Tips to Manage The Car Interior Cleaning: Do’s and Don’ts

You probably use your car daily; you have to drop off kids to their schools, go to work, hit the gym, pick your kids and drop them off at home, get groceries and other essentials before you get home and your day ends. You basically spend more time in your car than any other place. This is why you need to carry out the car interior detailing and cleaning as a courtesy to yourself and your passengers.

Plus dust, dirt, and other degrading items can build up in your car and completely ruin the interior. Then you’d have bigger problems than just a smelly and stained interior! This can seem a lot of work to do when you are doing it yourself. If you are not into doing it yourself, you can reach out to a professional car service that does all the work for you. If you are currently residing in Dubai, check out the Fougito Automobiles platform to get in touch with the car services near you.

If you want to carry out the car interior detailing and cleaning yourself, continue reading this blog. We have listed the essential do’s and don’t of car interior cleaning to help you achieve professional-level results.

The Do's of Car Interior Cleaning

When it comes to the car interior cleaning or detailing, there are some things you must do, which have been listed below:

Do Pick the Right Cleaning Products

You need to select the appropriate cleaning products for effective and safe cleaning.

If you have leather upholstery, you must opt for a pH-balanced leather cleaner like Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, as it helps to gently clean and moisturise leather surfaces in your car without causing damage or discoloration.

On the other hand, if the interior of your car has fabric upholstery, go for a dedicated fabric cleaner such as Chemical Guys Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo. This product is ideal for lifting dirt and stains without leaving behind residue.

Do proper research on the cleaning products your car needs so it doesn’t leave any lasting damage.

Do Vacuum Thoroughly

Before you start with the cleaning process, make sure to thoroughly vacuum the interior to remove loose dirt, debris, and crumbs.

Go for a high-powered vacuum with various attachments to access tight spaces and crevices. For instance, a handheld vacuum like the Dyson V7 Car+Boat vacuum will ensure thorough cleaning with its specialised attachments for crevices and upholstery.

Start vacuuming from the boot of the car and then work your way up to the cockpit.

Do Test Cleaning Solutions

Before applying any cleaning solution to your car's interior, you must perform a patch test on any small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and prevent damage.

This is particularly important for sensitive materials like leather and suede. Carry out the testing of the cleaning solution on a hidden area and wait a few minutes to observe any adverse reactions before proceeding with the cleaning process.

Do Vacuum Thoroughly

Before you start with the cleaning process, make sure to thoroughly vacuum the interior to remove loose dirt, debris, and crumbs.

Go for a high-powered vacuum with various attachments to access tight spaces and crevices. For instance, a handheld vacuum like the Dyson V7 Car+Boat vacuum will ensure thorough cleaning with its specialised attachments for crevices and upholstery.

Start vacuuming from the boot of the car and then work your way up to the cockpit.

Do Use Gentle Cleaning Techniques

The first way to carry out gentle cleaning techniques in your car is to use dedicated car cleaning products that are specifically designed for use in cars.

Next, you need to avoid aggressive scrubbing to prevent any scratching or damaging on the delicate materials at the deep cleaning car interior. Opt for using soft microfiber cloth or brush to gently lift dirt and grime.

If you feel that there are some stubborn stains in the car interior detailing, you will need to go for cleaning solutions that can be applied on the surface for a few minutes before the residue is wiped or blotted away.

Do Use Protection

While you are doing the interior car cleaning, you need to apply protective coating or treatment to ensure longevity of the interior surfaces.

In this case, you can use products like the 303 Aerospace Protectant that offer UV protection for vinyl, rubber, and plastic surfaces, preventing fading, cracking, and discoloration caused by prolonged sun exposure. Regularly applying these protective treatments can extend the lifespan of interior materials of your car and keep them looking like new.

The Don'ts of Car Interior Cleaning

Now let’s explore the things you must not do for your car interior cleaning:

Don't Use Harsh Chemicals

Again, you need to carry out proper research on what kind of products you can use for your car interior cleaning.

Some products contain harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners that can cause irreversible damage on the interior surfaces. These chemicals can lead to protective coatings being stripped away, colours fading, and materials weakening, resulting in premature wear and deterioration.

What you should do instead is to go for mild, eco-friendly cleaners formulated specifically for car interior cleaning.

Don't Overuse Water

Any excessive moisture in your car’s interior can pose a risk because it promotes mould and mildew growth, causing damage to electrical components.

When cleaning the car interior, use water sparingly and avoid saturating upholstery and carpets. Dampen a microfiber cloth or towel with water and cleaning solution for spot cleaning, and ensure thorough drying afterward to prevent moisture-related issues.

Don't Neglect Drying

After you are done with the car cleaning, make sure that you have properly dried the interior as well. This will help you to prevent any water spots, mould, and mildew growth.

You can dry the interior of your car using a clean, dry microfiber towel or cloth to absorb excess moisture from interior surfaces, paying special attention to seams, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas. For optimal drying, leave the windows or doors open to promote airflow and expedite the drying process.

Don't Forget Regular Maintenance

While it is a good idea to DIY your way through car interior cleaning, a professional maintenance of your car is also essential. Consistently maintaining the cleanliness of your car’s interior will ensure that the interior is free of any dirt, spills, and stains.

Regularly maintaining your car will help to preserve cleanliness as well as its resale value and longevity.

Final Thoughts

If you are DIY-ing the car interior cleaning, we commend you for your commitment. However, we also advise that you adhere to the do’s and don’ts of car interior cleaning that have been highlighted in this article.

Using the right products, techniques, and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a fresh, comfortable, and inviting interior environment every time you step into your car.