I have two kids and a golden retriever. My car used to look like someone detonated a snack bomb in it. Goldfish crackers in the seat crevices. Dog hair woven into the upholstery like it was part of the fabric. I was embarrassed to give anyone a ride.

Three things from the dollar store fixed it. Total cost: under five dollars.

The Squeegee for Dog Hair

A rubber squeegee — the kind meant for shower doors — is the best pet hair remover I have ever used. Better than lint rollers. Better than those sticky mitts. Spray the seat lightly with water, then drag the squeegee across. The rubber blade pulls hair out of the fabric in clumps.

I do this once a week and it takes two minutes. The first time I did it I pulled out enough hair to make a second dog.

The Shower Caddy Organizer

Get a plastic shower caddy with suction cups. Stick it to the back of the passenger seat or the side of the center console. It holds wipes, snacks, small toys, hand sanitizer — all the stuff that normally ends up on the floor.

For older kids, put one on the back of each front seat within their reach. They can manage their own things. My six-year-old actually keeps hers organized now because it feels like “her space.”

The Lint Roller — But for Crumbs

A mini lint roller lives in my glove box. After every trip with the kids, I spend 30 seconds rolling it over the seats and floor mats. It picks up crumbs, dried play-doh bits, and whatever mystery particles children generate.

I also keep a small trash bag hooked to the gear shift. Empty it at every gas station stop. It seems obvious but having a designated trash spot stops the wrappers from becoming permanent floor decorations.