Vehicle Cleaning Standards

Cleaning Between Every Rental

Cleaning your vehicle between every rental is mandatory on Sicarro. A clean vehicle is one of the top factors renters mention in reviews, and it directly affects your rating and booking frequency. No renter should ever step into a car that has remnants from the previous rental.

Exterior Cleaning Checklist

• Full wash: Rinse, soap, scrub, and rinse again. Use car-specific wash soap (not dish soap)
• Wheels and wheel wells: Remove brake dust and road grime with a wheel brush
• Windows and mirrors: Clean all glass surfaces inside and out with glass cleaner
• Side mirrors: Wipe clean and ensure they are properly adjusted
• Headlights and taillights: Remove dust and bugs, check that lenses are clear
• Wiper blades: Clean rubber edges with a damp cloth
• Door jambs: Wipe down door edges and hinges (often overlooked but renters notice)
• License plate: Must be clean and readable
• Trunk area: Vacuum and wipe clean

Interior Cleaning Checklist

• Vacuum thoroughly: All seats, floor mats, under seats, trunk carpet, and between seat cushions
• Wipe all surfaces: Dashboard, center console, door panels, steering wheel, gear shift, all buttons and knobs
• Clean windows (inside): Remove fingerprints and film from all interior glass
• AC vents: Dust and clean all air vents with a small brush or compressed air
• Cupholders: Remove all residue, wipe clean (use a damp cloth and cotton swabs for deep cleaning)
• Seat belts: Wipe down straps, test retraction
• Rearview mirror: Clean and adjust
• Glove box: Empty of personal items, wipe clean
• Under seats: Check for forgotten items from previous renters
• Floor mats: Remove, shake out, vacuum, and replace
• Trunk: Vacuum and wipe, ensure spare tire area is clean

Deep Cleaning Schedule

Monthly Deep Clean

• Shampoo fabric seats or condition leather seats
• Clean carpet under floor mats
• Treat dashboard and trim with UV protectant
• Deep clean AC system (anti-bacterial treatment)
• Polish exterior (optional but improves appearance)
• Clean engine bay (light rinse, avoid electrical components)

Quarterly Deep Clean

• Professional detailing (interior and exterior)
• Clay bar treatment for paint (removes embedded contaminants)
• Apply wax or sealant for paint protection
• Leather conditioning treatment (if applicable)
• Headlight restoration (if yellowed or cloudy)
• Engine compartment cleaning

Disinfection Standards

Disinfect high-touch surfaces between every rental:

• Steering wheel
• Gear shift and handbrake
• All door handles (inside and outside)
• Turn signal and wiper stalks
• Radio, climate control buttons, and touchscreen
• Seat belt buckles and buttons
• Window and mirror controls
• Trunk release
• Key fob

Use automotive-safe disinfectant wipes or a diluted isopropyl alcohol solution. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage interior surfaces.

Removing Odors

Smoke Odor

• Air out the vehicle with all doors and windows open for at least 30 minutes
• Place an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside overnight
• Clean all fabric surfaces (shampoo seats, headliner, carpets)
• Replace the cabin air filter
• Use an ozone generator for stubborn smoke smell (professional service recommended)
• Run the AC on recirculate with an anti-bacterial fogger

Food Odor

• Remove any food remnants immediately
• Clean affected areas with upholstery cleaner
• Baking soda paste on stains, let sit 30 minutes, then vacuum
• Wipe hard surfaces with vinegar solution (1:1 water and white vinegar)

Pet Odor

• Vacuum thoroughly with a pet hair attachment
• Use an enzyme-based pet odor remover on fabric surfaces
• Lint roller on seats and carpets for remaining hair
• Air freshener as a final step (not a substitute for proper cleaning)

Stain Removal Tips

• Coffee/tea: Blot immediately, apply upholstery cleaner, scrub gently with a brush
• Grease/oil: Apply cornstarch to absorb, then clean with degreaser
• Ink: Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, blot gently (do not rub)
• Blood: Cold water and hydrogen peroxide (3%), then upholstery cleaner
• Mud/dirt: Let dry completely, then vacuum before cleaning with soap and water
• Soda/juice: Blot, clean with warm water and mild soap, then vinegar rinse

Professional Detailing Services

Consider using professional detailing services for periodic deep cleaning:

• Basic detail: $25-50 (exterior wash + interior vacuum and wipe)
• Full detail: $75-150 (complete interior and exterior treatment)
• Premium detail: $150-300 (includes paint correction, ceramic coating, engine bay)

Find reputable detailers in San Salvador, Santa Tecla, and other major cities. Ask for recommendations from other Sicarro suppliers.

Cost of Cleaning as Business Expense

All cleaning costs are legitimate business expenses:

• Car wash fees
• Cleaning supplies (soap, glass cleaner, vacuum bags, microfiber cloths)
• Professional detailing invoices
• Disinfection products
• Air fresheners and odor removers

Keep all receipts for tax reporting. If formally registered, these expenses are deductible against your rental income.

Time Allocation for Cleaning Between Rentals

Plan your schedule to include adequate cleaning time:

• Quick clean (between short rentals): 30-45 minutes
• Standard clean (after 3-7 day rental): 1-1.5 hours
• Deep clean (after long rental or heavy use): 2-3 hours
• Set buffer time on your Sicarro calendar between bookings (minimum 4-6 hours)
• Do not schedule back-to-back pickups without cleaning time

Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Keep these supplies stocked and ready:

• ☐ Car wash soap (pH-neutral automotive soap)
• ☐ Microfiber wash mitt
• ☐ Microfiber drying towels (at least 4)
• ☐ Glass cleaner (streak-free formula)
• ☐ Interior surface cleaner (all-purpose)
• ☐ Upholstery cleaner / leather conditioner
• ☐ Disinfectant wipes (automotive-safe)
• ☐ Portable vacuum cleaner (or access to one)
• ☐ Soft-bristle brushes (for vents, crevices)
• ☐ Tire shine spray
• ☐ Dashboard UV protectant
• ☐ Air freshener (subtle, neutral scent)
• ☐ Trash bags
• ☐ Cotton swabs (for tight spaces)
• ☐ Baking soda (for odors and stains)