Car Interior Cleaning: How to Get it Properly Clean
Your car deserves a thorough clean – and not just on the outside. Here you’ll find out why cleaning your car's interior is important, how to do it, and which tools can make the job much easier.
Car Interior Cleaning: Why is it important?
Car care is about more than just looks. Dirt, crumbs and grime inside your car can also be a safety hazard. For example, crumbs can block the seatbelt buckle, and dirty windows can obstruct your view.
A clean cabin is also important for your comfort and for hygiene. Last but not least, regular interior and exterior cleaning will increase the resale value of your car.
What you'll need to clean your car's interior
The easiest way to clean your car's interior is to drive to your nearest self-service car wash or petrol station. They have vacuum cleaners and all the large equipment you'll need for the job. You will need:
- Vacuum cleaner (with upholstery nozzle)
- Lukewarm water
- Sponge, microfibre cloths
- Cleaner for upholstery, dashboard and windows
- Microfibre cloths
- Brush or paintbrush
- Thread
Top tip: Standard household cleaners are not suitable for car interiors, as they can damage the plastic on the dashboard.
From Upholstery to Car Windows: Interior Cleaning in 7 Steps
While there’s no set order for cleaning your car, it makes the most sense to wash the exterior first. After that, follow these steps in the order shown:
Step 1: DeclutterVom Parkticket bis zur Münze zwischen den Sitzen – alles, was nicht ins Auto gehört, wird entfernt. Checke auch gleich den Kofferraum und überprüfe dabei, ob der Verbandskasten noch gültig und der Ersatzreifen funktionstüchtig ist.
Step 2: Vacuum the interior and floor matsNimm die Fußmatten aus dem Auto und reinige sie außerhalb des Fahrzeugs mit einer Bürste oder dem Sauger. Sauge den gesamten Innenraum vom Kofferraum bis zum Cockpit gründlich aus. Vergiss nicht, Abdeckungen anzuheben oder die Seitenfächer in den Türen zu reinigen.
Step 3: Clean the dashboardRemove stains and dirt with a cockpit cleaner and then vacuum the dashboard.
Step 4: Clean upholsteryYou can treat dirty upholstery with an upholstery cleaner, otherwise a thorough vacuum is enough.
Step 5: Clean the windowsClean all windows inside and out with a window cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Don't forget the window frames.
Step 6: Clean the air conditioning unitRemove the air filter, clean it or replace it. Also take care of the air conditioning unit itself.
Step 7: WaterproofingZum Abschluss der Autoinnenreinigung kannst du alle Oberflächen imprägnieren. Setze dafür auf abgestimmte Imprägniersprays für Kunststoff, Polster usw.
Tips for cleaning your car's interior
To get your car sparkling again, inside and out, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Following these will improve the results and help prevent scratches or damage:
- Spray cleaner onto the cloth or sponge, never directly onto surfaces.
- Clean your car in the shade – otherwise, you’ll get streaks, just like with window cleaning.
- Be careful with vacuum nozzles and attachments – they can easily scratch plastic surfaces.
- If you use a wet vacuum for the upholstery, allow it to dry thoroughly afterwards.
- Use a brush or even a piece of string for small grooves and crevices in the car.
- Open all doors and the boot while cleaning – this allows moisture to escape.
- If you have leather seats, treat them with a suitable leather conditioner or treatment after cleaning.
