6 homemade alternatives to car care products

As we mentioned last week, it's spring-cleaning time not only for the house, but also for the car. Bodywork washing, tire maintenance, windshield wiper replacement, carpet and interior surface cleaning, cleaning out what's lying around in the trunk and passenger compartment - there's a whole host of tasks awaiting you, and it's up to you to set your own pace!

To take good care of your vehicle, there's a whole range of specialized car care products on the market, most of them quite affordable. Nevertheless, you can use some common household products at home and avoid trips to the store. Here are a few examples...

1. Linseed oil for bumpers
Use a cloth soaked in linseed oil to clean and restore the shine of your car's bumpers. You can let the oil soak into the bumper for a few minutes before wiping it off with a dry cloth. Works on plastics too.

2. Baby wipes for windows and plastic
Every young family knows the benefits of baby wipes. But you can also use them to clean your car windows or plastic surfaces in the passenger compartment. Keep a few in the glove compartment, they're great for cleaning!

3. Vinegar for seats
Mix one cup of white vinegar, half a cup of lukewarm water and one tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Rub the stains into your seats (except leather) with a sponge and rinse with a damp cloth. It's fast and surprisingly effective! To get started, do a small test on an inconspicuous area.

4. Baking soda for bad odours
Sprinkle your fabric seats and carpets with baking soda and rub it in with your hands. After 15 minutes (or even overnight if odors are persistent), simply vacuum up.

5. Toothpaste for headlights
Once the headlights have been cleaned, a homemade alternative for polishing them is simple toothpaste. Make sure it contains no bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Apply a small amount and work in small circles with a microfiber cloth or even a toothbrush. Wipe off with a dry cloth.

6. Nylon stocking for windows
Worried about your rag scratching your car windows? Soak it in a solution of water and baking soda, then place it in a ball at the end of a nylon stocking. The result will be impeccable.

And is the Coca-Cola windscreen-washing trick an urban legend or a reality? Give it a try. Place a towel at the bottom of the windscreen, then pour in some cola. The gas bubbles in the drink will dislodge the grime. Rinse well afterwards, of course.