Car Interior Cleaning: How to Get It Spotless

Your car deserves a thorough cleaning – and not just on the outside. Here you will find out why cleaning your car's interior is important, how to go about it, and which tools will save you a lot of hard work.

Contents

Car Interior Cleaning: Why Is It Important?
What You Need for Car Interior Cleaning
From Upholstery to Windows: Interior Cleaning in 7 Steps
Tips for Cleaning Your Car's Interior

Black car seat covers with white detailing in a vehicle's interior.

Car Interior Cleaning: Why Is It Important?

Car care is not just about looks. Especially in the interior, dirt, crumbs, or soiled parts are also a safety hazard. For example, crumbs can block the seatbelt buckle, and windows dirty from the inside obstruct your view, etc.

In addition, the passenger cabin is of course also about comfort and hygiene. Last but not least, regular exterior and interior maintenance increases the resale value of your car.

Black car boot organizer with cleaning products and car accessories

What you need for car interior cleaning

The easiest way to clean your car's interior is to drive to the nearest self-service car wash or gas station. There you will find vacuum cleaners and all the heavy-duty equipment you need for cleaning. You will need:

Vacuum cleaner (with upholstery nozzle)
Lukewarm water
Sponge, microfiber cloths
Upholstery, dashboard, and window cleaner
Microfiber cloths
Brush or paintbrush
Thread

Tip: Classic household cleaners are not suitable for car interior care, as they can damage the plastic on the dashboard.

From Upholstery to Car Windows: Interior Cleaning in 7 Steps

Generally speaking, the order in which you clean your car doesn't matter. However, it makes the most sense to clean the exterior of your vehicle first, and then follow these steps in the specified order:

Step 1: Declutter
From parking tickets to loose change between the seats – clear out everything that doesn't belong in your car. While you're at it, check the trunk to make sure your first aid kit is still up to date and your spare tire is in good working order.
Step 2: Vacuum the interior and floor mats
Take the floor mats out of the car and clean them outside the vehicle with a brush or vacuum. Thoroughly vacuum the entire interior, from the trunk to the dashboard. Don't forget to lift up any covers and clean the door pockets.
Step 3: Clean the dashboard
Remove stains and dirt with a dashboard cleaner, then vacuum the dashboard afterward.
Step 4: Clean the upholstery
You can treat dirty upholstery with an upholstery cleaner; otherwise, a thorough vacuuming is enough.
Step 5: Clean the windows
Clean all windows inside and out with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Don't forget the window frames.
Step 6: Clean the air conditioner
Remove the air filter to clean or replace it. Don't forget to service the AC unit itself, too.
Step 7: Waterproofing
To finish up your car interior cleaning, you can protect all surfaces with a fabric protector. Choose matching protector sprays designed for plastic, upholstery, and more.

Black car seat cover with red accents, viewed from the interior of the vehicle.

Tips for Cleaning Your Car's Interior

To make your car shine inside and out, you should keep a few tips in mind. These will improve the results and prevent scratches or damage:

Spray cleaner onto a cloth or sponge, never directly onto surfaces.
Clean your car in the shade – otherwise, you'll get streaks just like when washing windows.
Be careful with vacuum nozzles and attachments – they can easily scratch plastic.
If you use a wet vacuum for the upholstery, make sure to let it dry thoroughly afterward.
Use a small brush or detailing swab for tight crevices and vents in the car.
Open all doors and the trunk while cleaning – this allows moisture to escape.
If you have leather seats, treat them with leather conditioner or leather care after cleaning.