The 5ive
Spring is here and that means its time to do a little clean up before we start enjoying those warmer temperatures and longer days. For April, The Five gives you some things to help clean up your cab, your gear and your body. So let’s get started and spring forward, shall we?

1. So you’ve been driving all winter, cooped up in that cab. It’s been so cold you haven’t been able to crack a window in months. What do you do on the first nice day of spring? You clean out your cab. If you’re cheap like me, you hate paying for someone to detail the inside of your rig when you know you can do it yourself. That’s why I use Meguiar’s Quick Interior Mist and Wipe Detailer. It doesn’t leave a glossy and slippery residue, so you can use this on seats and the steering wheel and it smells good, too. This product is somewhat hard to find in retail stores, but I just order it from amazon.com where it’s only $6.99.

2. After driving around all winter with the windows closed and my dog in the front seat, my pickup smells . . . well, a little ripe! Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator works great on pet odors and leaves a fresh, clean scent on your fabrics. It’s safe for use around cats and dogs, so you can use it on your dog bed, the back of the cab, seats and headliner. Around $6.99 at all major food stores and, of course, Wal-Mart.

3. Remember that spring-cleaning extends to your laptop too. The Dirt Devil Detailer™ is the ideal tool to brush and suck out all the junk and cheese doodle crumbs from your keyboard. I used this on my MacBook Pro and was amazed at what came out of it! I like this one because it’s bagless and easy to empty. Sells for $19.99 at www.dirtdevil.com.

4. Get the most out of your rig’s chrome or make an old pocket knife shine like new by using Flitz Paste Metal Polish, a paste formula cream unequaled in its ability to clean, polish, deoxidize and protect all metal surfaces, plastics, fiberglass and painted surfaces. Flitz’s non-abrasive formula removes everything from tarnish and rust, to powder residue and graffiti. The durable finish restorer is perfect for fishing lures and tackle, firearms and even jewelry. If the Aladdin had owned Flitz, he and the Genie would still be partners. Flitz is available in 1.76 oz. tube for $10.99 at www.flitz.com.

5. Now that you’ve spent time cleaning up your rig, do you really want to trash it out again with cigarette butts, residue and odor? Why not just go ahead and clean up your lungs while you’re at it. We’ve all heard of it, but just how does Nicorette® work? Nicorette is nicotine bound to a sugarless chewing gum base. When it is chewed, nicotine is released and absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Nicorette reduces withdrawal symptoms and allows you to take control of your nicotine cravings. The chewing of gum also serves as an oral gratification that replaces the ritual of smoking. Visit www.nicorette.com and see what other tools they have to offer to make quitting easier on you. 

---