Revive Your Car Interior

Keeping your car's interior clean is key to maintaining its value and extending its lifespan. Even if you're a neat freak, dust and debris will find their way in. But don't worry—you don't need to shell out big bucks for professional detailing. With a few simple tools and cleaning supplies you probably already have, you can clean your car's interior like a pro.

The main steps to interior car cleaning are washing the windows, clearing out trash and clutter, and sprucing up the carpets and seats using our all-purpose cleaners. You'll need some basics, 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. Follow these steps, and you'll keep your car's interior in top shape without breaking the bank.

Interior Car Cleaning Tips

Cleaning your car's interior is essential for keeping it looking sharp and protecting the upholstery. Here’s how to clean your car's interior like a pro:

Gather Trash and Debris

Start by gathering all the trash and debris. Remove car seats, toys, and other items from the car and trunk. Clear out trash from the floorboards, cup holders, door pockets, and seat pockets. This makes it easier to clean the rest of the car.

Remove and Clean the Floor Mats

Floor mats can get pretty grimy. Take them out for easier cleaning. Shake or vacuum each mat and place them on a tarp or drop cloth. For rubber, vinyl, or silicone mats: Use a hose to wash away excess dirt. 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 all purpose cleaner, 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, grab a microfiber cloth and our “light solution” in your spray bottle. Lower the windows slightly and start at the top, working downward to catch any drips. Tinted windows? No problem! Quick’n Brite is safe for them.

Window Cleaning Solution

Mix 1/4 oz of Quick'n Brite liquid concentrate with hot water in the 16oz refillable mixing spray bottle provided, following the recommended cleaning formula for effective results. This dilution is perfect 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 haze from interior windows and wipes away 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 often includes cup holders that can get messy. If removable, soak it 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's slightly damp. For tight corners, use an old toothbrush, 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 build up on the steering wheel and gear shift knobs. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean these high-touch surfaces, following a trusted cleaning formula. Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Clean Leather Car Seats

For 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. After cleaning, 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, start 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, then use a microfiber cloth dipped in plain water to wipe away the cleaner and grime. Repeat as necessary. Avoid soaking the upholstery too much. Wet cushions can take long to dry and encourage mold growth. Blot the upholstery mostly dry with a clean towel and let the seats air dry. Leave the windows open when air drying, and if possible, open the doors and point a 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. For carpet stains, try Quick ’n Brite paste full strength or use a commercial carpet cleaner like Bissell or Rug Doctor and follow the instructions. Don't forget to vacuum the trunk's carpeting.

Clean the Door Panels

Door panels may be a mix 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 about looks but also about health. Bacteria and odors can build up quickly, especially with frequent passengers or meals in the car. We recommend a thorough cleaning twice a year.

However, safety comes first. Clean your interior windows at least once a month, or whenever grime affects your visibility. Also, 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 these tips can help you maintain a tidy and fresh-smelling vehicle:

• Use a commercial dashboard cleaner and protectant for added shine. Avoid vegetable oil as it won't prevent fading or cracking.
• Steer clear of heavy-duty cleaning ingredients like bleach, ammonia, benzene, thinners, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh and abrasive cleaners. These can damage upholstery and interior surfaces. Quick’n Brite is safe for all your automotive interiors.
• Consider tinting your windows to protect your car's interior from UV rays and heat. This also helps 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.
• To freshen up the air inside your car, consider using an air freshener. There are many types available, including ones that clip onto your air vents or hang from your rearview mirror.
• For a deep clean, consider professional detailing. They have the tools and expertise to make your car look like new.
• Keep cup holders clean by placing a silicone baking cup in them. This catches spills and makes cleaning easier.
• Use backseat pet covers and a rubber glove or lint roller to wipe up fur on the seats or carpet.
• Keep a small sealed container in your car door pocket for trash. A narrow pet treat holder or cereal dispenser works well.
• If you have kids in the back seat, invest in kick mats to protect seat backs from muddy footprints.

By following these 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.

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.