We all know how difficult it can be to keep our cars clean. With the added cost of detergents, air freshers and polishes, it can be pricey and time-consuming too.

So, when cleaning trends come out on social media, it's hardly surprising that they become popular among car owners willing to give anything a go.

But experts warn that the latest viral hack could actually damage your car.

As more people turn to tutorials and trends for help with all sorts of tasks, one viral trick for cleaning car upholstery is a popular choice.

The hack instructs car owners to use shaving foam to clean car upholstery.

Shaving foam is not a reliable cleaning product. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

Now, while this bathroom staple might produce somewhat effective, short-term results, experts don’t recommend using it.

Iwan Lloyd Jones, a car cleaning and detailing professional, said he wouldn’t use shaving cream as a quick solution for car upholstery cleaning.

‘Shaving gel is designed specifically to shave with and nothing else,’ he explained.

He added that repeated use of shaving cream on fabric causes stains – this is because of mineral oils in the product. As a result, you’d be left with tougher stains that are more difficult to remove.

So, despite your best intentions, shaving foam can cause discolouration and irreparable damage.

Stains from shaving foam are harder to remove. Credit: Mike B/Pexels

‘I would always recommend a ready-to-use cleaner, perfect for all interior surfaces, or correctly diluted all-purpose car cleaners,’ Mr Jones shared.

Although, he did mention some useful household items that can double up as car-cleaning tools:

• Bicarb soda: According to the expert, this is a great deodoriser. Sprinkle bicarb soda generously on the smelly area and leave it overnight. Vacuum up the residue after 24 hours.
• Air freshening spray: Normal air fresheners can only do so much. A spray can target your car’s air intake system and will have a bigger impact on making your car smell nice. Spray it on the vents at the base of your windshield to eliminate odour, before turning on the air conditioning for a few minutes.
• Silicone bottle brushes: Avoid scratches from vigorous cleaning or scrubbing by swapping rough scourers with silicone cleaning brushes. Buy the ones used to clean bottles because these have useful bristles that’ll help clean the hard-to-reach areas of your car.
• Paintbrushes: According to Mr Jones, a paintbrush can also access hard-to-reach areas and is quite gentle on every surface of the car. Dip a small paintbrush in soapy water, and shake off the excess before brushing the area that needs cleaning.
• Cotton buds: Lastly, to clean small parts such as knobs, gear shifts, and buttons, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and trace it carefully around the smaller areas. However, this can be time-consuming, so you can also wipe them down gently with a microfibre cloth.

Incorrect use of car cleaning products can cause corrosion and discolouration of car materials. This can damage and devalue a car, and could even void a car’s warranty. Some car cleaning products are known to contain toxic chemicals and could have serious health risks if breathed in or ingested.

That said, if you have a car with mineral oil stains, you can follow the instructions below to remove them:

1. Scrape up excess grease or blot up as much of the oil as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.​

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2. Rinse the stain gently using hot water, or use a steam cleaner to cut through grease and oil really fast and effectively.​

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3. Clean the stain with a cleaning solution. You can use an all-purpose upholstery cleaner or mix dish soap with water. Dab the area with the solution and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.​

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4. Rinse the area and repeat the process if it is still visible.​

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5. Dry the area thoroughly with a hair dryer to prevent water spots.​

Key Takeaways

• Shaving foam has recently gone viral as a car cleaning hack on social media, but experts don't recommend it due to the damaging, stain-causing mineral oils contained in it.
• Rather than using shaving cream, use ready-to-use car cleaners or all-purpose car cleaners that are diluted correctly.
• Household items like baking soda, air freshening spray, silicone bottle brushes, paintbrushes, and cotton buds can all be great alternatives to car cleaning products.

Do you have any tips for car cleaning and maintenance? Share them in the comments below!

 

[ShannyN]

I had at one time some Amway upholstery cleaner, a foam if I recall best stuff I ever used, is Amway still in existence?

 

[bigspark342]

Anything called a hack needs to be avoided.. Most of them are rubbish, do not work or are just plain stupid as they take more time,or effort and cost more to achieve.. Hacks are part of the reason the younger generation is so dumb. because they will believe anything is real if it is called a hack...

 

[Rosalie30]

Having worked in the plastics industry - NEVER use Armoral on any of the ‘plastic’ surfaces in your car. Especially on the dashboard where the sun beats down onto that surface. Through time, use of this ‘protectant’ will cause deterioration and possible surface cracking.