Revitalise Your Truck Cab: Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Long hours on the road and days spent away from family can take their toll on even the most experienced truck driver. Maintaining a clean cab can improve driver well-being and provide a much-needed sanctuary after a long day on the road.??

Keeping your cab clean can have the following benefits:

• Prevent germs and bacteria
• Preserve the interior
• Create a better environment to drive and sleep in.

Tools of the trade

The following tools will make cleaning the cab easier.?

• Vacuum: A staple for any cab, investing in a portable or handheld vacuum keeps the dirt at bay. Many vacuums provide attachments to help you get into those nooks and crannies.?

• Paintbrush: Use a paintbrush to remove dust and dirt in those hard-to-reach places - especially around the buttons and air vents.?

• Air duster: Many truck drivers invest in an air duster to eliminate dirt. They are cheap but effective and are available on Amazon.?

• Duster: A duster is perfect for cleaning the dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles.?

• Wipes: Baby wipes are cheaper than disinfectant wipes and do the same job. Regularly wiping down your cab will ensure your truck remains clean and odour-free.?

• Seat covers: Investing in good quality seat covers will prevent you from ruining your seats with any spillages. Remove and wash them frequently to keep them smelling fresh and stain-free.?

• Floor mats: Traipsing dirt and dust into the cab is inevitable - floor mats will collect dirt, are easy to shake out, and are replaceable once worn.

Tricks of the trade

Experienced drivers have many tricks and tips to ensure their cabs stay clean.?

• Declutter: Clutter can accumulate quickly in the cab, but removing those items you no longer use will create a cleaner living space. Purchasing storage boxes will help you stay organised and clutter-free.

• Boot brush & mats: Drivers on Reddit recommend drilling or zip-tying a boot brush onto the step - this prevents excess dirt from coming into the cab.

• Humidifiers: Using a humidifier or diffuser will keep your cab smelling fresh. Trucker News provides the perfect 12-volt humidifier that sits in your cup holder.?

• Create a cleaning schedule: Cleaning the interior can be daunting, especially after a day of driving. Following a schedule will help you stay on top of things.?

• Indoor shoes: Having a pair of shoes exclusively for the inside of your cab will prevent dirt and grime from entering.?

• Clean the inside of your windows: A lot of grime can accumulate on your windows - reducing visibility. A microfibre cloth and the right cleaner will leave your windows looking squeaky clean.

• Buy smaller bin bags: Smaller bags will fill up quickly, encouraging you to empty them regularly.??

If you need help figuring out where to start, cab cleaning kits are available to purchase to help you get to a sparkling cab.?

Keeping the exterior clean

Long journeys can take their toll on the exterior of your truck, especially in the wind and rain. The build-up of dirt can be detrimental to the paintwork and tyres.?

SNAP Account customers can pay via their licence plate number at over 210 European Truck Wash locations. SNAP provides a dynamic system that provides frequency control for fleet managers - allowing them to set washing limits to prevent unnecessary spending.

Should you clean under your truck?

Although the undercarriage of your truck can withstand bumps and scratches, it's also exposed to the elements of the road, such as salt, dirt, and grime. The undercarriage of a truck is composed of crucial components like brake lines, axles, gearboxes, and more - therefore, it's critical to keep it clean. Regularly washing the undercarriage of your truck will prevent rust and corrosion.?

How often should you clean your truck?

If you're on the road for long periods, washing it weekly or bi-weekly is recommended. This prevents grime from building up and reduces costs for a more labour-intensive clean.?

Susie Jones | SNAP