How to clean your car interior
Your car deserves a thorough clean – and not just on the outside. Here you’ll find out why cleaning your car's interior is so important, how to do it, and which tools can help make the job much easier.
Why is cleaning the car interior important?
Car care is about more than just looks. Inside the car, dirt, crumbs or grimy parts can also be a safety hazard. For example, crumbs can block the seatbelt buckle, and dirty windows can obstruct your view.
Of course, keeping the passenger cabin clean is also about comfort and hygiene. Last but not least, regular interior and exterior cleaning will increase the resale value of your car.
What you'll need to clean your car's interior
The easiest way to clean your car's interior is to drive to your nearest self-service car wash or petrol station. They have the vacuum cleaners and all the main equipment you'll need for the job. You will need:
- Vacuum cleaner (with upholstery nozzle)
- Lukewarm water
- Sponge, microfibre cloths
- Cleaner for upholstery, dashboard and windows
- Microfibre cloths
- Brush or paintbrush
Top tip: Standard household cleaners are not suitable for cleaning your car's interior as they can damage the plastic.
From upholstery to windows: Cleaning your car's interior in 7 Steps
It doesn’t really matter what order you clean your car in. However, for the best results, we recommend cleaning the outside first, then following these steps in order:
Step 1: DeclutterFrom parking tickets to coins left between the seats – remove anything that doesn't belong in the car. While you're at it, check the boot and make sure the first-aid kit is still valid and the spare tire is in good working order.
Step 2: Vacuum the interior and floor matsRemove the floor mats from the car and clean them outside the vehicle with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Thoroughly vacuum the entire interior, from the boot to the dashboard.
Step 3: Clean the dashboardRemove stains and dirt and then vacuum the dashboard.
Step 4: Clean upholsteryYou can treat dirty upholstery with an upholstery cleaner, otherwise a thorough vacuum is enough.
Step 5: Clean the windowsClean all windows inside and out with a window cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Don't forget the window frames.
Step 6: Clean the air conditioning unitRemove the air filter, clean it or replace it. Also take care of the air conditioning unit itself.
Step 7: WaterproofingTo finish cleaning your car's interior, you can waterproof all surfaces. Use specially formulated waterproofing sprays for plastic, upholstery, etc.
Tips for cleaning your car interior
To get your car sparkling again, inside and out, it’s worth keeping a few tips in mind. This will improve the results and help prevent scratches or damage:
- Spray cleaner onto the cloth or sponge, never directly onto surfaces.
- Clean your car in the shade – otherwise, you’ll get streaks, just like when cleaning windows.
- Be careful with vacuum nozzles and attachments – they can easily scratch plastic surfaces.
- If you use a wet vacuum for the upholstery, allow it to dry thoroughly afterwards.
- Use a brush or a piece of string for small grooves and crevices in the car.
- Open all the doors and the boot while cleaning – this allows moisture to escape.
- If you have leather seats, treat them with a leather conditioner or cream after cleaning.
