Cleaning Your Car's Interior

There’s a good chance your car’s become a bit of a makeshift bin if you haven’t cleaned it for a while. First things first, be sure to throw out all the rubbish that’s accumulated on the floor and in the door pockets, seat pockets and cup holders. If there are any toys, baby seats or other items in there too, now’s the time to remove them. 

Tip – struggle with clutter? Try our Large Universal Boot Organiser, perfect for keeping those in-car essentials in one place. And if rubbish is a problem, our 10l In-Car Litter Bin is all you need to maintain a clean, tidy and hygienic interior. 

Your floor mats are bound to have dirt, mud and dust trodden into them. Remove them from your car and give them a thorough shake. But remember to place them on something other than the ground – you don’t want to end up getting more dirt on them. 

Carpeted mats can be cleaned using a carpet or upholstery cleaner – just be sure to follow the instructions. With rubber, vinyl, or silicone mats, you’ll want to use a hose to wash away excess dirt, before using a scrubbing brush to remove leftover residue. Rinse them well and hang dry them while you clean the rest of your car. 

Hoover all the grime and dirt you’ve dislodged, as well as what’s accumulated since your last clean with your vacuum cleaner. In-car vacuum cleaners can help with those hard-to-reach places, as well. Remember to do the same to the carpet in your car’s boot, too. 

A microfibre cloth and some window cleaner (that’s ammonia free) will help to restore some sheen to your windows and the interior mirrors. Or you can make your own window cleaner by mixing one part distilled vinegar with ten parts water. Whichever you go for, both approaches will make light work of streaks, fingerprints and grime.

Remember to lower the windows slightly before you start. Work from the top down so you can catch any drips, too.

The gearstick and cup holder in your centre console can collect dirt, grime, and bacteria so will need a clean too. If the cup holder is removable, let it soak in warm water and some dishwashing liquid before you scrub it with a sponge. Wipe it down with a cloth and rinse with fresh water. 

When it comes to the gearstick, use a clean, slightly damp microfibre cloth or our Car Care Wipes, which are safe to use on both leather and vinyl surfaces.

Next, move on to the dashboard. If it’s dusty, which it probably is, take a duster or vacuum cleaner and remove as much as you can. To get its vents and around any knobs, use a cotton swab. Then use a slightly damp microfibre cloth to clean up any grime and fingerprints.

The steering wheel will have seen its fair share of daily use, meaning germs and bacteria are probably lurking on its surface. Get it looking fresh again with our Car Care Wipes before drying it with a clean microfibre cloth.

If your car has leather seats, then use your vacuum crevice tool to remove any dust and grime in the stitching. Then with a commercial leather cleaner specifically designed for automotive care, wipe down each seat. For an extra touch, use a leather conditioner for some added shine. 

Upholstered car seats will also need vacuum cleaning in the same way. Take care of any stains with an upholstery cleaner. More stubborn spots can be dealt with using a paste of oxygen-based bleach and some water. Apply the paste to the area, leave for at least an hour, and then vacuum it away. 

Once you’ve removed these heavy stains, use an upholstery cleaner on the entire seat, working it into the fabric with a scrub brush. Clean away both the grime and cleaner with a microfibre cloth dipped in water. Blot the upholstery with a clean, dry towel and then allow the seats to air dry. 

Whether your door panels are a combination of carpet and vinyl or leather, use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe them down, as well as the door pockets. Be sure to open the doors so the dirt doesn’t get on your newly vacuumed interior.