Does your car need a thorough cleaning? Don't bother taking it to the car wash or detailing service! For DIY cleaning fixes, try these simple tricks involving household products:

Removing floor mat stains with vinegar
If you accidentally spill coffee on your floor, try this natural stain remover: First, sop up as much of the liquid as possible. After that, spray the affected area with a two-part water, three-part white vinegar mixture. Let it soak for a few minutes, then, rinse it off with cold water. Your stain should lift out almost entirely!

Cleaning windows with cornstarch and vinegar
Vinegar has many different applications in car cleaning. Add together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ½ cup ammonia, ½ cup white vinegar and 3 to 4 liters of warm water in a bucket. Be sure to do this outside or in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too many fumes. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray your windows, then wash it off with warm water and buff dry with a lint-free towel. You'll get a streak-free shine in no time.

Forget car wax – use hair conditioner instead
Conditioner, like you might use in the shower, is a great way to shine up your car's paint job. Add a dab to a buffing-cloth and shine away. 

Fizz away dirty windshields
Sometimes to remove tough, accumulated grime and stains from your windshield, you need something with more cleaning firepower. Stretch a towel along the base of your windshield to protect the paint then pour your cola soda of choice over the glass. Let the soda fizz away the grime for a few minutes, then wash it off with hot water. 

Vodka to help replenish your windshield-washing fluid reservoir 
While drinking and driving never go together, cleaning your car with alcohol works quite well. To avoid having to buy windshield washer fluid, add a mixture of 3 cups vodka – go with the cheap stuff, no need to get Grey Goose – 4 cups water and 2 teaspoons liquid dishwashing detergent to the reservoir. The vodka will resist freezing and help clear ice and snow in winter time.

Nail polish for chips and minor touchups
​If you see a small chip or crack in your windsheild, prevent it from spreading by applying a dab of clear nail polish and allowing it to dry. For minor scratches and dings in the paint, look for a nail polish shade that matches your car's paint job and apply as needed.

To keep your car in tip-top shape, it might take more than vinegar and nail polish. Call Fundy Mutual today to get low auto insurance rates and industry-leading service,