all. When most people get a new car, they vow to keep it in the same condition it’s in the day they drive it off the lot.
Of course, we all know that’s easier said than done. Whether it’s fast food wrappers or loose change for toll booths, almost everyone experiences some chaos in their car at one point or another. Even the tidiest of us are suspect to a messy car every now and then.
Trash Can
This is possibly the easiest way to keep your car in order. Some people keep a plastic bag in their vehicle to hold any garbage, but there are mini trash cans made specifically for cars. Their size is perfect for keeping on the floor of your front or back seat and most designs allow them to be folded up when not in use, making them easy to store. Car trash cans are usually made of canvas or silicone, making them durable and sturdy. They also come in a variety of designs and colors, which allows you to match them to your interior and style.
Seat Covers
Another easy way to keep your car tidy is with seat covers. Not only do they protect your upholstery from wear and tear, they’re also easy to clean. Some varieties are machine washable, while others may require spot cleaning. If worse comes to worst, you can always replace them and even then, replacing seat covers would be much cheaper and more convenient than replacing your entire upholstery.
In addition, seat covers come in tons of different materials and styles to fit your lifestyle.
Cloth Seat Covers
This material provides the most variety in design. Whether you’re after bright pink zebra print or a more neutral beige, cloth seat covers are undoubtedly available in whatever color or pattern you’d like. Most are machine washable and they’re easy to put on and take off of your seats. In addition, cloth seat covers are more affordable than other materials.
The downside to this material is that it won’t provide much protection against heavier wear and tear. Cloth is great for everyday protection, but simply isn’t waterproof and even the highest quality fabric can be suspect to tearing if things get too intense.
Leather Seat Covers
Leather seat covers provide slightly more protection than their cloth counterparts. The material makes it easier for water and spills to bead up on the surface and slide off rather than seep into the fabric. In addition, leatherette seat covers provide the look and feel of real leather without the cost.
The main downside to leather seat covers is they usually lack options in color and design. Leather and leatherette are generally restricted to natural colors like black, tan, or gray. Some bright colors do exist, but the majority of what you’ll find is neutrals.
Neoprene Seat Covers
Neoprene seat covers have skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years, and for good reason. Neoprene is lightweight, waterproof, and provides superior protection compared to other materials. Black is the most popular color, but you can also find neoprene seat covers in nearly any color of the rainbow.
One thing to be wary of with neoprene seat covers is that there may be a slight odor when first receiving the item. Not to worry – the smell will quickly dissipate and your nose will be none the wiser.
Oxford Seat Covers
This material is great for heavy duty protection. It might not be the softest, but oxford seat covers provide the highest level of protection for your seats. Oxford is a rugged material that is naturally resistant to water, but some manufacturers go the extra mile and add a special coating to make the fabric truly waterproof. Oxford seat covers will not rip, tear, or fray. They’re in it for the long haul.
The biggest drawback with this material is the texture. Some people might not be a fan of the feeling of oxford. Another possible issue is the lack of colors and designs, as oxford colors usually stick to a neutral palette of black, gray, or shades of tan. However, for people looking for the ultimate protection in vehicles such as work vans, this is as top tier as it gets.
Floor Mats
Floor mats are more or less a necessity in every vehicle these days. In fact, most dealerships will throw in a set for free when you purchase or lease a car. With how often you get in and out of your car, you’re bound to track in some dirt, mud, or snow. Floor mats protect your carpet from whatever life (and your shoes) throws its way and are a must-have for any driver.
There are different varieties of floor mats available on the market, ranging in color, material, and design. Rubber floor mats might be a better fit for someone with dirty work boots while carpet floor mats with a bright pattern might be better suited for a teen’s first car.
Cargo Liner
Similar to floor mats, cargo liners protect the carpeting of your trunk. Cargo liners can be especially valuable in situations where things can get messy, like bringing home some bags of mulch or hauling around dirty tools, but they’re useful to have in almost any scenario.
Cargo liners come in different materials and designs. Carpet cargo liners better match the interior of your car to give it a natural appearance, while rubber and plastic cargo liners provide superior protection. Some brands will even add a unique texture to the surface, keeping your things from shifting around while you drive and preventing messes in the first place.
How do you keep your car tidy? Let us know in the comments below!
