Summer is in full bloom here in Palisades Park, NJ, and if you’re a parent, you know that can mean a messy minivan in no time. You practically live out of your van, with daily trips to the community pool or the park (not to mention those sanity-saving, fast-food runs). And if you take a family vacation, well then, you might as well say goodbye to the clean car you once knew. Our team at Route 5 Car Wash is here for you; we understand the mess and how to prevent it.

Keep Your Minivan Clean

Keep a Trash Container

Our first tip may seem a bit obvious, but it can really make a difference in the cleanliness of your vehicle. Whether it’s a plastic bag, a cereal container, or an actual trash can, pick something that’s easily accessible and won’t spill every time you make a turn. This way, you have somewhere to put all the trash as it comes, instead of letting it build up in the seat pockets or other crevices.

Set Up an Emergency Kit

In the summertime, it seems like you need unexpected things fairly often: an extra set of clothes, a towel, maybe snacks. However, it can be a slippery slope and, if you’re not careful, you will have a whole pile in the back of your car “just in case”. That’s why we recommend that you get organized with the things you’ll actually need, and put them all together neatly in a box. Here’s a quick list of things that don’t require a lot of time or money to put together:
  • Water bottles
  • Jumper cables
  • An extra outfit for each kid
  • Flashlight
  • Duct tape
  • First aid kit
  • Blanket

Have the Kids Help

Even though it might not always feel like it, your kids are capable of helping out with chores at a very young age. It’s a good idea to teach them early to carry their own things in and out of the car. If they brought a toy or a book on a road trip, encourage them to carry it back out when you get home. Same goes for trash: teach them where the car trash is, and have them throw away their own granola bar wrappers once you’ve parked. Teach them these good habits when they’re young, to help yourselves out in the future.

Call In the Pros

After you’ve put all these tips into action, you may still want to treat yourself to a professional cleaning every now and again. That’s where our professionals at Route 5 Car Wash come in. We’re known for our Express Car Detailing service deal, perfect for busy summertime parents. Contact us today at (201) 943-5118 with any questions about our car detailing or car wash services.
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