How To

How to Clean a Car Interior

By GAbaptist, eHow Member Rating
Clean and Mean!
Clean and Mean!
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People spend a lot of time in their cars. As a matter of fact, a recent Arbatron survey suggests that the average American spends at least two and a half hours a day in their autos. With this amount of time, it is inevitable that dirt, trash and grime are going to accumulate rather quickly. So, here are some important tips for keeping your vehicle's interior clean and well maintained.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Lint-Free Towels
  • Q-tips and Old Toothbrushes
  • Vinyl or Leather Protecting Cleaner
  • Clean Water
  • Vacuum or Dust Buster
  • Glass Cleaner
  1. Step 1

    To start with, a good vacuuming of the car's interior is the best place to begin. Vacuuming often can prevent excessive wear and tear of the interior carpeting from the friction caused by dirt and debris. frequent vacuuming can also prevent staining.

  2. Step 2

    Next, concentrate on the dashboard and the seats. Ensure you use clean water and soft, lint-free towels to clean the dash. An old toothbrush or q-tips work well for getting into the nooks and crannies and other hard to reach places. A hand operated vacuum such as a dust buster is a great tools for sucking up the dirt from the seats. You could also use a stiff bristle brush, but take care not to puncture the upholstery. There are several brands of vinyl and leather cleaners available to clean and protect your interior from the heat and sun, as well as give it a nice, clean look.

  3. Step 3

    Now hit the floor mats. Vacuum the fabric portion and wash the rubber backs thoroughly. Make sure they are completely dry before placing back on the floorboard. If your mats are excessively worn, go ahead and replace them. It is easier to replace a ten dollar floor mat than the car's carpet.

  4. Step 4

    To remove dust and pollen from the interior surfaces, use shop clothes. They capture dirt rather than moving it around. Better yet, keep some handy in one of your interior compartments for a convenient wipe-down every so often.

  5. Step 5

    Finally, finish up by using glass cleaner on the windows. Window smudges and fingerprints are unsightly and can make the entire vehicle appear dirty. Clean water and lint-free towels or a squeegee will help you to clean windows quickly and effectively. Make sure to always wipe down the window glass in one direction to minimize streaking.

Tips & Warnings
  • When using carpet or upholstery cleaners, read the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
  • Always match the cleaning product to the surface.
  • Avoid products that contain ammonia because it can damage window tinting.
  • Never use a solvent-based cleaner on leather interiors because it can cause premature aging.

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