How to Clean Your Car’s Interior

Over time, dirt and debris will accumulate in your car, making it look dirty. Still, even if you clean the outside of it, the inside might still need some special attention.

With that in mind, 5-Minute Crafts has put together an 8-step guide to help you maintain the interior of your car and keep it spotless.

Setting up before starting

You’ll want a clear space before you start cleaning.

• Declutter the space by removing any personal items you might have left behind.
• Toss out any trash that might be on the floor as well as in the door pockets and cup holders.

Cleaning your steering wheel

To get rid of the bacteria that builds up over time, do this:

• Clean the steering wheel with a disinfecting cloth.
• Dry it with a microfiber cloth.

Tip: Use this same process to clean your gearshift knob.

Cleaning the air vents

• Close all the air vents.
• Turn on the ignition.
• Set the fan to the highest possible setting.
• Open one air vent at a time.

Tip: You can use a cloth wrapped around the end of a screwdriver to reach the hardest spots. A fine brush can also help clean them better.

Cleaning the center console and dashboard

You’ll need a dry toothbrush or canned air for this.

• Remove dirt and debris from any small crevices.
• Vacuum them afterward.
• Use a damp microfiber cloth after this on both the console and dashboard.

Cleaning the car seats

First, you’ll need to vacuum them well. Then, depending on the type of material they are, use different types of products to clean them:

1. Leather seats:

• Clean them with a microfiber cloth and a 2-step cleaner and conditioner.
• Alternatively, use a mix of one cup water, half a cup of vinegar, and half a tablespoon of dish soap.

2. Fabric seats:

• Spray an upholstery cleaner across the seat.
• Scrub them well with a stiff brush.
• Get any excess moisture off with a towel or rag.
• Let it dry.

Cleaning the windshield and the car windows

• You’ll need 2 soft cloths.
• Apply a glass cleaner containing alcohol onto one of them.
• Apply the product to the windshield and windows with a damp, soft cloth.
• Use the dry, soft cloth to finish the job.

Cleaning the door panels

• Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the door panels.
• Clean them with your door open so that the dirt falls on the ground instead of the carpets.

Cleaning the floor mats

• Remove them from the car.
• Wash them with a soapy solution.
• Use a scrub brush for difficult areas.
• Rinse them.
• Let them dry.