Cleaning your car's interior helps keep your ride looking as good on the inside as it does on the outside. From the dashboard and console to the carpet in the trunk, regular cleaning can be simple and easy when you're armed with the right supplies for the job.
What You'll Need
Keeping your car's interior clean enhances its appearance and promotes more pleasant morning commutes and weekend road trips. Let's examine how to effectively clean every surface inside your vehicle.
To tackle the various surfaces found in your car, gather the following supplies:
- Microfiber cloths or other soft cloths: These are gentle yet effective for wiping down most surfaces without scratching.
- All-purpose cleaner: Optimally, choose a cleaner that's safe for use on leather, cloth, plastic, and vinyl.
- Leather cleaner and conditioner: This type of specialty cleaner is essential for maintaining the suppleness and appearance of leather seats. Refer to the leather cleaner manufacturer's instructions for the leather cleaner of your choice. Most cleaners are meant to be used with a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth.
- Upholstery cleaner: This cleaner is specially formulated to safely clean various types of upholstery without leaving residue, ensuring your vehicle's fabric remains fresh and vibrant.
- Carpet cleaner: Designed to effectively remove stains and dirt from automotive carpets, this cleaner revitalizes and deodorizes, maintaining the car's interior aesthetics and hygiene. There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not use water.
- Glass cleaner: Go for a glass cleaner with a streak-free formula for crystal-clear windows and mirrors.
- Vacuum cleaner: Ideally, use a vac that has attachments to reach tight spots and crevices.
- Soft bristle brush: This brush is ideal for gently agitating dirt and debris from upholstery and carpets.
- Interior detailing brushes: These small brushes are perfect for cleaning vents, crevices, and other tight areas.
- Plastic trim cleaner/restorer: Another specialty cleaner for your car's interior, this product revives faded plastic surfaces, restoring them to their original luster.
- LCD screen cleaner: Use a specially formulated cleaner to avoid damaging sensitive screens. You can also make your own using distilled water and isopropyl alcohol.
- Odor eliminator: Banish lingering odors for a fresh-smelling interior with an odor-eliminating spray that's safe for use in your car's interior spaces.
By having these supplies on hand, you may be more equipped to tackle any mess and refresh your car's interior. Let's review cleaning techniques for different surfaces, ensuring a thorough and effective cleaning for every part of your vehicle.
Cleaning the Dashboard and Steering Wheel
Cleaning your dashboard and steering wheel aids in maintaining a pristine interior.
- Begin by wiping down the dashboard with a microfiber cloth dampened with water or a mild all-purpose cleaner.
- Use a soft-bristle brush for stubborn dirt or grime, paying attention to air vents, crevices, and control knobs.
- Clean the steering wheel with a leather cleaner and conditioner for leather-wrapped steering wheels, or an all-purpose cleaner for other materials.
- Thoroughly dry all surfaces to prevent water spots and ensure a clean finish.
- Apply a plastic trim cleaner/restorer to rejuvenate any faded plastic trim on the dashboard.
Regularly cleaning high-touch areas not only keeps your car looking its best but also can help to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
How to Clean the Car Touch Screen
Your car's touch screen is a vital component for navigation, entertainment, and control while driving. Properly cleaning the touch screen in your vehicle helps to ensure optimal visibility and responsiveness.
- Turn off the touch screen to prevent accidental activation.
- Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a specialized LCD screen cleaner.
- Gently wipe the screen in a horizontal motion, avoiding ammonia-based cleaners or abrasive materials.
- For stubborn fingerprints or smudges, lightly moisten the cloth and repeat the process.
- Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching the screen.
- Once clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture and prevent streaks.
Cleaning the Console and Cupholders
Your car's console and cupholders can quickly accumulate dirt, spills, and debris, detracting from the overall cleanliness and comfort of your vehicle. Regular cleaning enhances aesthetics and prevents odors and potential damage to sensitive electronics. Some tips to keep in mind when cleaning these areas:
- Start by removing any loose items and trash from the console and cupholders.
- Use a microfiber cloth dampened with a mild all-purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces, paying attention to crevices and seams.
- For stubborn stains or spills, use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove dirt.
- Thoroughly dry all surfaces to prevent water damage.
Cleaning Car Seats
Your car's seats naturally see a lot of use, so they tend to get dirty fast. Whether you have leather or fabric seats, cleaning them can be simple and straightforward.
Cleaning Leather Car Seats:
- Start by vacuuming the seats to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Follow the leather cleaner manufacturer's instructions for the leather cleaner of your choice. Most cleaners are meant to be used with a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth.
- For added protection and conditioning, apply a leather conditioner using a separate cloth, following the leather cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
Cleaning Fabric Car Seats:
- Vacuum the seats to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and debris.
- Use a ready-to-use upholstery cleaner spray or aerosol, applying it according to the cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
- Spray the cleaner onto the fabric seats, focusing on stained or heavily soiled areas.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the upholstery in circular motions.
- Blot the seats with a clean, damp cloth to remove excess cleaner and dirt.
- Allow the seats to air dry thoroughly.
Cleaning Car Carpet, Trunk, and Mats
Keeping your car's carpet, trunk, and mats clean helps maintain the look of your car's interior and may help preserve the resale value of your vehicle. To clean these areas, it is recommended to:
- Start by removing all loose items and vacuuming the carpet, trunk, and mats to remove dirt, crumbs, and debris.
- Use a ready-to-use cleaner spray or aerosol, applying it according to the cleaner manufacturer's instructions. There are some detergents that should not be used as they may discolor the vehicle's interior. Refer to your owner's manual for detergents that should be used.
- Use a carpet cleaning brush or sponge to apply the cleaner to the carpet and mats, working in small sections.
- Scrub the surfaces thoroughly, focusing on any stains or heavily soiled areas.
- Rinse the carpet and mats with clean water and blot them with a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Allow everything to air dry completely before reinstalling the mats and returning items to the trunk.
Cleaning Interior Car Windows
Cleaning your car's interior windows is crucial for maintaining visibility and safety while driving. Here are some ways you may clean your car's interior windows in just a few steps:
- Roll down the windows slightly to access the top edges.
- Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the windows in a vertical motion. However, glass cleaner should be avoided when cleaning the rear window as this may damage the rear window defogger heater wires.
- Pay attention to stubborn spots or fingerprints.
- Finish by wiping the window frames and edges.