Roadmap: How to Clean the Inside of Your Car Like a Pro.
Washing your car is important to ensure that it stays beautiful and in good condition. When cleaning cars, though, people often only think about the outside and somewhat neglect the inside. Because beyond the mess you might clean up, your interior could really be in need of a good cleaning. But how do you best clean the inside of your car? With a few handy tips and tricks, you can make your car interior shine again.
Why is it important to clean your car interior?
Your car is a personal space in which you spend time every day. Hygiene is an important issue here. Dust, bacteria and mould can accumulate, leading to allergies or health problems. In addition, a clean car interior preserves the value of your car. A well-maintained car not only looks better, but can also be worth more when sold.
Where to start cleaning your car interior?
Step 1: Cleaning up
First remove all loose items such as empty bottles, receipts and other clutter. This makes it easier to clean and prevents you from accidentally throwing away something important.
Step 2: Vacuuming
Use a powerful hoover with different attachments. Start at the seats and floor upholstery and work towards hard-to-reach areas such as under the seats. Don’t forget the boot!
How do you clean the chairs?
Step 3: Clean the seats
Fabric upholstery: Vacuum loose dirt and use a foam cleaner for stubborn stains. Let the foam soak in for a while and wipe off with a damp cloth. Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Leather upholstery: Use leather cleaner and a soft cloth. Rub gently in circular motions. After cleaning, use a conditioner to keep the leather supple.
Cleaning dashboard and other surfaces
Step 4: Clean the dashboard and plastic surfaces
The dashboard and other plastic surfaces are often the biggest dust collectors. Use a microfibre cloth to remove dust and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use an all-purpose cleaner that is safe for plastic. Spray the cleaner on the cloth rather than directly on the surface to avoid streaks.
Step 5: Polish for extra shine
Are you ready for an extra shine? Then use a dashboard polish. Be careful to choose a product that is not too shiny, as this can cause reflections that impair your view while driving.
How do you remove foul odours from your car?
Step 6: Neutralise odours
Nobody likes foul odours in the car. But how do you get rid of them? The secret is often in thoroughly cleaning the inside of your car. Still, odours can remain, especially if there have been spills.
Use baking soda to neutralise odours. Sprinkle a little on seats and floor coverings, let it sit for a few hours and vacuum it up. For stubborn odours, try a commercial odour remover or consider ozone treatment.
Cleaning windows and mirrors
Step 7: Clean windows and mirrors
Cleaning windows and mirrors is one of the last steps in the process, but certainly not the least. Dirty windows can not only affect your visibility, but also give an unkempt impression. Use a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth to remove streaks and stains. Don’t forget the inside of the windows and the rear-view mirror!
Regular maintenance for a clean car interior
It is not necessary to do a thorough cleaning every week, but regular maintenance prevents dirt from accumulating. A clean car is not only good for your health, but also for your peace of mind and the value of your car.
With this roadmap, you’ll be well on your way to cleaning the inside of your car as well as a professional. Good luck and enjoy your clean, fresh car!
