Comprehensive Guide: How to Clean a Car Interior

Importance of a clean car interior

A clean car interior enhances comfort, hygiene, and the overall driving experience for you and your passengers. It also helps preserve your car's value and extends the lifespan of interior materials.

Overview of the cleaning process

Detailing your automobile’s interior takes some preparation. You’ll thoroughly clean the various sections and surfaces of your car, removing debris, washing surfaces, and deodorizing the interior as you go. Each step builds on the last to ensure every surface is clean and free of debris, grime, and spills.

Prepare to clean your car interior:

How to choose the right car interior cleaning tools

The cleaning devices you choose for your car interior will depend on the surfaces you need to clean and the level of dirt, grime, and stains that are present.

• A hand vac works well for loose debris including crumbs, sand, dirt, and dust found on carpet, seats, and floor mats. Vacuum attachments, such as crevice and brush tools, can be used to target hard-to-reach areas and tight spaces such as cup holders.
• A portable upholstery cleaner deep cleans fabric seats and carpet, removing tough stains and embedded odors. If you don’t have one, you can use a spray stain remover.
• For molded plastic and glass areas of the car interior, like the dashboard, windows, and door panels, a steam cleaner can be used. Avoid using steam electronic components, such as on the infotainment center, which may not be designed for steam cleaning.

Materials needed:

• The PowerClean® FurGuard™ Stick Vac, which converts to a hand vac and comes with:
• FurFinder™ Tool for upholstery
• Combination Dusting Brush/Crevice Tool
• For deeper cleaning, Little Green® Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner
  
• For use in the deep cleaner: PRO OXY Spot & Stain with StainProtect^® Technology Formula
  
• For pretreating deep stains, OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery spray stain remover
• Microfiber cloths
• Car interior cleaning solution for cleaning the dashboard and other plastic parts
• Glass cleaner

Before you start: remove personal items and trash

Remove all personal items, trash, and detachable accessories to ensure you can clean without interruption. Dispose unwanted items, remove belongings you do not need in your car, and organize the rest, returning them to your vehicle after you are finished cleaning.

Clean the car interior

The same surface cleaning techniques for vehicle interiors can often be used across different materials. For instance, both leather seats and fabric ones can be vacuumed to remove loose debris.

However, once you introduce wet cleaning methods – such as using a deep cleaner to wash fabric seats or a steam cleaner to sanitize molded plastic cup holders – it is best to research if your preferred cleaning technique is compatible with the materials in our car. Here are some pointers on how to clean a car interior, including expert advice.

Vacuum away dirt, pet fur, and debris

How to vacuum seats in a vehicle

Seat material, including fabric, leather, and "leatherette" is typically durable enough to withstand vacuuming. Be sure you get the main seat surfaces and any cracks and crevices around them.

Materials needed:

• The PowerClean® FurGuard™ Stick Vac, which converts to a hand vac and can be used with the included:
• FurFinder™ Upholstery Tool
• 2-in 1 Dusting Brush/Crevice Tool

Step 1: Choose the right hand vac attachments

Automobile interiors have plenty of tight corners and mixed surfaces, so keep any included hand vac tools within an arm's reach. You'll want attachments that can squeeze in narrow spaces and clean both fabric and hard surfaces. For instance, the PowerClean® FurGuard™ 3-in-1 Stick Vac includes tools such as the FurFinder™ Upholstery Tool, designed to pull stubborn pet fur from upholstery - even in your car's interior. (Read more about how this unique upholstery tool works.)

Step 2: Vacuum seats

Start from the top of each seat and work downward. Use the upholstery tool to remove stray hair, small piles of sand, and any other debris. Once the flat areas are clean, you may need to switch to a crevice tool. This tool helps you in those hard to reach areas such as between seat cushions or around seatbelt buckles.

