A stroke of inspiration hit me while driving to see if I could clean the carpet while washing the car. I was wondering how to clean the dirty rug in front of my kitchen sink, especially since it was too big to put in the washer.
Related: This is the single best way to clean your area rugs
As I passed the self-service car wash at the end of our street, I had an out-of-the-box idea: What if I could clean my rug at the car wash the same way I clean my car’s floor mat? I wasn’t entirely sure it would work, but given the condition the rug was in, I was willing to give it a try.
How to Clean a Carpet at a Car Wash
I went to the car wash with my rug, stuck it to the wall, and started spraying it down. I couldn’t believe how bad the water was coming from the mattress, but I also found it oddly satisfying!
After my successful car wash and rug cleaning, I just set the rug in the bed of my husband’s truck and headed home. (If you don’t have a truck, you can squeeze out enough water to keep it from dripping and set it on a few spare towels to help dry your trunk or seats.)
Once I got home, I put the rug out in the sun to dry, and soon I had it back in my kitchen looking as good as new!
Related: 18 Brilliant Hacks That Will Make Cleaning Your Car A Breeze
And once I know something works, I want to try it everythingSo I set myself to think of other things you can clean at a car wash. Here’s what I came up with!
More surprising things you can clean at a car wash
1. Patio equipment
Not sure where and how to clean your patio umbrella? Take it to a self-service car wash and give it a thorough cleaning! Consider cleaning these other patio items while you’re at it:
- Umbrellas and sun shades
- Patio furniture
- Charcoal grills
- Storage bins
- Window screens
Related: How to properly dispose of your outdoor furniture
2. Toys and baby gear
Not sure how to clean bulky outdoor toys or other baby/kids gear? Take it down to the car wash! It is a good option for cleaning things like:
- Wading pool
- Outdoor toys
- Bike/Trike
- Baby doors
- High chairs
- Strollers
3. Yard and garden tools
Giving your yard and garden tools a good cleaning at the beginning or end of the season is a great way to keep them looking their best! Spray these and other outdoor items at the nearest car wash:
- Bird bath
- Planters and pots
- Compost bin
- Wood items you plan to refinish
4. Camping gear
It’s great to be dirty outside, but camping gear and equipment is not always easy to clean at home! Go to the nearest car wash bay to clean camping gear such as:
- Ice chest
- cradle
- Fire grates
- tarps
- Camping chairs
- Boots and Shoes
5. Miscellaneous (large, rigid and hard-to-clean items)
- CD
- Doormat
- Pet crates
- Garbage cans and recycling the box
- Viscous range hood filters
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Have you ever cleaned anything unusual while washing a car?
