Help and advice

Motoring Advice

Clean Your Car’s Interior Like A Pro

clean a car interior like a pro

Published 10 March 2023

When it comes to keeping your car clean and tidy, there are a number of different approaches you can take. While some people might focus primarily on the exterior of their vehicle, others may be more concerned with keeping the interior clean and comfortable. Regardless of your priorities, however, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your car stays looking and feeling its best.

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best way to clean a car on the inside. From the tools and supplies you’ll need to the specific techniques you should use, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your car’s interior looking fresh and clean.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning your car, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Some of the most important tools and materials you’ll need include:

  • Vacuum cleaner: A high-quality vacuum cleaner is an essential tool for cleaning your car’s interior. Look for a model with a variety of attachments that can help you reach into tight spaces and pick up dirt and debris.
  • Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are great for wiping down surfaces and picking up dust and grime. Look for a variety of sizes to make it easier to clean different areas of your car.
  • Cleaning solution: There are a number of different cleaning solutions you can use to clean your car’s interior, depending on the type of surfaces you’re working with. For example, you might use an all-purpose cleaner for plastic and vinyl surfaces, while a leather cleaner might be more appropriate for leather upholstery.
  • Soft-bristled brush: A soft-bristled brush can be helpful for loosening dirt and debris from carpets and upholstery.
  • Glass cleaner: For cleaning windows and mirrors, you’ll want to use a high-quality glass cleaner that won’t leave streaks or residue.

 

Step 2: Remove All the Trash and Debris

The first step in cleaning your car’s interior is to remove any trash or debris that has accumulated over time. This might include empty water bottles, fast food wrappers, or other miscellaneous items that have been left behind.

To do this, start by emptying out any trash receptacles in your car, such as the cupholders or centre console. Then, use a trash bag or container to collect any other items that need to be discarded.

 

Step 3: Vacuum the Interior

Once you’ve removed all the trash and debris from your car’s interior, it’s time to start vacuuming. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that has accumulated on the floors, seats, and other surfaces.

Start by using the vacuum’s crevice tool to clean out any hard-to-reach areas, such as between the seats or along the edges of the carpet. Then, use the brush attachment to clean the carpets and upholstery. Finally, use the vacuum’s regular nozzle attachment to clean any hard surfaces, such as the dashboard or door panels.

 

Step 4: Wipe Down Surfaces with a Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve finished vacuuming, it’s time to start wiping down surfaces with your cleaning solution. This will help remove dirt or grime and leave your car looking and smelling fresh.

Start by spraying the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth, then wipe down any plastic or vinyl surfaces in your car, such as the dashboard, door panels, and centre console. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or greasy.

For leather upholstery, you’ll want to use a specialised leather cleaner. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a microfiber cloth, then wipe down the leather surfaces in your car. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

 

Step 5: Clean the Windows and Mirrors

Cleaning the windows and mirrors in your car is an important step in making your car’s interior look and feel clean. Over time, dirt, dust, and smudges can build up on the glass surfaces, making it difficult to see clearly.

To clean your car’s windows and mirrors, start by using a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any loose dirt or dust. Then, apply a high-quality glass cleaner to another clean cloth and use it to wipe down the windows and mirrors. Be sure to work in small sections, and use a circular motion to remove any smudges or streaks.

When cleaning the inside of your car’s windshield, it’s important to be especially careful. This is because the glass can become foggy or hazy over time, making it difficult to see clearly while driving. To avoid this problem, use a specialized glass cleaner that’s designed to prevent fogging or hazing.

 

Step 6: Polish Metal Surfaces

If your car has any metal surfaces, such as the shift knob or door handles, you may want to give them a quick polish to make them shine. To do this, simply apply a small amount of metal polish to a clean microfiber cloth, then rub it onto the metal surfaces in a circular motion. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

 

Step 7: Deodorise Your Car

Finally, to make your car’s interior feel truly clean and fresh, you may want to consider deodorizing it. This can be especially important if you frequently drive with pets or if you’ve been eating food in your car.

There are a number of different ways to deodorize your car, depending on your personal preferences. Some people prefer to use a spray air freshener, while others may use an odour-neutralising spray or even a small bag of activated charcoal.

If you’re using a spray air freshener, be sure to choose a scent that you enjoy, but that’s not too overpowering. And if you’re using a bag of activated charcoal, simply place it somewhere in your car where it won’t get in the way.

 

Conclusion

Keeping the inside of your car clean and tidy is an important part of car maintenance. Not only does it help your car look and smell better, but it can also help prolong the life of your car’s interior. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your car stays in great condition for years to come. So the next time you’re getting ready to clean your car, remember to gather your supplies, remove all the trash and debris, vacuum the interior, wipe down surfaces with cleaning solution, clean the windows and mirrors, polish metal surfaces, and deodorize your car for a truly fresh and clean interior.

 

Back to all help and advice articles

You may also be interested in

More posts like this