Cleaning your car can sometimes feel like a mammoth task, and one you don't particularly want to undertake, so many of us will do anything we can to speed the process up and make it feel a little easier. Some drivers even turn to TikTok to find the latest 'hacks' and tips to make their lives easier, but there's one method doing the rounds that experts have said could be doing more harm than good.
People on the video sharing app are using shaving foam to remove stains from their car upholstery, but this bathroom product could be causing long-term damage to your car, according to experts at Auto Trader.
The experts at Auto Trader asked car cleaning and detailing professional Iwan Lloyd Jones from Lloyd Jones Detailing what he thought of the bizarre trend.
He said: "I wouldn't use or recommend shaving gel as a quick solution for car upholstery cleaning. Shaving gel is designed specifically designed to shave with and nothing else."
The reasoning behind this is the use of shaving gel on fabric can cause stains due to the mineral oils contained in the product, and mineral oil stains are some of the toughest to remove.
If you have high-end car upholstery, shaving foam can cause both discolouration and even irreparable damage - so this TikTok trend may seem to save time and money, but in reality, you should be looking to buy specific car cleaning products.
Iwan added: "I would always recommend a ready-to-use cleaner, perfect for all interior surfaces, or correctly diluted all-purpose car cleaners."
Whilst shaving foam shouldn't be used, there are some other household items that can double up as impressive car-cleaning tools.
Auto trader shared them:
Baking soda: Baking soda is a great deodoriser. If you have a nasty-smelling area on your seats, sprinkle baking soda generously on the area and leave it overnight, before vacuuming it up 24 hours later.
Air freshening spray: Whilst air fresheners in your air vents do minimise interior odours, targeting your car's air intake system can have a much bigger impact on making your car smell nice. Spray the large air vents at the base of your windshield with an odour eliminator, then turn on the air conditioning for a few minutes to spread the scent.
Silicone bottle brushes: You don't want to cause scratches with over-vigorous scrubbing so avoid rough scourers and opt for soft silicone cleaning brushes instead. The ones used to clean bottles have useful bristles to get into nooks and crannies, and they will also protect the integrity of the surfaces in your car's interior.
Paintbrushes: Dip a small paintbrush in soapy water, shake off the excess and brush the areas that need cleaning. Rinse the paintbrush thoroughly and repeat. A paintbrush can access hard-to-reach areas and is gentle on all surfaces.
Cotton buds: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and trace it carefully around small interior car parts such as knobs, gear shifts and buttons to really make them shine.
Have you ever used household items to clean your car? Let us know in the comments.
