How to clean the interior of your car: A step-by-step guide
Want to keep your car’s interior clean and fresh? With this step-by-step guide, you’ll achieve a spotless result without missing a spot.
1: Gather your supplies
Make sure you have everything ready to work efficiently. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Trash bag
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cleaning brush
- Microfiber cloths (at least 3)
- Mild all-purpose cleaner
- Bucket
- Toothbrush or cotton swabs
- Soft drying cloth
- Glass cleaner or dish soap (for windows)
- Upholstery stain remover (for headliner)
- Special leather conditioner (for leather seats)
- Sticker remover (if needed)
Tip: Ensure your microfiber cloths haven’t been washed with fabric softener, as it can leave stains.
2: Clear out the trash
Remove old receipts, papers, and empty packaging from your car. Not only does this prevent your vacuum cleaner from clogging, but it also instantly makes your car look tidier.
3: Vacuum the interior
Remove the floor mats and start with the carpet. Vacuum the seats, the areas underneath and beside them, and finish with the trunk. Use an attachment for door pockets and smaller areas. A soft-bristle attachment is ideal to prevent surface damage, especially for leather upholstery.
4: Clean the floor mats
Floor mats endure a lot of dirt, sand, and mud. Start by giving them a firm shake or beating them to loosen dirt. Then vacuum them thoroughly. If they’re very dirty, use an industrial vacuum or a vacuum at a car wash.
After vacuuming, scrub the mats with lukewarm water and a mild interior cleaner to remove stubborn grime. Let the mats dry completely before placing them back in the car.
5: Clean the dashboard
Use a mild all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the dashboard. Avoid using too much soap, and wring out the cloth well before wiping to prevent water from seeping into small crevices. Dry the surface immediately with a soft, absorbent cloth to avoid streaks or stains.
For small crevices, such as air vents, use a toothbrush or cotton swabs. Don’t forget to clean the steering wheel, pedals, and gearshift thoroughly.
6: Maintain leather upholstery
For leather seats, use a special leather conditioner. Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
7: Clean windows and mirrors
Start by removing stickers or residue, such as old toll vignettes, using a glass scraper or sticker remover. Then wipe the inside of the windows with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove dust.
Clean the windows with lukewarm water and a bit of dish soap or glass cleaner. Use another microfiber cloth that is damp but not dripping. Wipe the window with a dry microfiber cloth immediately after cleaning. For a streak-free shine, polish the glass with a specialized glass cloth. Work on one window at a time to prevent drying and streaks. Don’t forget the rearview mirror!
Still seeing streaks? This might be because you spent too long trying to dry the window or because the glass was so dirty that it needs to be cleaned again.
8: Clean the headliner
For stains on the headliner, use an upholstery stain remover. Spray it directly on the stain and let it sit for a while to work effectively. Wipe it off with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Be careful to avoid overspray, as it can stain other parts of the interior.
Extra tip: Regular maintenance
Regular cleaning prevents dirt buildup and keeps your car smelling fresh.
Do you have a car subscription with KINTO and need advice? Feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help! Or check out our blog on washing your car or discover useful tips for using a car wash.