The ultimate car interior cleaning guide

Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to shake off the remnants of winter and give your ride a fresh start! Your car has been through a lot, from snow, salt, and grime brought on by winter driving to the clutter that accumulates over time. But fret not; here's your step-by-step guide to spring cleaning your car, ensuring the interior is spotless and ready for the sunny days ahead.

What you'll need

You can use many of your regular cleaning products on your car, but many specialized auto products will clean your vehicle while protecting its surfaces. It is important to remember that some household cleaners may include chemicals not intended for use on the materials in your car. We recommend using products designed for use on your vehicle to avoid accidental damage or degradation.

Remove and clean floormats

Remove any unnecessary items, trash, or debris from your car's interior. Then remove all your floormats and shake them off outside. If you have winter/rugged mats like those made from silicon, plastics, or rubber, you can use soapy water and a brush to clean off the remaining debris. If you have carpeted mats, check the label for cleaning instructions. Some mats can be machine washed, while others require a carpet or upholstery cleaner with a hand scrub. With either type of mat, you should rinse them with water and allow them to air dry.

Vacuum and dust

Use your vacuum on the entirety of the interior of your car. Use the vacuum's attachments to get into the hard-to-reach spots, such as seat crevices and cup holders. You may need a duster or microfibre towel to clean your dash, console, and vents. Be gentle when cleaning the buttons and knobs on your console, as they can be delicate.

Wipe down surfaces

You can now move on to wiping down surfaces in your vehicle to get rid of bacteria and anything not collected by the vacuum. Use car interior wipes or auto interior cleaner and a microfiber cloth on all hard surfaces, such as your dash, door panels, and steering wheel. If your vehicle has removable cup holders, take them out and wash them well with dish soap. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning products on your car's infotainment screen, as it can damage the surface.

Clean seats

After vacuuming, you can move on to a deeper clean of your seats. If you have leather seats, wipe them down with a leather cleaner designed for automotive seats. Follow the label instructions and consider using a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft. If you have cloth seats, identify any stains, and use a stain removal product, following the product instructions. After cleaning up any stains, use a brush to scrub an upholstery cleaner into each seat. To rinse the product out of your seats, use a towel dipped in water, but try to avoid excess water in your seats as this can produce mould. Dab your seats with a dry towel before letting the seat air dry.

Wash the windows

An alcohol-based glass cleaner will work best for your windows. Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber towel, then apply it to your windows to avoid the product getting on other surfaces, which could damage them. Use a second cloth to clean your windows; this helps prevent streaks.

Deodorize

The last step in car interior cleaning is deodorizing it. Many specialty products are available, but you can also use baking soda or activated charcoal in a plastic container to eliminate smells. Purchase a scented air freshener to make your car smell great.

Spring cleaning your car might seem challenging, but the reward of driving a clean, fresh vehicle is unmatched. Roll down the windows, enjoy the breeze, and revel in the feeling of a pristine car treated to a comprehensive spring clean-up. However, if you'd prefer to leave it to the professionals, check out CAA's Mobile Auto Detailing.