Step 3: Vacuum floor mats and carpeting

Remove the mats from the vehicle and shake off any loose debris. Vacuum each mat to remove any remaining matter. Vacuum the vehicle floor, cleaning the carpets thoroughly. You may find that a combination of tools work best here, with one attachment exceling at cleaning flat stretches of carpet and another doing a better job at corners and edges.

Deep clean seats

How to deep clean fabric seats

A portable carpet and upholstery cleaner is the best bet for cleaning fabric seats, which can become magnets for fur, crumbs, and grime and the recipients of sudden spills. Some deep cleaners are cordless, which can make cleanup even easier. Always vacuum away dirt and debris before deep cleaning fabric seats.

Materials needed:

• The Little Green® Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner
  
• For use in the deep cleaner: PRO OXY Spot & Stain with StainProtect^® Technology Formula
  
• For pretreating stains: OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery spray stain remover

Step 1: Optional pretreatment for tough stains Apply spray stain remover to stubborn spots and allow it to sit for a few minutes before cleaning. We like OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery spray stain remover.

Step 2: Fill portable carpet cleaner Fill your portable carpet cleaner with warm water up to the water fill line, then add upholstery cleaning cleaner formula up to the formula line. We recommend pairing the Little Green® Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner with PRO OXY Spot & Stain with StainProtect^® Technology Formula to remove tough stains and odors.

Step 3: Spray seats Starting with your hand at the top of the first seat, press the sprayer trigger to wet the area with cleaning formula. Work your way down, making the fabric damp, but not drenched.

Step 4: Scrub and suction away messes Move your hand back to the top of the seat, only this time do not press the spray trigger. Instead, gently scrub the fabric using the bristles on the handheld tool, then press into the seat to extract the used cleaning formula into the machine’s dirty tank. Repeat as needed to remove any visible staining.

Step 4: Dry seats Let the car air dry, opening windows to increase air circulation and speed up dry time. The car seats should be fully dry in 4 to 6 hours.

How to thoroughly clean leather seats

Common household products can damage leather’s natural oils and fibers. Here’s how to clean leather car seats.

Materials needed:

• Leather-safe cleaner
• Leather conditioner
• Microfiber cloth

To keep your leather car seats in pristine condition, clean them every two to three months, or when dirt and grime appear. Always vacuum away dirt and debris before deep cleaning leather seats, being careful to use firm pressure so you do not scratch the leather.

Step 1: Choose a leather-safe cleaner Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the leather cleaner. You will likely use a microfiber cloth to rub on (and off) the cleaner. Test in an inconspicuous area to avoid damage to your seats.

Step 2: Condition the leather After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the seats supple.

Clean windows and mirrors

Materials needed:

• Streak-free glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloth or newspaper

Step 1: Select a streak-free cleaner

Use an ammonia-free cleaner to avoid damage to tinted or glass coatings.

Step 2: Clean surfaces

For smudge-free glass, lightly spray surfaces with the cleaner. Using a circular motion, use a microfiber cloth or piece of newspaper to rub the cleaner across the surface. Finish with vertical or horizontal strokes for a streak-free shine.

Clean carpeted floor mats

Materials needed:

• The Little Green® Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner
  
• For use in the deep cleaner: PRO OXY Spot & Stain with StainProtect^® Technology Formula
  
• For pretreating deep stains: OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery spray stain remover

Step 1: Optional pretreatment for tough stains

Apply spray stain remover to stubborn spots and allow it to sit for a few minutes before cleaning. We recommend OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery spray stain remover for pretreating deep stains.

Step 2: Fill portable carpet cleaner

Fill your portable carpet cleaner with warm water to the water fill line. Then, add carpet cleaning formula to the formula fill line. The same cordless Little Green® machine and Oxy-based formula you used on your seats will work here, too.

Step 3: Spray floor mats

Starting with your hand at the top edge of the first floor mat, press the sprayer trigger to wet the area with cleaning formula. Work your way down, making the mat damp, but not drenched.

