Six handy truck cleaning hacks

Professional drivers understand that, in addition to regular maintenance checks, keeping your truck clean is equally important, as it reflects a sense of pride in your workplace. But the task of keeping your rig gleaming doesn’t have to be terrible, and here we reveal how common household items can be used to tackle even the toughest truck cleaning challenge.

Years ago, when I was doing a regular night run with a two-up driver, I noticed his 1.25-litre bottle of Sunkist had a tiny hole, through which it was spraying a thin stream of its contents. Our solution was to transfer the drink to my empty drink bottle, which had a push-up lid.

We thought no more of it until, some time later, there was an almighty pop – the lid had blown off with built-up pressure, the bottle spraying Sunkist all throughout the cab. It went everywhere, and while cleaning up the sugary mess I wondered… what other ways can you keep a rig in tip-top conditions, using basic items and materials?

I spoke with Tommy Quiggles from TQ’s Detailing & Repair, a truck detailing specialist, about great ideas for cleaning trucks using everyday products, while passing time between runs or while waiting to be loaded. Here’s what he revealed…

Dust has a way of getting into every crevice in the cab, and removing it can be a challenge. Tommy likes to use different-sized paintbrushes to get dust out of vents and around gauges.

The bristles allow you to reach deep into crevices for that detailed look. Some prime movers come equipped with an air gun that uses air from the truck’s system. This tool can assist with the cleaning process too.

Trucks and grease go hand in hand, and we all know that no matter how vigilant you are, grease always has a way of finding its way in – from airlines brushing the turntable (thanks to less focused operators) or simply sticking to your boots as you cross the yard.

When grease makes its way into the cab and onto floor mats, this experienced detailer has discovered brake cleaner works surprisingly well. It breaks down the grease effectively without affecting the rubber, restoring your mats back to that as-new look.

Keep a can in your cleaning kit and add a small scrubbing brush for those hard-to-reach areas.

The vinyl surfaces on door cards and engine covers is another area that cops some rough treatment. General grime from dirty hands or boot scuffs builds up. This unsightly grime found in textured vinyl grain can be difficult to remove with just cleaning products and rags. But raid the cupboard under the kitchen sink at home and you’ll find quite a few useful items for cleaning.

Kitchen scouring pads work wonders to get into that grain with assistance from a vinyl-safe cleaning spray, restoring your vinyl interior to near-new condition. Toothbrushes also work well in this application, but best use a separate brush to the one in your toilet bag – it’s not a pleasant aftertaste!

Keeping your rig’s exterior looking sharp requires regular ongoing maintenance, but fortunately Tommy has a few tips when it comes to staying on top of the bling without requiring professional equipment.

After washing or rain, watermarks on polished chrome and alloy can be annoying. Glass cleaner works well not only for removing bugs off the windscreen but also for removing unwanted watermarks from chrome and polished surfaces. A quick spray and wipe with a rag brings back that flawless surface.

While you’re raiding the aforementioned cupboard under the kitchen sink, look for small brushes and mops. Or check out the vast array found in kitchen and laundry aisles at hardware stores.

These bristly brushes of varying shapes and sizes along with miniature mops can help you reach difficult areas both inside and outside the truck, including alcoves around headlights and step wells.

Good lighting at night is essential – for you and for the other road users around you. Headlights and other lights fade over time due to harsh UV rays.

Standard cutting compounds used for removing scuffs from your truck’s paintwork can work a treat, restoring Perspex lenses and indicators. With some elbow grease and a rag, you can bring these lenses back to near-new condition, ensuring full functionality.

Maintaining a clean truck doesn’t require specialised equipment – many effective solutions can be found in everyday items. With these tips, you can keep your rig looking professional while on the road, making those long hauls more pleasant and keeping your workplace looking its absolute best.