Top tips to spring clean your car: A guide for private hire drivers

Spring is in the air and that means it’s the perfect time to clean your car inside and out. Whether you’re a private hire driver who wants to make a great impression on passengers, or an everyday electric vehicle (EV) owner looking to tidy things up, a deep clean can make your vehicle feel like new again.

• Why it’s a good idea to clean your car in spring
• Prepare & purchase the right cleaning products
• Start with the exterior: Clean, rinse & protect
• Clean up the interior: Clutter-free & fresh
• Don’t forget your wheels, tyres & trims
• Windscreen, windows & mirrors for crystal clear safety
• Keep your charging port in good condition
• Get your boot organised

Why it’s a good idea to clean your car in spring

Winter can leave your car looking a dirty, dull, and deflated. Road salt, mud, water marks, and debris take their toll on both the exterior and interior of your car. Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your car look nice – it also helps keep your vehicle in good condition, keeping it running efficiently and looking professional for longer.

For private hire drivers, a clean car isn’t optional. It’s part of the job. A spotless, fresh-smelling interior, and streak-free windows could be the difference between a five-star rating and a passenger complaint. Your car is a reflection of you as a driver, so keeping it well-maintained makes a great impression and gets you the best results.

And for those on the journey to ownership through our Rent to Buy plan, it’s even more important to keep your vehicle in top condition with the right products and processes. After all, this will be your car at the end of your contract – so it makes sense to keep it looking and running its best for as long as possible.

7 simple tips to help keen your car clean

1. Prepare & purchase the right cleaning products

Before you get started, think about what kind of clean you’re aiming for and grab the right supplies. Having the right products ready means you can clean your car properly – without risking accidental damage.

• Plan your Clean: Decide if you’re doing a full spring clean or just a quick refresh – this helps you know exactly what products you’ll need.
• Make a list: Avoid multiple trips by writing down essentials like car shampoo, wheel cleaner, microfibre cloths, wax/sealant, glass cleaner, and interior wipes.
• Check what you have at home first: You might already have some items so there’s no need to double-up.
• Shop smart: Places like Halfords and B&Q have solid ranges of products, and even petrol stations carry basics. For specialist products, online stores often have a bigger range.
• Look for car-safe products: Avoid harsh household cleaners – stick to ones made specifically for vehicles to prevent scratching or stripping finishes.
• Bundle up: Some brands sell kits with all the essentials which can save money and hassle for future cleans.
• Keep it handy: Store your cleaning gear in a box in your boot so it’s ready to go for next time.

2. Start with the exterior: Clean, rinse & protect

Your EV might not have the usual grime traps like a front grille or exhaust pipe, but that doesn't mean it won’t get dirty. The exterior still collects dirt, dust, and marks that deserve a proper clean every now and again.

How to clean the outside of your car:

• Pre-rinse to remove surface dirt – especially around wheel arches and under the car where stubborn dirt and grime can build up.
• Use a pH-balanced car shampoo and microfibre towel to avoid scratching the paintwork.
• Dry with a soft cloth or towel in a circular motion to stop any water spots showing up.
• Don’t forget to clean your lights – dirt can dull them, making it harder for other drivers to see your signals.
• Finish with a wax or sealant to add a layer of protection that helps you avoid a costly paint job and boosts that showroom shine. It can also help prevent things like bird poo and loose dirt from damaging your car’s exterior.

Remember, keeping the outside of your car clean isn’t just about appearances. If your number plate is too dirty to read, it could be considered a criminal offence – and driving with an obscured or incorrectly displayed plate can result in a fine of £1000.

Top tip for private hire drivers: Don’t forget your EV’s sensors and cameras – they’re crucial for driver-assist features. Clean them gently with a soft, damp cloth.

3. Clean up the interior: Clutter-free & fresh

For private hire drivers, the interior is your workspace – and your client’s first impression. Keeping a clean, clutter-free, and fresh-smelling interior helps create a more enjoyable driving experience. You also spend a lot of time inside your car, so you’d want it to be a nice experience for yourself on a daily basis, as well as others who become your passengers.

How to clean the inside of your car:

• Use a vacuum hose to properly clean inside all the nooks and crevices, including under seats and in between cushions.
• Use interior-safe cleaning products on the dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment screen.
• Don’t forget the air vents – they can collect dust and reduce air quality.
• Refresh fabric or leather seats with the right cleaner.
• Vacuum floor mats and boot liners – or replace them if needed – as they often take the hit from muddy, wet shoes.

Top tip for private hire drivers: A clean car smells better too. Use a subtle air freshener or a deodoriser with a neutral scent to keep it smelling fresh.

4. Don’t forget your wheels, tyres & trims

Your tyres get tired too. They go through a lot, especially in winter when it’s muddier and wetter on the roads. Clean wheels go a long way in making your whole car look fresh.

How to clean your car tyres:

• Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and soft brush – if you don’t have a specific cleaner for your wheels, try soapy water.
• Check your tyre pressure and tread depth – it’s vital for EV efficiency and passenger safety.
• Apply a tyre dressing for a fresh, matte-black finish.
• Clean off any brake dust that has accumulated – it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, your brakes are always in use, so it’s important to regularly wipe this off your tyres.

5. Windscreen, windows & mirrors for crystal clear safety

Dirty or smeared windows can seriously affect your visibility, especially in low sunlight, rain, or at night when glare from headlights is amplified. A clean windscreen and mirrors aren’t just about looking nice – they’re essential for safe driving.

How to clean your car windows and mirrors:

• Use a good quality ammonia-free glass clearer and a clean microfibre cloth to avoid leaving smears and causing damage.
• Don’t forget the rear camera lens and mirrors as these are essential for safe reversing.
• Make sure you clean the inside of your windscreen too as this can sometimes get forgotten.
• Remember to give your windscreen wipers a clean too – just use some soapy water for this.

Top tip for private hire drivers: Clean your windows last to avoid re-smearing them with dashboard dust.

6. Keep your charging port in good condition

It’s just as safe to clean an EV as it would be any other vehicle type, but you should know the right way to clean your charging port. You won’t need to do this often as it’s protected by a cap but dust and dirt can still build up over time so it’s helpful to know how to clean it.

How to clean your EV charge port safely:

• Wipe the area around the port with a dry cloth to remove surface dirt. Avoid touching the electrical parts.
• For stubborn grime, apply a small amount of electrical contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol to a cotton bud and carefully clean the contact points.
• Avoid spraying any water or cleaner directly on the area.

Top tip for private hire drivers: While you’re there, just check on your charging cable and make sure it’s in good condition.

7. Get your boot organise

A clutter-free boot means more space for passenger luggage, shopping bags, prams, or mobility aids. It also makes loading and unloading quicker and easier, especially when you’re on a tight schedule.

How to clean your car boot:

• Take everything out of the boot before cleaning to make sure nothing gets in the way.
• Vacuum the entire area, paying attention to corners and edges where dirt collects.
• Spot clean stains on the carpet using fabric or upholstery cleaner and a soft brush or cloth.
• Use storage crates or organisers to keep essentials like jumper cables, cleaning supplies, and emergency kits neatly stored and secure.
• Install a boot liner or rubber mat for easy wipe-downs – perfect for rainy days or muddy suitcases.
• Check your boot regularly to remove any rubbish, lost property, or unnecessary clutter – it only takes a minute but makes a big difference.

So, whether you prefer to clean your car yourself or take it to a professional, it’s worth knowing what to look out for to keep your vehicle in top condition. A well-maintained car not only looks better but helps keep you on the road and maximises your earning potential.

If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about giving your car the spring clean it deserves.

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