No one wants to face unexpected charges after a costly holiday, but many travellers are caught off guard by surprise car rental fees. To help prevent this, a car rental expert has shared valuable tips on how to avoid these hidden costs – including a small investment ‘worth its weight in gold’ that could save up to £120 in the long run.

Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, explained that companies often charge between £40 and £120 for deep cleaning, depending on how messy the car is – a hefty hit to any holiday budget. After seeing countless customers shocked by these surprise fees, Anapliotis offered his advice to help travellers dodge these unwanted charges and keep their holiday spending on track. 

He explained that sand and food crumbs are among the most common reasons for cleaning charges, and sand removal is costly, especially when it gets into seat tracks and air conditioning systems.

“Sand is particularly problematic because it gets everywhere and can be difficult to remove completely. Once sand gets into mechanical components, it requires professional cleaning that can cost upwards of £60,” said Anapliotis. 

He revealed one of the best investments you can make is a portable vacuum, which is “worth its weight in gold when it can save you an £80 cleaning fee.”

Another essential investment could be wet wipes, because a “daily quick clean with baby wipes for the dashboard and door panels keeps everything looking fresh with minimal effort”. 

Before you even set off, on top of taking detailed photos or videos, Anapliotis also suggested making note of any unusual odours on your rental agreement, as cigarette smoke can actually be one of the most costly culprits. 

Anapliotis said: “The most expensive cleaning charges come from cigarette smoke, which can require special equipment to remove from upholstery.

“Even if you’re a smoker, simply following the no-smoking policy in the car can save you a substantial amount.”

Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, commented: “Most of these situations are completely avoidable with just a bit of care and attention. We don’t expect customers to return cars detailed like new – normal usage is expected.

“However, taking these simple precautions can help travellers avoid those unexpected fees and ensure their holiday memories aren’t tarnished by surprise charges when they return the keys.”