When you spend a lot of time in your car, it can become an extension of your home or office. Unfortunately, it can also become like that hall closet you don’t want anyone to ever look inside for fear they’ll think you’re a slob. Keeping your ride neat, clean and presentable doesn’t have to take a tremendous amount of work though. When you ride with a quick cleanup kit in tow, you can tackle little messes in a big hurry and keep your car looking great in the process.

To put together a kit that will handle most ordinary spills, messes and accidents, you’ll need to grab a basic plastic milk crate size container and put it in the trunk. Fill it with these items to make cleaning up on the road a breeze:

• Battery or cigarette lighter operated vacuum – A portable vacuum is a great idea to keep in tow at all times. These can help with food spills and other unfortunate accidents and help you keep your carpeting and upholstery looking great.
• No salt seltzer or touch up cleaner for the outside – Bugs and other road debris that are left mashed on the hood can eat in to the paint. To remove them quickly, keep a cleaner handy.
• Soft cleaning cloths and paper towels – These are great to have along for fast cleanups of windows, dashes and exterior surfaces.
• Carpet cleaner – A good spot or stain remover that works by blotting of vacuuming can save upholstery or carpeting from stains.
• Air freshener – An air neutralizer or even disinfecting spray is a great idea to carry along to help keep the interior environment fresh and clean.
• Baby wipes – A container of no-scent baby wipes can work very well for dusting dash boards and other hard surfaces.

Keeping up with basic cleaning in a car doesn’t have to be a nightmare. When a quick cleanup kit comes along for the ride, life’s little oops moments can be tackled immediately.