How to Clean Your Car Interior

Keeping the interior of your car clean is essential for maintaining its value and extending its lifespan. Even if you're the cleanest person in the world, your car will accumulate dust and debris over time. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a lot of money on professional detailing services to keep your car looking its best. With a few simple tools and cleaning supplies that you probably already have on hand, you can clean your car's interior like a pro.

The main steps to interior car cleaning are washing the windows, getting rid of trash and clutter, and cleaning the car interior's carpet and seats. You'll need some basic materials, including our Quick’n Brite All Purpose Cleaning Kit, water, microfiber cloth (included in your kit), disinfecting wipes, and optional items like leather cleaner/conditioner, upholstery cleaner, and carpet cleaner. By following these steps and using the right materials, you can keep your car's interior in great condition and avoid costly detailing services.

How to Clean Your Car's Interior

Cleaning your car's interior is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. Not only does it make your car look better, but it also helps to protect the upholstery and other surfaces from wear and tear. Here are some tips on how to clean your car's interior like a pro:

Gather Trash and Debris

The first step in cleaning your car's interior is to gather all the trash and debris. Remove any car seats, toys, and other items from the car and trunk. Gather and dispose of all the trash from the floorboards, cup holders, door pockets, and seat pockets. This will make it easier to clean the rest of the car.

Remove and Clean the Floor Mats

Floor mats are often some of the dirtiest items in a car interior. Remove all of them from the car for easier cleaning. Give each mat a good shake or vacuum and place them on a tarp or drop cloth rather than on the dirty ground. For rubber, vinyl, or silicone mats: Use a hose to wash away excess soil. Mix a “light solution” of Quick’n Brite in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush in the solution and clean the mats. Rinse well and let them air dry. For carpeted mats, vacuum first, then follow the instructions above. For tough stains use the Quick ’n Brite paste full strength, let sit for 10 minutes , then wipe with your microfiber cloth.

Clean the Interior Windows and Mirror

To clean the interior windows and mirror, you will need a microfiber cloth and our “light solution” in your spray bottle.(see directions below). Lower the windows slightly and start at the top of the window and work downward, catching any drips along the way. Tinted windows, no problem! Quick’n Brite is safe for your tinted windows.

Window Cleaning Solution

Mix 1/4 oz of Quick'n Brite liquid concentrate with hot water in the 16oz refillable mixing spray bottle provided. This dilution is suitable for lighter cleaning tasks. Your Super Shot makes four times the number of ounces on the label of light solution saving you money (and single use plastics!) e.g. 32oz Super Shot = 128 bottles of light solution!  This simple solution effectively removes the haze from interior windows and eliminates dust, fingerprints, and other grime. Other home hacks include using distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol with water.

Clean the Center Console

The center console usually includes cup holders that can get messy. If the cup holder is removable, allow it to soak in warm water with some Quick’n Brite. Scrub it clean with a sponge. Finish by wiping it down with a soft cloth and rinsing well with fresh water. Dry and reassemble the console. To clean the gearstick and other controls, use a clean microfiber cloth that is only slightly damp. To reach tight corners, use an old toothbrush or a damp cotton swab, or wrap a wet paper towel around the tip of a dull knife or flat-head screwdriver.

Remove Dashboard Dust and Grime

Use a duster to remove dust from the dashboard and cotton swabs to get into small spaces around vents and knobs. After dusting, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove grime and fingerprints. Use the light solution spray for any tough grime.

Disinfect the Steering Wheel

Germs and bacteria can accumulate on the steering wheel and gear shift knobs over time. Use a disinfecting wipe to wipe clean these high-touch surfaces. Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Clean Leather Car Seats

If you have leather car seats, use the vacuum crevice tool to carefully remove dust and grime from stitching and the area where the backs and bottom seats join. Wipe down each seat with a commercial leather cleaner made for automotive care or a solution of saddle soap and water—some cleaning lines like Lexol are made with cars in mind, so the conditioners absorb in less than 15 minutes, and you can get back on the road. After cleaning the seat, consider using a leather conditioner to restore suppleness and shine. You can also use a light solution of Quick’n Brite on your leather seats.

Clean Cloth Car Seats

For cloth car seats, begin by vacuuming each seat well. Pretreat heavily-stained areas with Quick ’n Brite paste full strength or follow the guidelines for a specific type of stain. Use our light solution on the entire seat. Use a scrub brush to work the cleaner into the fabric, and then use a microfiber cloth dipped in plain water to wipe away the cleaner and grime. Repeat the steps as necessary. Try not to get the upholstery too wet. Sopping wet cushions can take long to dry and encourage mold growth. Blot the upholstery mostly dry with a clean towel and allow the seats to air dry. Leave the windows open when air drying, and if possible, open the doors and point a free-standing fan at the damp upholstery.

