From how to clean dog fur from your car to removing stubborn drool spots, here’s how to tidy up after Fido rides shotgun. Prevent messes with accessories from Ed Hicks Nissan.
There’s nothing quite like a road trip with your dog. After all, they’re unlikely to complain about your podcast of choice (or if you decide to turn your drive into a less-than-pitch-perfect DIY Carpool Karaoke session). And for many dogs, a ride is pretty fun, too! There are many sights and smells to take in – plus quality time with you. Maybe your pooch loves sticking their head out the window or paws at the seats excitedly when you pull up to their favorite dog park.
And while your dog may be your best friend…. that’s probably not the case for your car. Toting man’s best friend around town can result in a mess of fur, drool, and scratches once you get home.
If your car’s interior looks a little “ruff” for wear after traveling with your pup, don’t panic! We’ve got you covered with detailed tips on how to get your car clean and smelling fresh once again.
If you’ve ever tried removing dog hair from your car, you’re well aware it doesn’t just sit on the surface – it clings, weaves, and manages to find its way into every nook and cranny! Whether you’ve got a sleek and smooth-coated hound dog or a hairy double-coated German Shepherd, these tips can help you de-hairify your car in a snap.
When you need to know how to get dog hair off of car seats effectively, start with these steps:
One of the easiest ways to loosen stubborn pet hair is to put on rubber gloves and rub them across the car seats. The friction creates static electricity that helps lift the hair off the fabric.
Don’t have rubber gloves on hand? Grab a dryer sheet instead!
Once you’ve loosened the fur, grab a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment or grab a shop vacuum and go over your entire car interior, including seats, carpets, and the crevices where hair loves to hide.
For quick touch-ups or final finishes, use a lint roller or wide packing tape to pick up any remaining hairs. This works especially well on seat belts, headrests, and smaller surfaces that aren’t easy to vacuum but where fur tends to accumulate.
Keeping a lint roller or portable pet hair remover in your glove box can also help you do a quick clean-up after each trip – and, hopefully, prevent a big hair mess down the line.
For extra sticky hair, mix a little fabric softener with water in a spray bottle, lightly mist the seats, and let it sit for a few minutes. This will loosen the fur, making it easier to vacuum up.
Before using this tip, double-check your interior’s fabric type and care instructions to ensure you won’t do more harm than good!
If your dog got a little too excited and left some scratches behind, don’t fret. There are ways to fix both interior and exterior marks.
Once you’ve made your repairs, prevent scratch marks altogether. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails can help prevent future scratches, and seat protectors can shield your car’s interior from wear and tear.
If your dog scratched up the leather or vinyl in your car, grab a leather conditioner or vinyl repair kit. Clean the area first, apply the product, and gently buff the scratch away. This can restore the surface and prevent the scratch from worsening over time.
For cloth interiors, scratches are usually less visible. However, if your dog’s nails have caused fabric snags, carefully using a fabric shaver can help smooth out any loose threads.
For minor scratches on the exterior, use a scratch repair kit to buff out the marks. These kits are designed to mask light scratches and restore your car’s paint. If the scratches are deeper, it’s best to take your car to a professional for a touch-up.
After a long day of fun, your dog’s scent might linger in your car – especially if they’ve had a swim or been rolling around outside. If you’re asking how to get rid of dog smell in a car, we’ve got the right tips to help you freshen it up:
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and works wonders on stubborn smells! Sprinkle dry, clean baking soda on your car’s seats and floors. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb odors before vacuuming.
Need an extra deodorizing boost? Keep the box open in your vehicle overnight.
Vinegar neutralizes odors without leaving behind a strong scent once it dries – and it’s an affordable, pet-friendly cleaning solution!
Here’s how to create your own deodorizing white vinegar solution: Mix white vinegar with water in a 50/50 proportion. Combine in a spray bottle, and voila! Now you can lightly mist cloth seats, leather seats, carpets, and other soft surfaces. Finally, let the solution dry down and work its magic.
Place activated charcoal bags or an odor-neutralizing air freshener in your car to keep the interior smelling fresh. These products absorb odors instead of just masking them, making them perfect for long-term use.
Just be sure whichever odor neutralizer you use is pet-safe and out of reach of your furry friends!
If your car still smells after cleaning, try a fabric refresher spray designed for pet odors. Many of these are formulated to neutralize smells without leaving a heavy, artificial fragrance behind.
Opening the windows and allowing fresh air to circulate after cleaning can also help remove lingering pet smells.
It’s hard to resist the sight of a happy dog with their head out the window, but all that fun usually means drool ends up on your seats, windows, and dashboard.
Unfortunately, drool can leave behind residue, so it’s best to wipe it up as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage to your car’s interior surfaces.
Here’s how to deal with doggie drool and nose-mark smears:
Use a microfiber cloth and a pet-safe cleaner to wipe down any surface that’s been drooled on. Microfiber is soft enough to avoid scratching surfaces while still being absorbent. For more stubborn spots, a vinegar and water solution will work wonders.
For drool on the windows or dashboard, use a glass cleaner or interior cleaner and a microfiber cloth. This combo will clean off the mess without leaving streaks.
With a few cleaning tricks and the right accessories, you can keep your car looking as good as new – even with your pup along for the ride. But when it comes to cleaning and dog-friendly adventures, you don’t have to compromise.
Investing in pet-friendly car accessories can minimize the mess and keep your car in great condition – meaning more bonding and less vacuuming. Seat covers, cargo liners, and all-weather floor mats are perfect for keeping fur, scratches, and drool off your car’s interior.
Here are some of the best accessories for dog owners:
For the best fit, choose products designed by Nissan to fit your specific model and year. At Ed Hicks Nissan, we offer a wide selection of pet-friendly accessories designed to help protect your car’s interior.
Visit us online to request your order, or stop by our dealership to explore our range of seat covers, floor mats, and cargo liners designed for your Nissan. With the right gear, you and your dog can enjoy more road trips without worrying about the mess!
