Top 10 Simple Steps to Keep Your Car's Interior Looking Like New
Posted on March 12, 2024
Keeping your car's interior looking fresh and tidy doesn't have to be complicated. With just a simple steps, you can guarantee that your car’s interior remains spotless for miles ahead.
From regular car interior cleaning routines to some handy tips and tricks, maintaining your car's interior is simpler than you might think. By embracing the concept of short-burst cleaning, you'll be amazed at how swiftly you can transform your car from chaotic to spotless. Let's jump in and learn how to maintain that new car feel with minimal effort.
What You'll Need to Keep Your Car Interior Clean
Keeping the interior of your automobile in perfect condition requires having the right tools on hand. You should choose products carefully to prevent issues down the road, even if you might be tempted to grab whatever is beneath the kitchen sink.
Keep it simple when choosing cleaners for your car. Look for ones made specifically for cars to clean without causing harm. Check labels to make sure they're safe for leather, plastic, and fabric.
Avoid household cleaners with harsh chemicals—they could damage your car. Stick to automotive products for worry-free cleaning and to keep your car looking like new.
Step by Step: How to Clean a Car Interior in 10 Minutes
Clean your car interior is easier than you might think - you won't even need dozens of cleaning tools. You can give your car a near-new look with a simple routine and ten minutes of work. Here are ten easy procedures for cleaning the inside of a car.
1. Remove Unnecessary Items
Get everything out of your car that doesn't belong there. Stow everything in a laundry basket. Start with the passenger side and make your way around to the driver's side.
Don't worry about sorting items yet; just focus on tidying up. Unnecessary items include:
- Trash
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Mail and packages
- Accessories (umbrellas, scarves, hats, bags)
2. Take Out and Clean Floor Mats
Remove the mats and shake them well to eliminate any large crumbs or debris. Give the mats a good scrub with water and cleaning solution. Do this early to allow the mats to dry while you clean your car's interior.
3. Vacuum the Interior
Vacuuming the interior of your vehicle is essential. Every crevice should be cleaned, especially between the dashboard and windshield and the cupholders. Don't forget to get rid of any dirt or crumbs that might be hidden in the chairs.
4. Dust and Disinfect the Dashboard
To tackle the dust and sanitize your dashboard effectively, turn to a duster or microfiber cloth. While the vacuum does a decent job on larger areas, it might struggle with the smaller nooks of your dash. These softer alternatives are gentle on your vents and adept at capturing dust without scattering it around your car.
5. Gentle Console Cleaning
Just like your dashboard, giving your console a good clean is essential to remove dust and dirt buildup. Carefully tidy up areas such as:
- Gearshift
- Infotainment panel
- Console controls
Some parts, like the climate control and radio buttons, can be delicate, so handle them with care while dusting and disinfecting.
6. Clean Cup Holders, Door Panels, and Steering Wheel
To keep your cupholders, door panels, and steering wheel clean:
- Dust off any debris and disinfect these areas.
- If your cupholders are removable, take them out and wash them with warm, soapy water.
- Use a soft brush to scrub away any grime.
- Wipe your door panels and steering wheel with disinfectant wipes.
7. Wipe Down Interior Windows
For crystal-clear windows inside your car, grab an alcohol-based glass cleaner like Invisible Glass. Never use products not intended for glass cleaning. To prevent cleaner residue from spreading to other surfaces, employ two microfiber cloths. Spray the cleaner onto one cloth, then gently apply it to the glass.
This prevents buildup and potential damage to other interior surfaces. Use the second cloth to wipe the glass, minimizing streaks and protecting it from scratches. Keep it simple and keep your windows sparkling clean.
8. Vacuum the Seats and Floor
Use a handheld vacuum to clean the chairs and floor. Begin on the passenger side and work your way around to the driver’s side.
9. Freshen Up
Grab some baking soda, activated charcoal, or an air freshener of your choice. Try this DIY trick: mix baking soda or activated charcoal with a drop of your essential oil in a lidded plastic container.
Cut some vents in the lid, stash it under a seat, and voila!
Swap out the mixture every other month to maintain that fresh feel. Alternatively, go for a ready-made air freshener to eliminate any lingering odors, like those from your last takeout meal.
10. Close Doors and Trunk
Close all doors and the trunk once you've returned any items that belong inside the car. It's a simple step but making sure everything is securely shut keeps your belongings safe and your car tidy.
Recommended Products for Optimal Performance and Care Car
Here are the must-have products to tackle stains, banish germs, and freshen up your car:
- Disinfecting wipes
- Invisible Glass ammonia-free window cleaner
- Leather cleaner
- Carpet cleaner
- Upholstery cleaner
With these essentials on hand, you'll be equipped to keep your car looking and smelling fresh.
Pro Tips & Clever Hacks: Mastering the Art of Cleaning Your Car Interior
Check out these car interior cleaning tips and tricks:
- To gather objects for washing, use a lightweight but strong plastic laundry basket or a tote bag.
- Don't have a handheld vacuum? No problem! Sweep car seats clean with a dust broom or simply use your hands to remove debris.
- Skip vacuuming floor mats—just take them out and give them a good shake or beat to get rid of dirt and dust.
- Wipe off your dashboard and console with a microfiber towel; no further cleaning chemicals are required. It's also perfect for polishing glass surfaces without glass cleaner. For sticky spills, dampen the cloth with water for extra cleaning power.
- Want to make cleaning a bit more fun? Use a timer to challenge yourself and turn the chore into a game. It's also helpful for those feeling overwhelmed by cleaning, giving a clear timeframe and making the task more manageable.
How Often Should You Clean the Interior of a Car?
How often you clean your car inside depends on your lifestyle and how messy your passengers are, especially if you have kids or pets. Aim for a deep clean twice a year, like at the start of spring to wash away winter grime and at the end of summer to prep for colder weather. Monthly, wipe down windows for better visibility, and disinfect high-touch spots, especially during cold seasons.
Keep Your Car Looking Fresh and New Effortlessly Now
Incorporating the simple steps mentioned above into your car care routine can make a world of difference in maintaining your car's interior. With just a little effort and regular upkeep, you can keep your vehicle looking fresh and new for miles to come. However, if this all sounds like way too much work for you, we get it! Know that CarHub North York Chrysler’s Service Department is here for you. We have 4 levels of car detailing available for our customers. Check out the details on car detailing in Toronto here.