Key Takeaways:
- Hair conditioner with lanolin acts as a two-in-one wash and wax—mix ½ cup with 2 cups of water for a shiny, protected finish.
- Clear nail polish applied to windshield cracks can slow their spread, but make sure to let it dry completely in the sun.
- Acetone-based nail polish remover effectively removes tree sap and old stickers from windows—but never use it on your car's painted body.
- Q-tips reach the nooks and crannies your vacuum can't, including air vents and console crevices where dust and crumbs collect.
- Aerosol hairspray removes ink stains from car interiors—spray the area, let it sit for a minute, and wipe away with a damp cloth.
These DIY Car Hacks will give your Truck a Good Detailing – Using Items that you’ll find in your Bathroom
You just got back from your summer camping trip and your truck looks like it has gone to hell and back. The usual hose-down won’t do the trick this time. Rather than forking out your hard-earned cash to get your car detailed, use your DIY mentality, a bucket of water, a few microfiber cloths, and these Car Hacks to give your truck the deep clean it so desperately needs.
A Deep Conditioning Treatment
After a good rinse to remove dirt, insect, and tree remnants, it is time to take it to the next level. Hair conditioner can act as a two-in-one product that will not only wash your truck effectively, but add a nice wax finish to protect the paint.
The What: A hair conditioner with lanolin
The How: In a bucket, combine 2 cups of water and ½ cup of hair conditioner.
While your car is still wet, completely cover it with the solution. Apply enough so that when using a microfiber cloth, it spreads easily. Once your car is completely covered, rinse thoroughly and dry with another clean microfiber cloth.
And…POOF! A shiny truck appears.
Crack Filler?
It happens to all of us and it sucks for all of us. You’re driving on the highway and a small rock comes spitting back from the car in front of you and leaves a tiny crack in your windshield. We all know it starts small, but as times goes on the crack spreads further and further. This trick using nail polish can slow it down.
The What: A clear nail polish.
The How: Clean the crack of any dust and dirt. Make sure that it’s dry before applying clear nail polish. Apply enough nail polish to fill the ends of the crack. It is best to leave your car in the sun to make sure it dries completely.
This easy yet effective hack will slow how fast the crack spreads across your windshield. Make sure that you are using a clear nail polish. You don’t want to have another mess on your hands by applying a colored polish, even if it’s an iridescent pale pink.
Sap Out of it!
No, this car hack is not for removing the iridescent pale pink (you swear it was clear) nail polish that was accidentally used to fill your windshield crack with…
But in case you made a mistake, it is OK to use nail polish remover on your windshield to remove it. Not only that, but there is another use for it too! It is great way to remove sap from your windows after getting back from your camping trip or when you park under a tree.
The What: Acetone-based nail polish remover.
The How: Pour a reasonable amount of nail polish remover on a clean, dry cloth. Wipe sap with cloth until the sap is gone. You may need to wipe a few times before the sap starts to come off.
It is also good for removing those once-cool car stickers that are still stuck on the rear window of your truck.
Word to the wise: DO NOT use acetone polish removers on the body of your car as it can damage the paint.
Now for a couple of DIY Car Hacks that’ll help you detail your car or truck interior.
Go Crazy with Q-Tips
Crumbs and dirt everywhere! But, the vacuum can’t reach all those little nooks and crannies that seem to have some kind of magnetic field sucking in everything. Try this quick tip and use Q-tips® to reach them.
The What: A handful of Q-tips. Or box…depending on how dirty your interior is.
The How: Use the Q-tips anywhere that your vacuum nozzle can’t reach. This could be the little crevices on your door or console. They also work great to clean off the vents where dust can gather quite easily. Go crazy!
Once you have wiped out all the crumbs and dirt, vacuum again to make sure you suck up anything that didn’t stick to the Q-tips.
Ink-Be-Gone
Uh-oh… Looks like your kids got a hold of the pen you keep in your glove box again! Smiley faces everywhere! Not to worry, there’s a super quick fix using hairspray.
The What: Aerosol hairspray.
The How: Spray inked area with a decent amount of hairspray. Let sit for a minute depending on how much is on there. Use a damp cloth and wipe away. The ink should come right out.
Do you have any other tips and tricks that you use?? There are TONS out there.
We want to hear yours and add them to our list for a second edition of this DIY Car Hacks
Thanks for reading everyone!
Q-tips and hairspray handle the aftermath—but what about preventing the disaster entirely? DIY hacks rescue vehicles already under siege; smart planning stops the battle before it starts. Kids with markers, coffee commutes gone wrong, muddy boots from the trail—these aren't occasional emergencies, they're Tuesday. Before reaching for the nail polish remover, consider whether protective car seat covers might spare you the cleanup entirely. Sometimes the best hack is avoiding the problem altogether.
FAQs
1. Will hair conditioner actually protect my truck's paint long-term?
The lanolin in hair conditioner provides temporary shine and minor protection, but it won't replace proper automotive wax or sealant. Consider it a quick fix between professional treatments rather than a permanent solution. For lasting protection, dedicated car wax products offer superior UV resistance and durability. The conditioner hack works best when you need immediate results without a store run.
2. Can these bathroom hacks damage my vehicle if done incorrectly?
Absolutely. Acetone-based nail polish remover destroys paint on contact—never use it on body panels. Hairspray may discolor certain fabrics if left too long. Always test products on inconspicuous areas first. These hacks solve specific problems but require careful application. When in doubt, professional detailing or preventive measures like quality truck seat covers avoid the risk entirely.
3. How often should I deep clean my truck's interior?
Frequency depends on usage. Daily drivers with kids, pets, or outdoor lifestyles benefit from monthly deep cleaning. Weekend-only vehicles might need thorough detailing quarterly. Regular maintenance—weekly vacuuming, immediate spill cleanup—extends time between intensive sessions. The more protection you install upfront, the less scrubbing you'll face later.
4. What's the best way to remove pet hair that vacuums miss?
Rubber gloves dampened slightly create static that pulls embedded hair from fabric. Squeegees work similarly on carpeted surfaces. Lint rollers handle lighter accumulations. For chronic pet hair problems, preventive solutions outperform reactive cleaning—dedicated pet seat covers with hair-resistant materials simplify maintenance dramatically compared to fighting fur embedded in factory upholstery.
5. Are DIY methods as effective as professional detailing?
For maintenance between professional sessions, DIY works wonderfully. For severe staining, odor removal, or restoration of neglected interiors, professionals possess tools, products, and expertise that household items can't match. The smartest approach combines both: professional deep cleans annually, DIY maintenance monthly, and protective measures that reduce the need for either.
