Your truck is your home away from home and it is important to keep it clean for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, you spend a lot of time in the truck, having a clean and tidy work and sleep area will help you feel better and make it a lot easier to stay organized in this cramped space. Second, germs and viruses will thrive in a place that doesn’t get cleaned, especially during cold and flu seasons. A third reason to keep you truck clean is the perception that DOT officers have of dirty trucks. In some states they may be more likely to pull you in for a full inspection when you have piles of dash trash and debris stack up against the Peeper Window.
Clear out the Trash
Don’t let your trash pile up on the floor or the dash. Keep a garbage bag easily accessible and place your trash in it. Toss your trash as often as you can to keep things neat and tidy and to help eliminate odours from taking over your work and living space.
Vacuum Often
Dirt, gravel, sand and salt will build up in your carpets quickly and spread everywhere if it gets out of hand. Vacuum your truck often and don’t forget the seats, under the seats and even the mattress.
Clean the Dashboard
While the dashboard is famous for collecting dust; the knobs, button, steering wheel and other parts of the dash and doors are famous for housing germs. Using a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth will help keep this area clean and germ free. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to clean these areas at least once a week, twice a week during cold and flu season. It is also important to note that cleaners or polishes that produce a glossy of shiny finish can cause glare that interferes with driving and shouldn’t be used on the dash. While you’re at it, make sure to wipe down surfaces in the sleeper as well.
Clean the Windows
Use a window cleaner to clean the inside of your windows. While newspaper will remove stains better than cloth on most windows, avoid newspaper on any tinted windows. The newspaper is too abrasive and can remove the tinting. Use a soft cloth instead.
Check the Air Filters
Unless the Preventative Maintenance service facility replaces your truck’s cabin air filter regularly, you are breathing dirty, unfiltered air. The cabin can also fill with a musty, unhealthy smell. Different truck models have different instructions for replacing air filters, so follow the owner’s manual to clean or replace your truck’s unique cabin air filter.
Remove Stains
Wiping up spills as soon as they happen is the best way to avoid staining, but let’s face it, it’s not always something that you can do. If you have a stain to get rid of try scrubbing the area with some soap and warm water. If that doesn’t work, then you’ll have to invest in some upholstery cleaner, just remember that these products should be spot tested to make sure they don’t bleach or discolour the fabric or carpet.
Once you have the stain removed, the area needs to dry out quickly to avoid mold. Use a dry towel to blot out as much moisture as possible, or if you have access to a wet/dry shop vac use it to remove the moisture.
Organize Your Sleeper Regularly
It doesn’t take long for your cubbies to become disorganized, or full, so taking time to regularly pull everything out, sort it, remove what you don’t need and reorganize should be done on a regular basis.
Additional Cleaning Tips
You shouldn’t finish the floor mats with any kind of coating or dressing to prevent stains. These kinds of finishes can stick to the driver’s shoes, which makes them too slick to correctly work the pedals.
Gym bags and laundry bags are full of germs and microbes that can spread illness. Toss these items in the wash when you do your laundry; if the bag you use isn’t machine washable; wipe it down with a disinfectant.
Clean your headphones and ear buds. You wouldn’t want to use someone’s ear buds, but how often do you clean your own? Just think of all the bacteria lurking there. Purchase some electronic wipes and give your phone, headphones and ear buds a good clean on a regular basis.
Clean your keys. Okay, so maybe you that’s a little OCD, but just think about it. Your keys go everywhere with you. How many times have you dropped them on the bathroom floor? Tossed them on a counter, shoved them in your pocket with all that dirty change? Maybe we’re not so crazy after all. Give your key a quick wipe with some soap and water or a disinfectant spray and get rid of the bacteria and germs that are living on them.
Regular cleaning will keep your “home away from home” a clean, comfortable and safe place. If done on a regular basis, cleaning and maintaining this small area should take no time at all.
