Cleaning Your Commercial Truck Cab

In order to keep your semi-truck in tip-top shape, there are a few basic maintenance tasks that you need to perform regularly. One task that’s quite easy to do, but is often overlooked, is cleaning your truck cab. Completing this task is incredibly important for a successful trucking business, as a clean, shiny truck will enhance your professional image in the eyes of your customers.

We have created this short guide to help you keep your vehicles clean and ready to hit the road. If you have any questions or want to look at some heavy-duty trucks for sale, visit McCandless Truck Center at one of our locations in Colorado or Wyoming.

Gather Supplies

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to get everything that you’ll need to clean your truck cab. You’ll need trash bags, a dustpan, a vacuum cleaner with some attachments, a soft brush, a window cleaner, dust cloths, paper towels, and a leather cleaner.

Get Rid of the Trash

When you spend a lot of time on the road, plenty of garbage accumulates inside the cab. Little pieces of trash, like drink containers, food wrappers, and empty bags, not only add clutter, but they can also leave behind crumbs and stains that cause pest infestations. Plus, they can create a nasty smell the longer they are left inside. To keep the cab neat and organized, place a trash bag in your semi-truck. You can throw away the trash whenever you reach a rest stop or your destination.

Vacuum

Every time you enter your cab, the floor can get dirty from the gunk that your shoes bring along from the outside. This can gradually build up over time and create a mess, so you'll want to vacuum on a regular basis. First, remove the floor mats and seat covers. You’ll need a long vacuum attachment to get at those hard to reach spots, such as around the pedals, under the seats, and the dashboard. Shake the mats vigorously to get rid of all the dust. With plastic mats, it’s easy to rinse them down with a hose. Just make sure they are dry before putting them back inside.

Clean the Dashboard

Another area that you’ll want to clean regularly is the dashboard of your semi-truck. Make sure you use something gentle, like a soft cloth or soft brush attachment on your vacuum. Be careful when you clean the controls, such as the knobs or dials. Avoid using cleaners or polishes that will leave behind a bright sheen on the dashboard as it can create glare, which makes it harder for you to see the road.

Clean Your Windows

Keeping the windows on your truck clean is an important part of safe driving. It helps you see the road clearly and notice any obstacles. Use a standard window cleaner to wipe down the windows and your mirror. You can use paper towels, but don't do this on tinted windows as it can damage the tint.

Clean the Leather Seats

Regularly cleaning the seats can keep things fresh inside the cab and make driving more enjoyable. Before you use a cleaner, remember to check if it’s suitable for use on leather. Otherwise, you could end up staining your seats. Once you find the right cleaner, use a soft towel to avoid leaving any scratches behind during the scrubbing process.

It’ll take a little bit of extra time, but as long as you’re committed to taking care of your semi-truck, all this cleaning is going to pay off in the long run. If you need more information about commercial truck cab cleaning, or if you notice that your vehicle is in need of repairs, get in touch with us at McCandless Truck Center. Our experienced service technicians will be happy to help you! We proudly serve the states of Wyoming and Colorado.