Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Rubbing alcohol and Windex are popular cleaning agents that can be used to clean your car’s interior. While they have similarities, you should consider key differences before deciding which one to use.
What Is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a clear liquid that has a strong odor and is used for various purposes. It has disinfectant properties that make it useful in cleaning surfaces and objects. Rubbing alcohol contains 70% to 99% of isopropyl alcohol; the remaining percentage comprises water or other additives.
How To Clean A Car Interior With Rubbing Alcohol?
- You will need a bottle of rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration), microfiber towels or cloths, a spray bottle, and a vacuum cleaner with attachments.
- Remove large debris or trash from your car’s interior using the vacuum cleaner. This will ensure that you don’t spread dirt around while cleaning.
- To use rubbing alcohol to clean your car’s interior, mix one part water with one part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth or sponge and wipe down surfaces such as the dashboard and door panels.
Pros Of Rubbing Alcohol In Cleaning The Car Interior:
Remove Stubborn Stains:
One of its advantages is that it powers through stains and grime on different surfaces, including dashboards, windows, seats, door panels, and upholstery. Unlike Windex or other glass cleaners, rubbing alcohol leaves no residue behind but dries quickly and is streak-free.
It Has Disinfectant Properties:
Rubbing alcohol kills germs and bacteria lurking in the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. This makes it ideal for sanitizing high-touch areas like steering wheels, gear knobs, seat belts, and door handles.
Easily Available:
Rubbing alcohol is readily available in most households or pharmacies at a lower cost than specialized car-cleaning products. It can save you money while delivering great results like commercial cleaners.
Cons Of Rubbing Alcohol In Cleaning The Car Interior:
Damage Leather Seats:
One of the major cons of using rubbing alcohol is that it can dry out and damage your vehicle’s leather seats, dashboards, and other components.
Strong Odor:
Rubbing alcohol has a pungent smell which can be unpleasant inside the car. This could also cause respiratory problems if inhaled excessively during or after cleaning.
What Is Windex?
Windex is a popular cleaner used to clean glass surfaces such as windows, mirrors, and car windshields. The product was first introduced in the market in 1933 by the Drackett Company and has since become a household name. Windex contains several ingredients, including ammonia, which helps to remove dirt and grime from glass surfaces.
When cleaning car interiors, using Windex may not be the best option. While it can effectively clean glass surfaces like dashboards and screens, it may not be ideal for other parts of the car’s interior, such as leather seats or vinyl dashboards.
How To Clean A Car Interior With Windex?
- Remove all trash and debris from your car’s interior.
- Then, use a vacuum cleaner or a handheld dustpan to remove any loose dirt or crumbs on the seats, floor mats, and dashboard.
- Once that’s done, spray some Windex on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the surfaces gently.
When using Windex to clean leather interiors, ensure it doesn’t stay wet for too long, as prolonged exposure may damage the material. If needed, you can also mix equal parts water with Windex for a milder solution.
Pros Of Windex In Cleaning The Car Interior:
Remove Stains:
One of the primary advantages of using Windex is its ability to remove tough stains and grime from surfaces. The ammonia content in Windex makes it particularly effective at dissolving dirt and grease, making it ideal for tackling messes on the dashboard or upholstery.
Leaves A Streak-Free Finish On Glass Surfaces:
Unlike other cleaning products that can leave behind smudges or residue, Windex ensures that windows and mirrors are crystal clear. This feature enhances driving visibility and gives the car a clean and polished look.
Cons Of Windex In Cleaning The Car Interior:
Damage To Leather And Vinyl:
Windex contains ammonia and other chemicals that can damage surfaces such as leather and vinyl, commonly found in cars. Using Windex on these surfaces can cause them to dry out and crack over time.
Health risk:
Inhaling fumes from Windex while cleaning your car could pose a health risk without proper ventilation.
Rubbing Alcohol Vs. Windex Cleaning Car Interior- Which Is Best?
Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove ink stains, sticky residue, and other tough spots in the car interior. However, it can also damage certain materials like leather or plastic if used too frequently or left on for too long. On the other hand, Windex is less harsh and may be a better option for cleaning windows, mirrors, and certain types of upholstery.
Conclusion:
While both rubbing alcohol and Windex can be effective cleaning agents for car interiors, it is important to consider their respective strengths and limitations. Rubbing alcohol is best used for removing tough stains and disinfecting surfaces due to its high alcohol content. However, it may not be suitable for use on certain materials such as leather or vinyl as it can dry out or damage these surfaces.
On the other hand, Windex is formulated specifically for glass surfaces but can also be used on plastic and vinyl interiors without causing damage. It can effectively remove grime and streaks from windows, mirrors, and dashboards. However, it may not be as effective at removing tough stains or disinfecting surfaces as rubbing alcohol.
