There are many different ways to maintain your car’s interior, and some of them require a lot more work than others. Some people like to detail their car every week, while others prefer to do it once or twice a month. The frequency with which you need to clean the interior is dependent on how much time you spend in your car each day, as well as the type of material that covers the seats.
For instance, if you drive an older model with cloth seats, then maintenance can be difficult because dirt gets trapped against these types of materials. That said, there are still plenty of things that can be done that do not require a visit to a detailer’s shop, regardless of what type of seat coverings your vehicle has. Below we will discuss some tips for maintaining your car’s interior.
Clean the inside of your car at least once a week
As we’ve noted above, if you drive a car that has cloth seats, keeping them clean can be tough. This can be combated by cleaning the inside of your vehicle at least once per week. This will prevent dirt from building up and becoming difficult to remove when trying to detail the interior later on.
One quick way to do this is by using an air freshener or wet-wipe to clean the interior in general. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a vacuum cleaner to take care of any loose debris and hair that may be scattered on your car’s floor mats. You can also take your mats out and wash them in a soap and water solution.
Use a vacuum to remove any crumbs or dirt that has accumulated in hard-to-reach places like between seats or behind cup holders
If you travel with food, keep it sealed
There is nothing worse than spilled red sauce on the seat or floor mats. This will leave an ugly stain that may never go away, no matter how hard you try to scrub it out. A possible solution is specialized fabric protectors, which you can read about in this Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector guide to learn more. Additionally, you can prevent stains from happening by keeping all food in an airtight container and make sure any drinks are inside of a spill-proof cup.
You can also store any food-related materials in sealed bags to prevent stains from forming on your upholstery.
Use seat covers
If your car has leather seats, it’s a good idea to invest in seat covers that are specially designed for this type of material. These protectors will ensure the integrity and quality of your vehicle’s interior while maintaining its original look.
These products are inexpensive and can be found at most auto parts stores or online retailers like Amazon.
Remove all trash from the trunk of your car
You may not realize it, but there is likely some trash in your car’s trunk. This can be anything from empty water bottles to old receipts and food wrappers that you’ve been meaning to throw away for weeks now.
To avoid this building up into a messy situation, take the time to regularly go through all of the items stored. Once it’s junk, toss it.
Clean up spills right away, before they can damage anything
Sometimes, you can’t wait until your weekly interior cleaning. A spilled drink may not seem like a big deal, but it can have long-term effects on your car’s interior. As soon as you notice the spillage happen, take care of things before they have an opportunity to dry and cause permanent damage.
One way to do this is by using paper towels or napkins that will soak up the liquid. If that is not enough, then you can use a mild soap and water solution to remove it completely.
Wipe down dashboard surfaces
The dashboard is easy to forget about and it can become a place for dust, dirt, or debris to accumulate over time. This will cause the dashboard’s vinyl material to crack and may lead to air quality problems.
By wiping down the surfaces with soapy water on a regular basis, you can remove any buildup that has occurred previously.
Wash the windows inside and out
Dish soap and water are very effective in removing any dirt or bugs that have stuck to car windows. Spray the window with liquid dish soap mixed with one part water. Let soak for 15 minutes, then wipe clean using paper towels.
Cleaning your car’s interior on a regular basis can save you lots of time and frustration when that big rainstorm or snowstorm rolls through.
Consistently vacuuming the carpet, wiping down leather surfaces, cleaning out all those loose coins under seats and in cup holders will keep your car looking sharp for years to come. Use the steps we’ve outlined above to keep your car’s interior squeaky clean.