Clean cars aren’t just about appearances. It makes each journey more enjoyable, helps keep germs out and also protects the value of your car’s resale. From improving the air quality, to stopping crumbs and staining from taking over an interior that’s clean, it is a major impact.
If your car dashboard is a smudge-prone notepad, or the cupholders are clogged or your carpet has turned an unidentified color is it time for an extensive clean. The best part? You don’t need to invest in expensive items. By using the appropriate household products to give your car’s interior a makeover within a couple of steps.
How Often Should You Clean Your Car Interior?
The frequency at which you clean is contingent on the way you use your vehicle. Here’s a good guideline:
- Spills: Wash up immediately to avoid stains.
- Every time you travel, take out the garbage (especially on the floor in front of the driver when safety is a concern).
- Daily: Wipe down the steering wheel and controls using an anti-bacterial wipe.
- Each month, clean your windows so that you can ensure that your view is free of obstructions.
- Two times a year Cleanse upholstery and carpets.
What You’ll Need
Tools
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments (or shop vacuum)
- Bucket
- Soft-bristle brush
- Microfiber cloths
- Old toothbrush / cotton swabs
- Electrostatic duster
- Spray bottle
- Trash bag
Cleaning Supplies
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Disinfecting wipes
- Glass cleaner that is free of ammonia (or vinegar solution)
- Cleanser for upholstery (optional)
- Leather cleaner and conditioner (if appropriate)
- Odor eliminator / fabric refresher
Read More – How to Wash Your Car at Home Like a Pro (Inside and Out)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
1. Steering Wheel & Dashboard
- Cleanse: Every day, wipe with a disinfecting cloth, and let it rest for a couple of minutes prior to drying.
- Dust: Utilize a duster, or cotton swabs to clean openings and narrow spaces.
- Wipe Smudges: A damp microfiber cloth removes fingerprints.
- Protect your dashboard: Apply a conditioner to avoid cracks and fade.
2. Center Console & Cupholders
- Empty and soak If the cup is removable, wash cupholders with soapy water.
- Wipe down: Use a wet microfiber towel to wash the controls.
- Detail Work Detail Work: A toothbrush or a cotton swab can be used to clean tight crevices.
3. Windows & Mirrors
- Select the right cleaner: Choose a cleaner that is not based on ammonia (they cause damage to the tints).
- The technique: Wipe inside using horizontal strokes, and outside with vertical strokes to ensure streak-free results.
- Don’t forget about edges: Reduce the window to clean the edge on top.
4. Leather Seats
- Vacuum first Clean up dust and crumbs that have accumulated on the seams.
- Clean use a saddle soap and an absorbent cloth.
- Condition You can apply conditioners to help keep your leather soft and free of cracks.
5. Cloth Seats
- Vacuum thoroughly: Go through folds and seams.
- Spot Treat Stains Clean upholstery with an DIY blend (dish detergent, vinegar warmer water).
- Rub gently into the fabric using an easy brush.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe the area with a moist microfiber cloth and let the air dry with windows wide.
6. Carpets & Floor Mats
- Clean Mats: Clean mats made of rubber with the hose. You can also clean mats that are carpeted, like the carpet in your car.
- Vacuum Last: Get rid of all the dirt and dust that’s fallen off of consoles and seats.
- Deep Clean Carpet Cleaner or mix you make yourself ( 1 cup white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dish soap 1 cup warm water).
- Dry completely Keep windows open until the area is completely dry before placing mats back.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Car Clean Longer
- Place a small trash bin in your car, and take it out every week.
- Place cupholders on silicone baking cups to make it easy for cleaning.
- Place a microfiber fabric and a lint roller in your glove compartment for quick touches-ups.
- Washable seat covers are recommended when you travel with kids or pets.
- Clean up stains as soon as possible for the maximum results.
Read More – Touchless vs. Brush: Which Car Wash Is Best for Your Vehicle in Barrhaven?
FAQs
How can I rid myself of the smell?
Sprinkle baking soda over carpets and chairs, then spray lightly with water, then allow to sit for a few hours before vacuuming. To get the job done faster you can place a glass box of baking soda beneath the seat to help absorb odors.
How do I wash my trunk?
Take everything out, throw away all trash, clean thoroughly, and rinse off the mat if there is one.
What are touchscreens?
Use a mildly damp, lint-free and clean cloth. Do not spray directly. Wipe with care to avoid damage or streaks.
Read More – How Often You Really Need to Wash Your Car (Inside and Out)
Don’t Have Time for a DIY Clean?
Maintaining the car’s cleaning and maintenance can be the job of a lifetime. This is why the Washer on Wheels comes in. Our mobile detailing service is professional and delivers the perfect clean right to your driveway. No equipment to clean up, no mess, and no hassle.
No matter if you need just a little refresh, or a full-on deep-clean we’ll make sure your car is sparkling, clean and safe.
Get your interior detailing today and experience the “new car feeling” without the effort.