How to prevent spills in the trunk
The purpose of a car trunk or sunroof is simple. Its purpose is to safely carry or store items, including groceries, large items, and spare liquids. There are practically no restrictions on what you can carry in the trunk of your car if…
The purpose of a car trunk or sunroof is simple. Its purpose is to safely carry or store items, including groceries, large items, and spare fluids. There are virtually no restrictions on what you can carry in the trunk of your car while the lid is closed. Even if your trunk lid doesn't close completely, you can tie it with a strap to carry items even larger than your trunk.
If liquid items seep into your trunk, they can leave stains that are difficult or impossible to remove. Organic liquids such as milk can go bad, causing an unpleasant odor that is extremely difficult to get rid of. So your best course of action is to prevent spills and prepare for spills before they happen.
Method 1 of 2: Prevent trunk spills
In the first place, you can prevent spills in your trunk, which will save you time and money on cleaning the trunk of odors and spill residues.
Step 1: Use a Trunk Organizer. Find a waterproof, flat-bottomed organizer to keep things in your car.
This is good for a spare container of oil, your washer fluid, spare brake fluid or power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. You can also store cleaning sprays in the trunk organizer. If liquids are spilled while they are in the organizer, they will not flow onto the trunk carpet.
- Attention: Some fluids, such as brake fluid, are corrosive and can corrode materials they come into contact with. Carefully clean spills in the trunk organizer as soon as you notice them.
Step 2: Use Plastic Liquid Bags. Either disposable plastic grocery bags or reusable plastic grocery bags will do.
If the products or cleaning products you buy from the store start leaking, they will be contained and won't cause stains or spills in your trunk.
Step 3: Keep things upright in the trunk. If you are carrying food or other liquids, keep them upright in the trunk.
Use the cargo net to keep items upright and prevent them from tipping over or sliding in the trunk, and use the bungee cord to keep liquids or dirty items in place on the side of the trunk.
Step 4: Don't Underestimate Dry Messes. Place dirty, dry items in bags so that they do not slide around in the trunk.
Method 2 of 2: Prevent stains in the trunk
Necessary materials
- Baking soda
- Brush
- Carpet cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Stain protection
- Wet/dry vacuum
It seems that sometimes, no matter what you do to prevent it, a spill can happen in your trunk. When they happen, be prepared to deal with them quickly and easily.
Step 1: Treat the carpet in the trunk with a stain protector. You can purchase a stain remover sprayer or aerosol cans to easily treat your trunk carpet before stains appear.
Apply the stain protector when the trunk carpet is clean and dry, preferably when the car is new. Reapply the trunk stain protector at least once a year for permanent stain protection.
If you need to clean a stain from the trunk carpet, reapply the spray after the stain is removed and the carpet is dry for optimal protection. Anti-stain sprays prevent liquids from being absorbed by the carpet in the trunk, so they can be easily cleaned without intense effort. In many cases, liquids will drip onto the surface of the carpet, making cleaning easier.
Step 2: Clean up spills as soon as they happen. Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to pick up any spills that happen in your trunk as soon as you spot them.
The longer the liquid is left on the carpet, the more likely it is to cause stains or strong odors that are difficult or impossible to remove. If you don't have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, use absorbent paper towels or microfiber cloths to soak up spills.
Blot the stain to absorb the liquid, and don't rub it as it may penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers.
Step 3 Treat spills with common household items.. Sprinkle baking soda spilled in the trunk to absorb grease and oils and prevent odors.
Rub it in with a brush, leave for 4 hours or more, ideally overnight, then vacuum.
Step 4: Use Carpet Cleaner Spray to Remove Stains or Stubborn Dirt. Carpet cleaning spray such as Mothers Carpet and Upholstery Spray can be liberally applied to this area.
Scrub the area with the brush, then blot with a clean cloth to remove stubborn dirt and stains. You can re-treat the area several times to remove stubborn stains. After the area is dry, vacuum it again to remove any dirt that the spray has softened.
If stains have set into your trunk carpet before you can clean them up, you may need a carpet cleaner to remove the spill or stain from the trunk. In the worst case, you can replace the trunk mat for a reasonable price.
Protecting your trunk from stains and odors is a great way to keep your car in great shape and smell nice. This can be a source of pride for you and will pay off in the long run as a fully functional trunk serves many purposes. However, if your trunk does not open properly, contact one of AvtoTachki's certified technicians to have it checked.
