Interior Car Care: How to Make Your Car’s Interior Last

So you’ve got a sweet ride and want to keep that new car smell for as long as possible. Or maybe your car’s interior has seen better days and is due for some freshening up. Either way, keeping your car’s interior looking and smelling like new is easier than you think. With some simple tricks for cleaning, conditioning, and protecting, you’ll be cruising in comfort and style for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of interior car care from floors to ceilings and everything in between. You’ll learn professional tips for vacuuming and shampooing seats, conditioning leather and vinyl, wiping down plastics, and eliminating odors. We’ll also show you the best products and tools to stock in your garage so you’ll be ready to detail like a pro. Follow these steps and your car’s interior will stay showroom fresh for the long haul. So sit back, get ready to clean, and enjoy the ride. Your clean and cozy cabin awaits!

1. Do a Deep Clean

About once a month, do a deep clean of your interior. Vacuum seats and carpets, wipe down vinyl and plastic parts with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser and a microfiber cloth. Use a toothbrush or soft bristled brush to get into vents, crevices and air conditioning grills. Be sure to clean door jambs, too – that’s an area that’s often overlooked!

2. Protect and Condition

Apply a UV protectant to your dashboard, vinyl seats and trim to guard against sun damage. Use a conditioner or protectant on leather seats to keep them supple and prevent cracking. Reapply as directed.

3. Address Stains Promptly

Treat any stains immediately before they have time to set in. Keep a stain remover, wipes and cleaning cloths in your car for quick action. Blot at any spills, rather than rubbing them in. For tough protein stains like blood, use a commercial stain remover and cool water. Heat will only make protein stains harder to remove.

Keeping your interior in tip-top shape requires some effort, but the reward of a pristine cabin and higher resale value down the road make it well worth it. With regular cleaning, conditioning and stain removal, your car’s interior will look like new for years to come.

Cleaning Your Car’s Interior: Supplies You’ll Need

To keep your car’s interior looking like new, you’ll need some essential supplies.

• Vacuum

A good vacuum designed for cars with appropriate attachments is a must. Look for one with a hose extension so you can reach tight areas and a brush attachment for vents and upholstery.

• Carpet cleaner

For stubborn stains on carpets, floor mats and upholstery, use a dedicated car carpet cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar or dish soap. Blot with a clean, damp rag and let air dry.

• Seat covers

Seat covers protect seats from spills, stains, and damage. Look for breathable covers that won’t make you sweat in the summer. Washable covers are also convenient since you can just throw them in the wash.

• Microfiber cloths

Microfiber cloths are very effective at trapping dirt and dust. Use them to wipe down vinyl, plastic and leather surfaces in your car’s interior.

• Air freshener

Choose an air freshener with a scent you enjoy to keep your car smelling fresh. Look for natural essential oil diffusers, scented beads or clips that attach to air vents. Avoid heavily fragranced sprays which can leave residue on surfaces.

• Rubbing alcohol

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is great for wiping down and disinfecting hard interior surfaces like the dashboard, center console and door panels. It cuts through grease and grime and leaves your car smelling clean.

With the proper supplies and some elbow grease, you’ll have your car’s interior looking showroom new again in no time. Keep your ride fresh and you’ll enjoy it for years to come!