Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Driving a car is an integral part of our daily lives, and we spend considerable time there. Therefore, it is important to keep our cars clean, both inside and out. The car’s interior is particularly important as it can impact our comfort and overall driving experience. A clean car interior looks better and provides a healthier environment for the occupants.
Why Is A Clean Car Important?
Maintain Good Health:
Dust, dirt, and pet hair accumulation in your vehicle’s upholstery and carpeting can trigger allergies or asthma-related symptoms. By keeping these surfaces free of debris with regular cleaning, you can reduce the risk of illness-causing germs from spreading throughout the air in your car.
Help You Relax While Driving:
Messy interiors with cluttered objects, such as empty bottles or wrappers on the floorboard or center console, could distract drivers.
Improving Visibility.
Dirty windows or mirrors can obstruct your view while driving, making it harder to see potential hazards on the road. You’ll be better equipped to react quickly and avoid accidents by keeping them spotless.
Psychological Benefits:
A clean car promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially if you’ve done the cleaning yourself. It can also create a more pleasant atmosphere inside the vehicle, reducing stress levels during commutes or long drives.
What happens if you don’t clean your car interior?
Attracts Pests Such As Rodents, Insects, And Other Critters:
They are attracted to food particles in trash bags or crumbs left behind on seats or floor mats. Rodents like mice tend to make their nests under the hood or even in the engine compartment, which poses a severe safety risk should they chew through electrical wiring or fuel lines.
Spread Germs:
An unclean car interior can be a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and allergens that can cause health issues such as allergies or respiratory problems. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the upholstery, carpets, dashboard, and air conditioning system, causing unpleasant odors that are difficult to eliminate.
Difficult To Drive:
Smudges, streaks, and fingerprints on the glass make it difficult to see clearly while driving. This problem worsens during rainy weather when water droplets stick to the windshield surface, making it hard to see through them. A simple solution for this issue is regular cleaning with a good quality glass cleaner.
How To Clean A Car Interior?
Gather Trash And Debris
Gather all trash and debris before starting. Wipe down any surfaces that may have gotten dirty.
Remove And Clean The Floor Mats
Removing your car’s floor mats is the best way to clean them. This will allow you to get at all the dirt and dust underneath them. Once cleaned, you can re-attach them in a new position or toss them away if they are in bad condition.
Washing Carpeted Mats
- Clean the mat’s surface with a vacuum cleaner. Remove any loose debris and sweep the surface clean.
- If the mat is stained, mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the stain. Let it sit for several minutes before washing the mat in warm soapy water.
- If the mat is soiled, you may need a steamer to loosen the dirt before washing it in warm soapy water.
- Dry the mat thoroughly before using it again.
Clean The Interior Windows And Mirror
Use a microfiber cloth and warm water to clean interior windows and mirrors. Make sure to get all of the dirt, dust, and fingerprints off the window surface. Use a soft cloth or glass cleaner with a mild abrasive agent if the mirror needs cleaning.
Cleaning The Steering Wheel
- Take a soft cloth and dampen it with warm water. Wring out the cloth so it is only slightly damp.
- Gently rub the cloth over the surface of your steering wheel, removing dirt and debris as you go. Work in small circles to get rid of stubborn stains and residue.
- Once you’ve gotten most of the dirt off, use an automotive cleaning product designed specifically for interior surfaces such as leather or vinyl.
- Apply this product directly to a clean, dry microfiber cloth and rub it all over your steering wheel until it is covered in suds.
- Wipe any excess product with a clean, dry cloth.
- Apply a leather conditioner or protectant to preserve and protect your steering wheel from future wear and tear.
Cleaning The Center Console
- Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the area.
- Brush out any embedded dirt or dust particles before vacuuming again. Once done vacuuming, use a mild soap or detergent solution combined with warm water in a spray bottle to mist the surface lightly.
- Use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn stains or dirt residues.
- Rinse the soapy residue with clean water and dry completely with another microfiber cloth for the best results.
Remove Dashboard Dust And Grime
- Vacuum the dashboard with a soft brush attachment. This will help to lift any dirt, hair, and other debris from the surface of the dashboard.
- Once vacuumed, use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water to wipe down the surface of the dashboard and remove any remaining dust and grime.
- If any stubborn marks are absent, use a mild all-purpose cleaner or car interior cleaner specifically designed for cleaning dashboards.
Cleaning Car Seats:
Use a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the seat. For tougher stains, try a leather cleaner specifically designed for car interiors. Apply the cleaner directly to a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub in circular motions until the stain is gone.
Vacuum the fabric seats to remove dust and dirt. Use an upholstery cleaner designed explicitly for cloth car seats. Spray it directly onto the seat and scrub it with a soft brush or sponge. Be sure to focus on heavily soiled areas, such as between the cushions and seams.
Vacuum And Clean The Interior Carpet
If your car has removable mats or floorboards, remove as much dirt as possible before vacuuming them. Clean spots or stains with a damp cloth and soap made specifically for carpets. Scrub lightly, so you don’t damage any fibers; then blot dry with a dry cloth and let air dry completely before replacing the mats or boards.
What Is Best For Cleaning Car Dashboards?
If your car dashboard is made of hard plastic, use a microfiber cloth soaked in warm water, mild dish soap, or an interior cleaner specifically designed for cars. If your car dashboard is made of leather or vinyl material, opt for an interior cleaner specifically designed for leather or vinyl surfaces.
Does Dish Soap Clean The Car Interior?
Dish soap can remove dirt, grease, and other grimy substances from your car’s interior. When using dish soap, diluting it with water before cleaning is essential. This helps prevent damage to surfaces that may be sensitive to strong detergents.
Conclusion
The cleanliness of a car’s interior is of utmost importance. Not only does it affect the value and lifespan of the car, but it also impacts the health and well-being of occupants. It is important to regularly vacuum, dust, and shampoo the interior to ensure optimal air quality and comfort.
