My car, if I’m not careful, quickly becomes a moving pit of dirt, grime and snack crumbs. When I’m running around with my son from place to place, it’s easy enough to say “Eh, I’ll get to that later” until later finally sneaks up on me that the car has become a big enough disaster zone that I don’t even want to get into it, let alone clean it. So I let it go…until that emergency run to pick up a friend at the airport rolls around and the state of my car is so embarrassing that I’d rather pay for her to get an Uber rather than pick her up in my trashmobile.
If your car sounds a little bit like mine, there are actually some pretty genius products that you can stash in your car that’ll help cut down on the mess. Check out these essential products that will help you keep your car clean (well, relatively clean…) in the slideshow.
More Car Organization:
12 Things to Keep in Your Car to Keep it Clean (Even With Kids in Tow)
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Wet/Dry Bag
This is such an easy bag to clip on to your backseat organizer, your car seat, your stroller…you get the idea. With two pockets to keep wet and dry clothes separated (or dirty diapers contained), it’s really the simplest solution to organization.
Buy this: Skip Hop Grab & Go Wet/Dry bag at SkipHop.com, $13
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Backseat Organizer
Easy to clean? Check. Holds all the essentials? Check. Has room for the sippy cup AND water bottle for when the little one spills all over themselves? Check.
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Trunk Organizer with Cooler
Keep all that junk, ahem, I mean “necessities,” like sports gear, toys, extra blankets, and more organized in your trunk with this cute organizer. It also features a cooler to always have water on hand—or to keep your groceries cool if you’re running multiple errands. The best part is that it folds up if you’re not using it and need more space in your trunk. Plus, look at how cute it is!
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Seat Hooks
Hook these guys on the back of your headrest and drive easy knowing your purse or grocery bags aren’t falling over, spilling all your stuff on the floor.
Buy this: CarHooks Seat Hangers at highroadorganizers.com, $7
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Car Wipes
Nowadays, convenience is right at your fingertips. Leather and console wipes, glass wipes, and more are all around and usually fit straight into your cup holder—so you can have ‘em at all times.
Buy this: Armor All Protectant and Cleaning Wipes at Amazon.com, $7
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Spot-Cleaning Vacuum
Get rid of those stains and spills (let’s blame the kids) with this magic wonder. The long power cord is a godsend, and the removable water tanks make it easy to transport and use. Did we mention it’s like ten pounds?
Buy this: Bissell Little Green Spot and Stain Machine at Amazon.com, $100
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Dust Wipes
Keep the dashboard, car seat, middle console, etc. clean and dusted with these great wipes that lock in dust and hair.
Buy this: Clorox Triple Action Dust Wipes at Amazon.com, $12
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Portable Wipes
Throw a pack of baby wipes in the car or hang them from your visor for those times when you a) forget your diaper bag or b) need to change the little one in the car. Bonus if they come in a cute pack.
Buy this: Huggies Natural Care Clutch ‘n’ Clean Baby Wipes at Walmart.com, $4
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Microfiber Cloth
Throw these suckers in your trunk for super easy cleanups and spotless windshields.
Buy this: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths at HarborFreight.com, $7
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Pet Hairbrush
Got dogs? If you haul your pups anywhere, you know how dog hair just tends to hang around—forever. Say bye with this pet hair magnet, which attracts and pulls hair from your car upholstery. Problem solved.
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Bag Holder
For spills, trash, road trips—you need bags at the ready. Fill a fabric sleeve with these from your latest shopping trip to have on hand. You’ll not only be saving the car, you’ll be helping the environment. Win-win.
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Car Seat Protector
This car seat protector keeps your upholstery clean (and free from food and everything else kids decide to just let fall from their hands while in the car seat); plus, it comes with a handy toy organizer and mesh pockets to keep everything within arm's reach.
