Trifter

Image via Wikipedia

We all can occasionally have our slovenly moments, when common sense and hygienic behavior are replaced by apathy and sloth. Hopefully, these episodes are infrequent in number, but the likelihood of their occurrence increases considerably on a family road trip. A car containing two adults and three children of varying ages on a vacation that is short on time with a distant destination is not conducive to keeping the family vehicle clean and tidy. There are steps that can be taken, however, that can ensure that at least the experience is tolerable and can be endured without excessive hardship or argument. A reasonably clean car on a family road trip is important to the overall enjoyment of travel, and can be easily maintained with a small amount of consistent effort.

Before leaving on a family road trip, it is important to start with a nice clean car prior to taking to the highway. This includes clean windows, vacuumed carpet, and some type of automotive deodorant to kill any lingering smells. Cleaning your car prior to the family trip is a great activity to get your kids involved in – if they see what it’s like to clean the car they will be less likely to make a mess and spoil their efforts. Establish rules that are absolute and directed at keeping the car clean, and don’t waver in administering them while on the road. Practice what your preach, and set a good example for your family to follow, no matter how difficult it may become at times.

Prior to leaving home, put together a small but effective kit for cleaning any mishaps that may occur in the car while traveling, and remember to take it with you. In the Arizona desert, 40 miles from the nearest town on a 100 degree day, when one of your kids gets car-sick is the wrong time to discover you have no cleaning supplies in the car. Another great idea for keeping your car clean is to make a point of eating every meal outside of the vehicle – it not only helps to keep the car tidy but can also provide a much needed respite for weary parents and tired drivers. Even snacks that can be messy should be enjoyed outside of the vehicle, and those accompanying ten minute breaks can help everyones demeanor on a long trip.

Finally, if the car should begin to get a bit messy on a family road trip, take the time to stop at a roadside car wash and have everyone pitch in to clean it. It will only steal away a few minutes of your vacation, but it will assuredly promote the overall enjoyment.