Honda Accord Cleaning & Care Instructions

The Honda Accord was the first Japanese car to be produced in the US and has proved a popular model in the American market. The car has moved on since it started life in May 1976 as a three-door hatchback and is now classed as the North American eighth generation version of the car which, being bigger than the models produced in Europe and Australia, falls into the full-size car category. Keeping the car clean and well cared for not only makes your own driving experience better but it also adds value to the car if you sell it.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather cleaner or saddle soap
  • Clean cloths
  • Detergent
  • Car polish
  • Vacuum cleaner with attachments
  • Clean the leather seats once a month to keep them in good condition. You could buy a specialty interior leather cleaning kit from the auto spare shop, but Honda actually recommend using saddle soap to clean the leather. Whichever product you decide to use, apply it in accordance with the instructions on it. Don't forget to clear out the crevice where the seat meets that back rest, as this area is a trap for debris.

  • Vacuum the carpets once a month to remove any particles of grit and grime that have accumulated in the foot-wells. Remove the mats and use the correct attachment on your vacuum cleaner to reach around the pedals, in-between the seats and around the central console. If there are any stains on the carpet buy a proprietary carpet cleaner from the hardware store and apply according to the instructions. Vacuum the mats before replacing them.

  • Clean the dashboard and central console with a damp cloth, using a small amount of household detergent to remove any stains. When it is dry, buff up with a clean dry cloth.

  • Wash the outside of the car to remove the grime that build up through day to day driving. Don't forget to wash the wheels and the trim and make sure to clean the wipers. Allow the car to dry and apply a proprietary wax coat to it, remembering to polish the bumpers and the trim.

  • Service the engine regularly. It should have a full garage service once a year but once a month you should check the fluid levels and the condition of the filters. Keep the fluids topped up to the level recommended in your owners manual and replace the filters when they show signs of being dirty or clogged. Check that the tires are pumped up to the level recommended by the manufacturer.