How to clean your car interior
Tom Vondrasek | 25th Apr 2024 | 6 minutes to read
Keeping the interior of your car clean isn't just about aesthetics, it's also about ensuring the your car seats, interior carpeting, and even electrical components are kept in good condition. Not only will this help to increase the longevity of your vehicle, it will help with the overall resale value and make it a much more pleasant environment for you and the family.
Maintaining your interior doesn't need to be a huge hassle either. This article will cover the major steps to keep your interior clean, but everything doesn't need to be done at once; as long as you are generally clean and performing these tasks semi-regularly, your major interior components should last a long time.
Below are the general steps to keeping your car interior clean and hygienic:
Tools for the Job
- Vacuum cleaner + attachments
- Microfibre cloths
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Upholstery cleaner (leather, vinyl, or fabric depending on your interior)
- Soft-bristled brush
Tip: A lot of products come in spray bottles. When being used in the interior overspray can be a problem, like getting a vinyl conditioner off window glass. At times it is best to spray the product on a microfibre cloth or applicator to apply it. Especially where different surfaces meet.
Start with a Top-Down Approach
Begin by removing any larger items from the car, such as floor mats, rubbish, and personal belongings. Then, starting from the roof and working your way down, use a microfibre cloth to wipe down all interior surfaces, including the dashboard, doors, centre console, and steering wheel. This helps remove dust and surface grime before tackling deeper cleaning tasks.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Next, use the vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the interior, including the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Use different attachments to reach into crevices and tight spaces, ensuring all debris is removed.
Tip: A soft brush is good to use to dust the air vents while vacuuming.
Clean Fabric Upholstery and Carpets
If your car has fabric upholstery or carpeting, use an upholstery cleaner to spot-clean any stains or spills. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a soft-bristled brush to gently agitate the cleaner into the fabric. Then, use a clean microfibre cloth to blot away excess moisture and dirt.
Wipe Down Surfaces
For surfaces like plastic and vinyl use an all-purpose cleaner and a microfibre cloth to wipe away dirt and grime. Use a brush with the cleaner for hard to get to spots. If your seats are leather, then a leather cleaner may be a better choice as some all-purpose cleaners can dry out leather. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like around door handles, gear shifters, console lids and cup holders. Once clean, use the correct conditioner to moisturize and protect the material.
Clean Glass and Mirrors
Use a glass cleaner and a clean microfibre cloth to clean the interior windows, windshield, and mirrors. Wipe in a circular motion to remove any streaks or smudges, ensuring optimal visibility while driving.
Touch Screen/Instrument Clusters
Use a damp soft microfibre cloth to wipe the clear plastic over instrument clusters and centre touchscreens to remove finger marks.
Tinted Windows
If you have tinted windows, make sure the glass cleaner you use is tint compatible. If not, water and a small amount of detergent will work OK.
Detailing the Dashboard
To add extra shine to your dashboard and trim, use a dedicated dashboard cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap. Apply the cleaner to a microfibre cloth and gently wipe down the surfaces, being careful not to apply too much pressure or saturate the material. A brush with cleaner on it can get into the nooks and crannies around knobs and buttons. If the dash has a textured finish the brush can help to get out the ingrained dirt.
Wipe off with a dry microfibre towel. Apply protectant, let soak for a couple of minutes and buff off with a dry microfibre towel.
Tip: you may want to avoid high gloss protectants on the top of the dash to stop reflection on a sunny day.
Detailing the Console
Use the same process as the dashboard. The joy here is storage spots and cup holders can have rubber inserts which can be removed for easier cleaning.
Addressing Odours
If your car has lingering odour, try and find the source of the smell. Was it a spill, water getting into the carpet or is it coming from the ventilation system? A spill can be cleaned up, wet carpet may need to be removed from the vehicle and dried out, this includes the underlay, and ventilation smells may need a deodoriser put through the system. It would be a good idea to change the cabin filter as well.
Once the source has been dealt with an odour eliminator or air freshener to neutralize the remaining smell can be used. Alternatively, place a bowl of baking soda or coffee grounds in the car overnight to absorb odours naturally.
Don't Forget About Ventilation
While cleaning the interior, don't overlook the importance of proper ventilation. Roll down the windows and sunroof (if applicable) to allow fresh air to circulate, helping to remove any lingering odours and speed up the drying process.
Maintain Regular Cleaning Habits
To keep your car interior looking its best, make regular cleaning a part of your maintenance routine. Schedule a deep clean every few months, with spot cleaning as needed to address spills and stains promptly.
By regularly cleaning the inside of your vehicle, you’ll be able to achieve a clean and inviting interior that enhances their driving experience and maintains the value of the car. By investing time and effort into regular cleaning and maintenance, you can enjoy a comfortable and hygienic environment every time you hit the road.