Step 4: Scrub and suction away messes

Once again, start at the top of the mat, only this time do not press the spray trigger. Instead, gently scrub the mat using the bristles, then press into the carpet to extract the stain and used formula into the machine’s dirty tank. If you still see remnants of staining, repeat the process.

Step 4: Dry mats

Let the floor mats air dry, leaving them outside of the car if possible. The mats should be fully dry in 4 to 6 hours.

Deodorize the car interior

Materials needed:

• An odor remover, such as Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula
  

Using deodorizing products

Deep cleaning your seats and cup holders may be enough to give your car a long-lasting fresh smell. If you find there’s a lingering smell, search for any potential causes, such as food you missed cleaning out from under a seat. For example, BISSELL® Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula neutralize odors like pet smells and mildew while air fresheners just cover them up.

Finishing touches:

Polish and protect the dashboard

Use a dashboard polish to enhance shine and protect against UV damage.

Apply protective treatments for upholstery

Apply fabric or leather protectants to repel spills and stains.

Organize and return personal items

Neatly arrange necessary items and discard clutter to maintain a clean look.

Maintenance tips:

Establish a regular cleaning schedule

Commit to biweekly cleanings to prevent dirt build-up. Every 2-3 months, you can deep clean your car interior using a portable upholstery and carpet cleaner to remove tough stains and dirt from the soft surfaces.

Quick clean-up tips for everyday use

Keep a microfiber cloth and trash bag handy for daily touch-ups.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean a car interior not only enhances its appearance but ensures a healthier and more enjoyable driving experience. Regular vacuuming helps to remove loose debris like crumbs, sand, and pet hair, while deep cleaning with a portable carpet cleaner every few months removes embedded stains and odors. Whether you have fabric or leather seats, using the right cleaning methods and products will help preserve their condition and lifespan.

Recap of benefits

Regular interior cleaning preserves your car’s value, improves aesthetics, and ensures a healthier environment.

Encouragement for maintaining a clean car interior

A little effort goes a long way. Keep your car clean, and it will continue to be a pleasant space for years to come!

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to clean the interior of a car?

The best techniques for cleaning the interior of a car vary by the materials used inside the car. However, most car interior cleaning processes start with a thorough vacuuming. A handheld or portable vacuum with crevice and upholstery tools can help remove dirt and debris from tight spaces, carpets, and seats. Portable carpet cleaners are best for upholstered seats and floor mats, while leather cleaners are recommended for leather car seats. A microfiber cloth can be used to wipe down plastic, vinyl, and leather without leaving streaks or scratches.

Can I use dish soap to clean my car interior?

No, dish soap is designed to be fully rinsed away during the dish washing process. If it’s left on surfaces – including the plastic of cup holders or the soft upholstery of a car seat – it can become sticky and actually cause dust and grime to stick, according to our in-house chemists. Using cleaning formulas designed for those specific surfaces is recommended.

How do you clean car seat fabric?

Knowing how and what to use to clean cloth car seats helps avoid damaging the fabric while delivering exceptional results. Start by using a vacuum to remove loose debris, such as pet hair, crumbs, dirt, and dust. When vacuuming, start at the top of the car seat and work downward. Then, use a portable upholstery cleaner and an upholstery cleaning formula to remove tough stains and odors. Spray the seat with cleaning solution, gently scrubbing the fabric with the bristles before you make remove excess moisture and residue. Finish by opening the windows to air dry your seats.

How do you clean hard plastic car interior?

From the dashboard to cupholders and door panels, the plastic parts of your car interior can accumulate dust and debris. Knowing how to clean car interior plastic components can ensure streak-free and clean results. Start by using a microfiber cloth to wipe away loose dust and dirt. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with brush attachments like a crevice tool to get hard-to-reach areas. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or an all-purpose interior cleaner to wipe down the plastic and remove spots and stains. Complete your cleaning by taking a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away excess moisture and prevent streaks or water spots.