CMT Minivan Makeover

Check out tips submitted from across the country.

Denise Holland - Merced, CA

Having a trash bag in the van and having the kids put their shoes in there before getting in the van, plus lot of car washes.

Samantha Hundermark - Alta Loma, CA

Keep a large bag for all extras. Anything that is junk goes into it and is taken into the house to sort ... letters ... magazines ... extra shoes ... things Grandma is trying to pawn off to you. You get the hint.

Debra Burton - Columbia, SC

We keep kitchen garbage bags that have the tie handles in the car. We slip one of the tie handles over the headrest in front of the kids so that they can place their trash in the bag. When we are on a trip and they eat fast food in the car, we have them place their used napkins inside the empty drink cups to absorb whatever liquid is left so that it doesn't spill out and just place everything inside the garbage bag. We also use spill-proof cups whenever possible. Since we actually do have a baby and carry baby wipes with us wherever we go, they come in handy to clean up everyone and everything else also.

Sherry Richmond - Palestine, TX

I bought towels that match the interior color in my car. The hand towels cover the floor carpet better than mats, especially near the door area. They can easily be taken out, shaken off and replaced without having to vacuum. Bath size towels fit across the seat. Just cut a small hole or notch for the seat belt. This makes grass, crumbs and general cleanup much easier on a daily basis.

Kenny Carey - Cave City, KY

My favorite tip is to work together as a family and stay to a routine as much as possible. My husband and I have three boys and it takes us all to keep things going. Each time we get out of the van, we take out of the van what we brought in the van and put it where it goes (room, trash, garage, etc.). Rubber mats and baby wipes are helpful alaong the way, as well as vaccuming it out at least once a month.

Sharon Adkins - Bowling Green, KY

No time to drag out the shampoo machine or run to the store and grab a can of carper cleaner? Use baby wipes on the spot. They are also good for cleaning greasy fingerprints from the windows. Use to clean, and then dry with a paper towel.

Larissa Farley - Lawrenceville, GA

At least once per week, I bring two trash bags on a trip out. I have the kids pass it around and pick up all trash in one bag. The other is for items that need to make it into the house (such as toys and sippy cups, etc.). Then, when waiting in the car pool line, pull out baby wipes and clean the dashboard, etc. It takes minutes and makes it easy to keep the car clean.

Kim Storms - Spring Hill, TN

Well, I have three sons. We have always kept rubber mats over our original van carpet. You can throw them on the ground and quickly hose them off. Also, we keep baby wipes in the car at ALL times, and, boy, do they come in handy.

Nancy Sterling - Portsmouth, RI

Keep a pack of baby wipes in the van. They come in handy for a quick clean-up. If something spills, grab a wipe, and it's gone. The wipes are also good to clean kids off, too.

Crystal Mansour - Lafayette, IN

I bought a huge roll of plastic runners and cut them to fit in the floorboards, around seats and between seats. I then used Velcro to keep it down so that it can be easily removed and cleaned. I also added the Eddie Bauer seat protectors, which can be easily taken out and cleaned. All of our friends can't believe how clean our van stays.

Melissa Killingbeck - Flushing, MI

Everyone MUST grab a minimum of five things every time they leave the vehicle. Not a perfect fix, but it definitely cuts down on the amount of "junk" that accumulates. Bounce dryer sheets under the front seat work 10 times better than any car air freshener. You can't go wrong.

Sandee Lynch - Cary, IL

I like to use baby wipes for leather seats and the dash.