It’s no secret that ridesharing drivers and their vehicles play an enormous role in the passenger experience. Suppose a ride is not clean, stylish, and pleasant. In that case, it’s much more than just a missed opportunity for the driver — it has a direct negative effect on your passenger rating.
You’ve likely heard the old adage, a good first impression is everything. This certainly applies to car ridesharing services which require drivers to make a great first impression — from both aesthetic and hygiene viewpoints.
As a ridesharing driver or fleet manager, you know this very well. You aim to deliver the best possible experience all the time. But how do you maintain such high standards?
As a professional using their own vehicle to make money as a rideshare driver, you want to keep it clean, in good repair, and consistent with the general standards of your company.
Cleaning your car is a lot easier than you might think. Following a few tips and tricks, regular cleaning of your ridesharing vehicle becomes a breeze. The more clean your ridesharing vehicle is, the happier you and your passengers will be.
Spray and Wipe
To clean your Ridesharing vehicle, start by spraying and wiping all interior surfaces with a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Use a microfiber cloth to clean plastic, leather, or vinyl without scratching the surface.
You want to use a clean microfiber cloth for this so that you will not scratch the interior plastic, leather, or vinyl. The solution will cut through any dirt and grease deposits on the surfaces.
It is highly recommended that you start at the top of your car and work your way down.
If stains are present, first, spot-clean them with a little bit of carpet cleaner or stain remover, then wipe down the area.
Use microfiber window cloths for easy cleaning.
Cleaning your Ridesharing Vehicle using microfiber cloths will keep its windows clear and virtually smudge-free for up to a year.
Microfiber cloths are made to clean glass without leaving streaks or lint behind. They also require very little water, saving time and preventing water spots from forming on your windows.
Glass Cleaning
When you are done cleaning all of the surfaces in your car, it is time to focus on the glass. Use a glass cleaner and a clean microfiber window cloth or towel on these surfaces. A window cloth should be dry because you do not want to spray any other cleaner directly on the glass.
Apply glass cleaner directly to the microfiber cloth and then use the towel to clean your
vehicle’s windows. This will help you avoid streaks and smears when cleaning windows.
Always clean out your backseat.
Irrespective of the ridesharing company you work with, it’s essential to keep your car clean and tidy for customers. Your passengers can be sitting in the backseat for up to an hour at a time. Having a clean, comfortable vehicle with fresh smelling air is crucial for positive ratings and reviews.
If your passengers start to feel sick in your car, they won’t hesitate to leave you a bad rating. Unfortunately, that could mean you get kicked off the platform.
You should always wipe down all surfaces with cleaning wipes before and after every ride. If someone spills something on your seats, use a stain remover to clean it up immediately. If you don’t have time to do this right away, schedule an appointment with your local auto detailer as soon as possible.
Many drivers only clean their car when it looks dirty, but this isn’t enough. To prevent stains and smells from building up, you need to be proactive. You should get into the habit of cleaning out your backseat every day instead of waiting until there’s a problem.
Disinfect or clean areas that might be regularly touched
After a ride is complete, drivers should clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces in the vehicle, including door handles and other hard exterior surfaces.
For the best results, you should use a disinfectant-based cleaner. Disinfectants are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs. These solutions are especially effective at killing the germs that cause common viral illnesses like the flu and colds.
The product you choose will depend on whether your car has fabric or leather seats and carpeting. Suppose your vehicle is equipped with fabric seats and carpeting. In that case, you will likely use the same cleaning product that you use on other fabric surfaces in your home.
If your vehicle has leather seats, then it’s good to purchase a dedicated leather cleaner designed to clean and condition leather without damaging its protective coating.
Clean the Inside of Your Car
Nothing looks worse than a dirty car, and keeping the inside clean is essential for retaining the value of your vehicle as well.
One of the best tips for cleaning your car interior is to start at the top. Remove dust from vents, speakers and all cracks or crevices with a vacuum. To avoid streaks on surfaces, dampen a cloth and then immediately follow with a dry towel.
Next, remove mats from your car, beat them with your hand to dislodge dirt that has built up, wipe them down with a wet rag, and let them air dry before reinserting them. Finally, vacuum floors and seats, as well as all remaining surfaces with an upholstery attachment.
Cleaning the inside of your car will also help keep the outside looking better longer by reducing debris build-up. Cleaning products can be used inside and out to make sure dirt is adequately removed without causing scratches or damage to auto paint finishes.
Conclusion
For rideshare drivers, keeping their cars clean is an important part of staying safe and professional during their shifts.
Given that most rideshare companies have immaculate vehicles as part of their specifications, it’s clear that being a responsible and tidy driver is an essential factor. Paying attention to the design of a driver’s personal car and treating it like your clients’ cars can go a long way towards presenting a high-quality experience for both guests and drivers alike.