Do You Have to Clean a Rental Car Before Returning It?

It’s a good idea to clean your rental car before you return it. Though it takes time out of your itinerary, cleaning the car yourself can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. However, the key to spending less time cleaning your rental car—and reducing your risk of a cleaning fee—lies in what you do when you pick it up.  

Depending on your flight, it might be late when you pick up a rental car at the airport. However, you should take pictures and videos of your rental car at check-in, inside and out, noting any existing issues present before you drive off the rental lot. Snapping a picture of the VIN is also a good idea, especially if you’re dropping the rental car off at a different location. Mixups can happen, and you may mistakenly be charged a cleaning fee on a car you didn’t rent unless you have photos of the car to prove your innocence. 

If you arrive at your rental car and it’s excessively dirty, speak to an attendant to request another vehicle in clean condition. If you pick the car up after hours, call customer service to discuss your options. It’s better to take a few minutes to address the issue before you drive away so you don’t pay for a mess that’s not yours when you return the car.

No matter how old you are when you get a rental car, keeping it clean can help save you hundreds of dollars in cleaning fees. Here are a few tips to help you keep your next car rental clean:

• While pet-friendly car rental agencies exist, taking precautions when traveling with your pet is always a good idea. Put down something to cover the seats, clean your pet’s paws before entering the vehicle, and take frequent breaks to avoid any accidents. 
• Outside of water, avoid eating or drinking in the rental car. Candy and chocolate can quickly melt into the carpet in higher temperatures, and drinks can seep into cloth upholstery and carpets in minutes. 
• If you spill in the car or have an issue, stop by a local car wash or detail shop. Most interior details cost less than what you’d pay in cleaning fees to the rental agency but remember to keep your receipt in case an issue comes up later. 
• Refrain from smoking in or near the car. Cigarette smoke requires extensive procedures to remove from a car, and most rental agencies (including Avis and Hertz) have strict policies against it.

When rental cars reach a certain age or mileage, they’re often retired and sold at auction. If you’re wondering whether buying a rental car is a good idea, consider how you treat rental cars when you’re on vacation. Weigh the pros and cons to determine which type of car works best for you. 

Sometimes, it’s harder to figure out what you don’t need to clean than determining what requires attention. It’s the same dilemma you face when choosing between pay-now and pay-later options when renting a car. Do you solidify the situation in your favor, or do you leave yourself an out? 

When you rent a car, you don’t have to clean the exterior unless it’s obviously dirty. Most cars retain a layer of dirt and snow on their paint during the winter, so a wash isn’t necessary. When it comes to the interior, look at it from the perspective of the next renter. If you handed the keys to them right after dropping the rental off, would they be okay with driving away? 

Car rental companies charge a cleaning fee in compensation for the time your rental car spends in the detail shop, out of commission (i.e., not making money). Rental car agencies pride themselves on offering customers cars upheld to specific cleanliness standards, similar to a table at your local restaurant. Turning tables and putting cars back into the rental fleet requires a standard cleaning routine, but if the car comes back excessively dirty, it can only be rented once it meets those standards. 

Each rental car company details specifics about their cleaning policies within the rental agreement. In most cases, the cleaning process takes only a quick vacuum, wipe down with disinfectant, and exterior rinse to prepare a rental car for its next occupant. However, extra cleaning procedures may include steaming the interior, removing pet hair, sanitizing surfaces, and addressing foul odors, including smoke. 

How much is a car rental cleaning fee?

Car rental cleaning fees can range from $30 to upwards of $500, depending on the extent of the damage. Pet hair often incurs the highest charges. An interior spot or stain typically costs less to clean, but multiple spots around the interior can compound the cleaning fee significantly. 

As a viable rental car alternative, FINN offers you a chance to choose the exact car you want rather than be stuck between a handful of options you may not prefer. FINN’s convenient monthly subscription fee includes maintenance, registration, insurance, and depreciation. There’s no down payment required, and you can choose between six and 24-month terms to fit your schedule and lifestyle.