Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Your car’s interior is a high-traffic area and can get very messy over time. Plastic surfaces, such as the dashboard and door panels, are particularly prone to collecting dirt, dust, and grime, making them look dull and faded. With some basic cleaning supplies and an understanding of the best techniques for cleaning car interior plastic, you can restore your car’s surfaces to like-new condition.
Cleaning Car Interior Plastic
What You Need
-
- Microfiber Cloth Or Rag
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Soft Brush
- Plastic Interior Protectant
- Car Polish
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Soft Brush Vacuum Attachment
Instructions
Vacuum: The first step in cleaning car interior plastic is to remove any loose dirt or debris on the surface and free up the space for detailed work. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt particles from the surface.
Wipe The Surface:
- Once you have vacuumed, use a damp microfiber cloth or rag to wipe the surface.
- Use a gentle circular motion when wiping the surface.
- Try to cover the entire area as evenly as possible.
Apply Cleaner: For more stubborn deposits of dirt and grime, use a mild all-purpose cleaner, Microfiber cloth, and a soft brush. Take care not to scrub too hard, as this may damage the plastic’s surface.
Wipe And Rinse: After applying the cleaner, use a clean microfiber cloth or rag to wipe down the surface. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Towel And Air Dry: Once you have wiped the area clean, dry it thoroughly with a soft microfiber towel. Use a hair dryer on its coolest setting to help speed up the drying process.
Apply Protectant: A plastic protectant provides long-term protection from dirt and dust. This will help to keep your car’s interior looking like new.
Polish: If you want to take it a step further, you can use car polish to restore the shine of your car’s plastic surfaces. Apply a small amount of car polish and use a soft microfiber cloth to buff the surface. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging carefully.
Tip: Do not apply any cleaning solution directly to the plastic.
Stain Treatment On Car Interior Plastic
If you encounter stubborn stains on car interior plastic, there may be better options than DIY stain removal. Consider using a professional detailing service to remove tough and hard-to-remove stains from your car’s interior surfaces.
Benefits Of Cleaning Car Interior Plastic
- Clean interior plastic can make your car look better, like new.
- Removing dirt and debris from the interior plastic helps prevent fading and discoloration over time.
- Keeping the surfaces clean can help them stay smoother and protects them from future wear and tear.
- Cleaning plastic surfaces can also kill bacteria, germs, and allergens that may have accumulated over time.
- Regular cleaning can keep the interior smelling fresh and looking great for longer.
FAQs
Do Use Steam Clean Good For Car Interior Plastic?
Using steam to clean car interior plastic is not recommended. This is because high-pressure steam can damage the plastics and cause cracking or fading of their color.
How Often Should I Clean The Car Interior Plastic?
For optimal care, it is recommended to clean your car interior plastic every month. This will help keep the plastic trim in good condition and reduce wear and tear from dirt buildup.
Why Is UV Protection Spray Important?
UV protection spray is essential when cleaning car interior plastic because it helps protect the plastic from sun damage. The UV rays can cause fading and discoloration of the plastic over time, which can significantly reduce the aesthetics of your car’s interior. Applying a UV protection spray will help preserve the look of your interior trim for more extended periods.
Ways To Protect Your Car Interior Plastic From UV Rays
- Park your car in a shady spot or use a car cover outdoors.
- Apply a UV protection spray to the exposed surfaces of the plastic trim.
- Regularly clean the interior plastic with an appropriate cleaner and cloth to reduce dirt buildup that can cause discoloration over time.
- When cleaning the plastic, use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
- Consider investing in window tints for your car windows to reduce UV exposure.
- Be mindful of where you are parking and how long you leave your car exposed to direct sunlight.
- Use trim guards or other protective products to reduce the risk of damage from outdoor elements.
Can You Clean The Car’s Interior With Household Products?
Yes, you can clean the car’s interior with household products. Mild detergents and baking soda effectively clean plastic trim and remove dirt buildup.
Conclusion
Proper and regular maintenance of your car’s interior plastic should help to keep it looking its best. Removing any spills as soon as possible is essential to prevent staining or discoloration. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the plastic will also help prevent cracking and fading. Depending on the type of product you are using, it is important to read all instructions before beginning any cleaning process. This can help ensure that your car’s interior plastic stays looking its best for years to come.
You must use only the best possible product for the job, as this can help ensure that your car’s plastic looks great and lasts a long time. Finally, it is also important to remember that regular maintenance is vital to keeping your car’s interior in top condition. Properly caring for your car’s interior plastic will help you enjoy your car for many years to come.
