Want to know the best way to clean your car interior? In this handy guide, we’ll take you through the steps to keep your car interior looking pristine.
How to Clean Your Car Interior
It doesn’t matter how particular you are when it comes to cleanliness in your car, dirt and debris can quickly accumulate. But with all the regular trips you make in your vehicle, especially if you have kids or pets accompanying you, this shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Fortunately, we’re here to help, with expert advice that will ensure your car interior stays in pristine condition.
Having a clean car interior is important for our health and hygiene, but it can also help improve your driving experience and enhance the aesthetic appearance of your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll give you practical advice and take you through step-by-step the most effective ways to restore your car’s interior.
Tools To Clean Your Car’s Interior
To effectively clean your car’s interior, you’ll need to equip yourself with some tools :
- Upholsterycleaner
- Handheld vacuum
- Glass cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- All-purpose cleaning spray
- Compressed air can
- Disinfecting spray
Step By Step Guide On How to Clean Your Car Interior
Once you have all the necessary tools, it’s time to get started on rejuvenating your vehicle’s interior.
1. Remove Any Clutter
The first thing you need to do when cleaning your car interior is to declutter. Over time and use, rubbish, like coffee cups and old parking tickets, can build up. So start by grabbing a rubbish bag and throwing away used wrappers, disposable cups, expired receipts and any other unwanted items that are cluttering up your car.
2.Remove and Clean the Floor Mats
The next step is to remove all the floor mats from your car and give them a good shake. Hose down rubber mats to remove excess dirt and soil. If your mats are heavily soiled, mix dishwashing soap and warm water in a bucket and scrub them with a bristle brush. Once you’ve removed all the dirt, give them a thorough rinse and allow them to air-dry.
Carpet mats can be vacuumed to remove any loose dirt or debris and ensure they’re fully clean. When vacuuming, use a crevice tool, as this will allow you to do a better job without causing any damage.
3. Wipe the Windows Down
When it comes to washing your interior windows, you should only ever use products that are specifically designed for cleaning glass. You’ll need two microfiber cloths to clean your windows properly. Spray one cloth with the cleaning product and apply it directly to the glass. Use the other cloth to wipe the window clean.
4. Dust and Disinfect the Dashboard
Your dashboard is a focal part of your car’s interior and, as a result, can quickly accumulate dust and grime. To keep your dashboard looking pristine, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum to get rid of the dust and grime quickly.
To get into hard-to-reach areas, apply compressed air and wipe down thoroughly using an all-purpose cleaner. Lastly, it’s a good idea to sanitise high-traffic areas with disinfectant wipes. Adding an air freshener to your dashboard will also help remove unpleasant odours and keep your car smelling as fresh as it looks.
5. Clean the Console
Cleaning your car’s console is easy if you take it step-by-step. Start by wiping the console with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints on surfaces that are often touched. A soft bristle brush can help you get into those hard-to-reach areas if the console has more complex surfaces.
6. Clean the Car Seats
When it comes to cleaning your car’s seats, the method you choose depends on the type of seats you have. On most cars, it’s best to start by vacuuming the seats thoroughly to get rid of loose dirt, debris or hair. On fabric seats, you’ll then want to look closer for any stains and choose an appropriate upholstery cleaner. Apply the cleaner using a soft brush for gentle yet effective cleaning, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have leather upholstery car seats, you should vacuum first and then treat any spot stains with a leather upholstery specific cleaner. You can learn about how to care for different types of seats in our article how to cleancar seats.
7. Deodorise
To help freshen up your car, apply a layer of dry baking soda onto your car’s carpets and fabric seats. Leave the baking soda overnight, and it will naturally absorb any lingering smells.
How Often Should You Clean the Inside of Your Car?
How often the inside of your car needs to be cleaned depends on your driving habits and lifestyle. If you have kids or pets, your car interior will need to be cleaned more frequently. For all the car enthusiasts who are keen to keep their car interior looking its best, we recommend giving your car’s interior a thorough clean at least a couple of times per month.
The Best Ways to Your Car Interior Clean
Now you know how to clean your car’s interior thoroughly you might be wondering how to keep it cleaner for longer. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips to help you maintain a clean and clutter-free interior.
Make a Regular Cleaning Routine
One of the best ways to keep your car interior clean is to clean it regularly. It’s a good idea to set aside time each week to perform a quick clean out of your vehicle. Day to day wear and tear and exposure to elements like dirt, dust and grime all build up in your car over time.
By keeping a regular cleaning routine, you will not only help preserve the look of your car’s interior, but you’ll also prevent the build-up of allergens, bacteria and more.
Don’t Eat in the Car
Avoiding eating or drinking in your car helps minimise the chance of spills or food crumbs that are hard to get rid of. This will help keep your car cleaner for longer and ensure a more enjoyable and tidier driving experience.
Invest In Seat Covers
Purchasing seat covers is a smart move when it comes to maintaining the interior of your vehicle. Seat covers protect your car’s upholstery from spills, stains and everyday wear to keep them looking like new for longer. Seat covers are also easy to take off and wash, making it easier for you to keep your car interior fresh and clean.
Use Shoe Protectors
If you’re serious about keeping your car interior clean, then you should use shoe protectors. These handy accessories act as a barrier and keep dirt, mud and grime from getting into your car. Make sure you carry some in the car so that you can give them to passengers to wear before they get into your vehicle to reduce the chance of getting stains or dirt on your carpet and floor mats.
Have a Rubbish Bag in the Car
Having a rubbish bag or portable rubbish bin in your car is an easy yet effective way to maintain a clean interior. It gives you a place to put used wrappers, receipts, tissues, and other small items that can build up over time.
Carry a Portable Vacuum
Carrying a portable vacuum cleaner is essential for anyone serious about maintaining a clean car interior. It means you never have to worry about dirt, grime and debris building up, as you can quickly vacuum up any spills or crumbs between deep cleanings.
How Star Car Wash Can Help
Keeping your car interior clean is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also more hygienic. If you get into a routine of cleaning and follow our tips on maintaining your interior, you’ll find it easier to keep on top of it. But for those times when your cleaning schedule doesn’t go to plan, we can help.
Star Car Wash is Australia’s leading professional hand wash & detailing provider. We understand your car interior is more than just a place to sit.
Our skilled technicians are equipped with industry-leading techniques and products to ensure your car interior is meticulously cleaned and restored to its optimal condition. We don’t just clean; we rejuvenate, revitalise, and refresh your car’s interior.
Our full detail service includes both interior and exterior detailing.
Contact Us
Contact any participating Star Car Wash today and experience the difference a professional detailing makes.
