Keeping Your Car in Tiptop Shape ... On The Inside

    ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--June 4, 2002--If what is inside counts most, why is it that millions of Americans wash the outside of their cars frequently, but neglect the cleaning and maintenance of the interior?

    Here are a few ways to keep the inside of your car looking new:

    1. To prevent streaking, never clean glass in direct sunlight or
    if the glass surface is warm.

    2. When cleaning side windows, start by lowering each window and
    cleaning the top edge first. Clean these edges with a separate
    wipe, as they are typically far dirtier than the rest of the
    window.

    3. To protect your car's leather interior and dashboard from
    drying out and cracking, use a leather treatment, such as
    Refresh vinyl & leather protectant with cleaner from 3M.

    4. If your car's leather interior becomes wet, let it dry
    naturally.

    5. When vacuuming your car, use a wet/dry vacuum. A firm bristled
    brush is good for stirring up the carpet mat so you can get
    out most of the dirt.

    6. Keep the glove box neat and organized with only the
    essentials, such as registration, insurance card, car
    maintenance handbook, map, flashlight, sunglasses, paper and a
    pen.

    7. Keep a plastic bag for trash instead of throwing items in the
    backseat of the car.

    8. For smokers, ash cigarettes in the ashtray instead of out the
    window, as flyaway ashes can dirty the car and are dangerous.

    9. Line your car trunk with a plastic rug protector to protect
    the carpeting. It will make clean up easier if you need to
    carry dirty or greasy items in the trunk.

    About 3M

    3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M go to www.3M.com or www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.

    Refresh and 3M are trademarks of 3M