Keeping your car interior just as polished and shiny as its exterior is not just about cleanliness; it can also help you maintain your vehicle in top condition for longer. However, not using the right detergents and techniques can actually harm your car and lead to scratches or even damaged electronics.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the safe steps you can take to effectively clean your car’s interior without causing any damage.
- Stock Up On The Right Cleaning Products
The first step to take is to make sure you are using the right automotive cleaning products, such as pH-neutral cleaners. These are made specifically to clean and degrease your car without causing any harm to fabrics and delicate surfaces. You can use them for your dashboard, together with microfibre cloths and soft-bristled brushes to prevent any scratches.
The general advice is to avoid the use of harsh chemicals, as they can cause cracks or fading of materials and surfaces.
- Take The Rubbish Out
Now that you have stocked up on the right products, it’s time to take out any crisp packages, cups, or any other rubbish you won’t be vacuuming later. Take a look under and between the seats for forgotten pieces of rubbish that need taking out, and make sure you haven’t left your ski gear or anything else in the boot. This is to prevent anything from blocking your hoover when you vacuum, and it just generally makes the cleaning process much easier.
- Start With The Mats
Take the mats from the floor of the front and back seats, and take the time to remove bigger chunks of dirt with the help of a hose. Then, give them a good scrub with soap and water before leaving them to dry and taking care of the rest.
- Vacuum
Do not rush to apply liquid cleaners yet. First, make sure you vacuum the interior thoroughly. Using a soft brush attachment will help you deep clean the upholstery, while a crevice tool will be perfect for those hard-to-reach areas between the seats. Take the time to vacuum seats, carpets, side door panels, and the boot, and don’t forget to go under the seats!
- Upholstery & Seats
Some parts of your car’s interior might be covered with materials and fabrics that will need some extra care to make sure no damage is done.
If you have leather seats or a leather steering wheel, make sure to use a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner to prevent cracks and keep the fabric smooth and shiny for longer. And don’t forget to always apply the detergent with a microcloth in circular motions.
If there are stains on your upholstery, use a mild upholstery cleaner and dab; don’t scrub to avoid damaging the fabric. Wait for it to loosen the stains and rinse.
For any other fabrics in your car, you can use a simple microcloth and a mild cleaner to remove any remaining dirt.
- Dashboard
What would work best for the dust accumulated on your dashboard is a combination of microfibre cloth and a mild, non-greasy cleaner. However, don’t spray directly on the screens and buttons, as the liquid can seep into the electronics and damage them. Instead, apply some of the detergent to the cloth first and then wipe thoroughly wherever needed.
- Windows & Mirrors
Dirt can build up on the inside of your windows as well, and even on the mirrors. So make sure you clean these properly to avoid any smudges. Our advice is to use ammonia-free glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth for all glass surfaces. Again, spray on the cloth rather than directly on the window or mirror so as not to overspray on any sensitive materials or electronics inside the car. Then, just wipe gently with the cloth for that smudge-free, shiny look.
- Carpets & Mats (Again)
At this point, your mats should be dried and ready for the next step. Vacuum and scrub them thoroughly with a carpet cleaner and a stiff brush to remove any of that stubborn dirt left. Then, leave them to dry again. Do the same for the carpets.
However, if you have rubber mats, you can just wash them with water and mild soap, but make sure they have dried completely before placing them back inside the car to prevent mould.
If you prefer not to use detergents for your carpets, you don’t have to! You can also use a steam cleaner to deep clean the rest of the interior. It is very sufficient in killing bacteria and allergens and will even remove any mild stains on the fabrics.
Clean Interior For Comfort & Longevity
Use the right products and techniques, and you will always have the fresh interior your vehicle deserves with no risk of damage. Follow these steps, and you will be sure to enjoy a spotless drive for years to come.
To take things further, we strongly suggest vacuuming your car on a weekly basis and wiping down surfaces as often as you can. This will prevent dust from building up and make those deep cleaning sessions much easier in the future.
Finally, always remember to use cleaners and brushes designed for the car’s interior so you can always keep everything in its ultimate condition and enjoy a pristine car with no wear and tear.