Vacuum and Clean the Interior Carpet

Vacuum the car's carpet or floor to suck away all the dirt and debris. If there are stains on the carpet, try Quick ’n Brite paste full strength or you can use a commercial carpet cleaner like Bissell or Rug Doctor and follow the instructions. Remember to vacuum the trunk's carpeting.

Clean the Door Panels

The door panels may be a combination of carpet, vinyl, or leather. Use a damp microfiber cloth and a light solution of Quick’n Brite.

How Often to Clean Your Car Interior

Keeping your car's interior clean is not only important for aesthetics but also for your health. Bacteria and odors can accumulate quickly, especially if you frequently have passengers or eat in your car. We recommend cleaning your car's interior twice a year for a thorough cleaning.

However, safety should always be a priority when it comes to car maintenance. We suggest cleaning your interior windows at least once a month, or whenever grime impedes your ability to see oncoming vehicles. Additionally, remove any trash or debris from the driver's floorboard and dashboard when it interferes with the vehicle's controls.

Additional Tips to Keep Your Car Interior Clean

Keeping your car interior clean can be a challenge, but there are some additional tips that can help you maintain a tidy and fresh-smelling vehicle. Here are some tips we recommend:

• Use a commercial dashboard cleaner and protectant to add shine to the surface. Do not use vegetable oil to add shine as it will not prevent fading or cracking.

• Avoid using heavy-duty cleaning ingredients like bleach, ammonia, benzene, thinners, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh and abrasive cleaners. These chemicals can damage upholstery and interior surfaces. Quick’n Brite is safe for all your automotive interiors.

• Consider tinting your windows to help protect your car's interior from UV rays and heat. This can also help keep your car cooler in the summer.

• Regularly wash your car's exterior to prevent dirt and grime from building up on the interior surfaces. You can either take your car to a car wash or wash it yourself at home.

• If you want to freshen up the air inside your car, consider using an air freshener. There are many different types available, including ones that clip onto your air vents or hang from your rearview mirror.

• If you want to deep clean your car's interior, consider taking it to a professional detailing service. They have the tools and expertise to get your car looking like new again.

• To keep your cup holders clean, put a silicone baking cup in them. This will catch any spills and make it easier to clean them out.

• Use backseat pet covers and a rubber glove or lint roller to wipe up fur that's settled on the seats or carpet.

• Keep a small sealed container in your car door pocket for bits of trash that ends up on the floor or cup holders. A narrow pet treat holder or cereal dispenser works well.

• If you frequently have kids in the back seat, invest in kick mats to ward off muddy footprints on the seat backs.

By following these additional tips, you can keep your car interior looking and smelling great for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Best Way to Clean the Dashboard of My Car?

Cleaning the dashboard of your car can be a bit tricky, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier. First, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or debris. Then, use our Quick’n Brite All Purpose Cleaning Kit that is designed to be safe for use on the dashboard. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully, and avoid using too much water or cleaning solution.

Can I Use Vinegar to Clean My Car's Interior, and How?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean your car's interior. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use it to clean various surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and plastic. For tougher stains, you can use undiluted vinegar. However, be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it doesn't damage the surface.

What are the Best Tools or Kits for DIY Car Interior Cleaning?

There are many tools and kits available for DIY car interior cleaning, including microfiber towels, detailing brushes, and specialized cleaning solutions. Some popular kits include the Armor All Complete Car Care Kit and the Chemical Guys HOL121 Best Car Wash Bucket Kit. We fully recommend our Quick’n Brite All Purpose Cleaning Kit, with everything you need!  When choosing a kit, be sure to consider the specific needs of your car's interior and choose a kit that is designed to be safe for use on those surfaces.

Which Cleaning Agents Should be Avoided When Cleaning My Car's Interior?

While there are many household products that are safe to use on your car's interior, there are also some that should be avoided. These include bleach, ammonia, and any cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals. These products can damage the surfaces of your car's interior, and should be avoided at all costs.

Is it Okay to Use Dish Soap like Dawn for Cleaning the Interior of My Car?

While dish soap like Dawn can be effective at removing tough stains, it should be used with caution when cleaning the interior of your car. Dish soap can be harsh on some surfaces such as leather and can cause damage or discoloration. It is recommended to use a specialized car interior cleaner that is designed to be safe for use on various surfaces.