How to clean your car interior with regular household products

For years, I treated my car like a rolling junk drawer. Then I discovered that knowing how to clean the interior of your car the right way makes driving more enjoyable. It also protects the value of your investment. Plus it saves a small fortune as professional detailing gets more and more expensive.

The good news is that you can clean your car’s interior with common household materials and an afternoon of effort. I like to do this at least twice a year. It’s a great project for a sunny afternoon! There’s even a DIY car cleaning checklist if you want to leave the job to your child.

Household products you can use to clean the interior of your car

You don’t need to spend a fortune on special products or use harsh chemicals. In fact, most of what I use to clean car interiors are basic household cleaners.

• Hot water: Warm water helps loosen stains without making them permanent.
• Dish soap: A few drops of Dawn or other dishwashing liquid cuts through the sticky residue.
• Baking Soda: This is my favorite way to absorb odors in carpets and upholstery.
• Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol: It is ideal for disinfecting and cleaning touch screens or greasy stains.
• Microfiber Cloths: These are soft and won’t scratch your car’s delicate plastics.
• Vacuum: Use one with a crevice tool and brush attachment to reach every crevice.
• Squeegee: This is a secret weapon for lifting pet hair from seats before vacuuming.

Pro tip: Always clean your car in the shade or on a cloudy day. If the car is too hot, the cleaners dry too quickly and leave ugly streaks.

How to clean the interior of the car: Your step-by-step guide

1. Declutter

Start by removing everything that doesn’t belong. Use one bag for trash and another for household items such as children’s sports equipment or old mail. Don’t forget to check under the seats and in the trunk.

2. Vacuum from top to bottom

Vacuuming in the right order is important because you want to move the dirt down and then out. If you have trouble bending, use a stick attachment to extend your reach.

• Ceiling/header: Gently vacuum here first, especially if you are a smoker. Use the soft bristle brush attachment. (Expect this at car washes as the suction can be very strong and cause loosening).
• Seats and dashboard: Vacuum the crumbs from the crevices, seams and cup holders and dust from the dashboard.
• Floor and trunk: Save the floor for last so you can catch all the dust you knocked off the top.

3. Clean the dashboard, console and doors

Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth, wring it out, and wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, and console.

• Doors: Wipe down door panels and door handles, which are high-touch areas full of germs.
• Touch screens: Never use ammonia-based cleaners here. Instead, use a cloth lightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol to avoid damaging the anti-fog protective coating.
• Air Ducts: Use a small brush, sponge or old toothbrush to remove dust from the tiny gaps.

4. Make the windows and windshield shine

Use an alcohol-based glass cleaner and two microfiber cloths. In other words, not the ammonia-based Windex. (Overspray can damage your car’s vinyl surfaces and touchscreens.) For quick homemade window cleanercombine equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar.

Spray the cleaner on the cloth first — not the glass — to avoid overspray on your clean dashboard. Wipe the window, then use the second dry cloth to polish it streak-free. Roll the windows slightly to clean the dirty top edge. While you’re at it, you can use the glass cleaner on door handles or other chrome surfaces.

5. Locate clean seats, upholstery and seat belts

Choose the right cleaning method for your seat material.

• Cloth seats: Cover fabric upholstery stains with soapy water. Use a brush if it’s stubborn, but don’t soak the seat or you might get mold.
• Leather seats: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. If they are very dirty, use a special leather cleaner. Then, you have to adjust the skin so as not to crack. Jojoba oil is an excellent economical leather conditioner that does not burn.
• Vinyl: Warm soapy water followed by a clean damp cloth cleans the vinyl.
• Safety belts: Clean seat belts with soapy water. Pull them all the way out to make sure you’re cleaning the part that’s usually hidden. Go over them again with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

6. Clean carpets and rugs

Take out the floor mats and shake them vigorously to dislodge any loose dirt. Then clean the mats with a soapy water spray and a hose. You can use a soft brush if needed for stubborn dirt. For the car floor, treat greasy spots with a little rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth or old toothbrush, then rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Vacuum once they are dry.

Dealing with lingering odors

If your car has a “funky” smell, don’t just cover it up with a spray. To eliminate odors Of course, add some activated charcoal or clay kitty litter to a sock or nylon, tie a knot in it, and tuck it under your seat. Want a fresh scent? Thread a used dryer sheet in the airway.

For tough smells like old food, sprinkle dry baking soda on the carpets, let it sit overnight, and vacuum the next day. (You can also put one of mine homemade air fresheners in a glass holder for long-lasting fragrance!)

How to keep your car clean

• Keep eating and drinking to a minimum. If you must pierce on the go, throw away the wrappers and check for crumbs afterwards.
• Keep a microfiber cloth in your glove box to wipe up spills and dust. It’s a great way to keep busy when you’re stuck in traffic.
• Keep a small trash can in your vehicle.
• Line your cup holders with silicone baking cups to make cleanup a breeze – just pull them out, rinse and put them back in.

How often should you clean the interior of your car?

Follow up with a regular cleaning to keep your car looking its best.

• Weekly: Do a quick debris wipe and wipe residue off high-touch surfaces like the steering wheel.
• Monthly: Do the above and clean your windows too, then vacuum the floor, seats and vents.
• Seasonal: Perform deep cleaning, including leather softening and carpet scrubbing, at least twice a year. (Every three months if you have pets riding in your car.)