How to clean your car interior – a complete guide to cleaning the car's interior

A clean car isn't just about glossy paint and shiny rims.

After all, you spend most of your time inside the car.

Dust on the dashboard, greasy fingerprints on the screen, sand in the carpet, crumbs between the seats, and a mysterious stain on the back seat can quickly make even an otherwise nice car feel dirty.

Fortunately, a thorough cleaning of the car's interior doesn't have to be difficult.

With the right products, brushes, and microfiber cloths, you can get incredibly close to the results you associate with professional car detailing yourself.

In this guide, we walk you through the entire process:

Tidying up → vacuuming → textiles → plastic → dashboard → details → screens → leather → windows → finish

So, get the vacuum cleaner out.

Now the cabin is going to get the treatment it probably has deserved for a long time.

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How often should the car be cleaned inside?

It depends, of course, on how the car is used.

A car with:

• Children

• Dog

• Many daily kilometers

• Work clothes

• Food and drinks

• Frequent passengers

will typically require more maintenance than a car used only a few times a week.

However, there is a big difference between:

maintenance cleaning

and:

deep cleaning.

A quick vacuum and wipe-down can easily be done regularly.

A complete deep cleaning of seats, carpets, mats, and all details usually only needs to be done when necessary.

The most important thing is actually:

Don't let the dirt build up.

The longer grease, dust, liquids, and grime are allowed to sit, the more work it often requires later.

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What do you need for interior car cleaning?

You don't need 47 different products to get started.

A really good basic set can consist of:

• Vacuum cleaner

• Interior cleaner

• Microfiber cloths

• Interior brushes

• Glass cleaner

• Product for textiles as needed

• Leather cleaner and leather conditioner if the car has leather

• Plastic conditioner/dressing if desired

If you want to do the job more thoroughly, you can supplement with:

• Compressed air

• Blow gun

• Wet vacuum/extractor

• Steam cleaner

• Various detailing brushes

• Special brushes

• Textile brushes

You can find our selection for interior car cleaning at Carfreak.dk.

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Start by emptying the car

Before you get the chemicals out:

Empty the car.

Remove:

• Bottles

• Paper

• Toys

• Cables

• Sunglasses

• Parking tickets from 2023

• All the other things that mysteriously move into the car permanently

Also take out the floor mats.

You want as much free access as possible to:

• Floor

• Seats

• Center console

• Door pockets

• Trunk

This makes the rest of the cleaning much easier.

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Work from the top down

Just like with many other types of cleaning, it makes sense to work:

from the top down.

If you start by making the carpet perfectly clean and then brush dust out of the dashboard, air vents, and seat rails, a portion of it will just end up on the floor.

Therefore, the order could for example be:

1. Empty the car

2. Remove mats

3. Rough vacuuming

4. Clean upper surfaces and details

5. Clean seats

6. Clean carpets and mats

7. Vacuum again as needed

8. Clean glass

9. Apply any care/protection

10. Final check

There is not just one correct order.

But work systematically.

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Step 1 – vacuum the car thoroughly

Vacuuming is the foundation.

You want to remove as much loose material as possible before you start using liquids and cleaning products.

Vacuum, among other things:

• Seats

• Carpet

• Mats

• Trunk

• Under the seats

• Between the seats

• Around seat rails

• Door pockets

• Storage compartments

Move the front seats all the way:

forward and back

so you can get to everything properly.

You might be surprised how much of the car's past life is hidden under a front seat.

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Use different vacuum nozzles

A large nozzle is good for open areas.

A narrow nozzle is fantastic for:

• Between the seats

• Seat rails

• Center console

• Narrow edges

A brush on the vacuum cleaner can also help to loosen dust from sensitive surfaces.

It's not just about maximum suction power.

The right nozzle makes a huge difference.

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Use a brush together with the vacuum cleaner

On carpets, sand and hair can get stuck between the fibers.

Here you can use a suitable brush to loosen the material while vacuuming.

It is especially effective on:

• Carpets

• Fabric mats

• Trunk carpets

Brush the dirt free and vacuum it up.

It can make a surprisingly big difference.

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Dog hair in the car

Dog hair can be a challenge in itself.

Some types of carpets almost hold onto the hair like Velcro.

Here you can benefit from:

• Rubber brush

• Special brush for pet hair

• Vacuum cleaner

• Compressed air

• Patience

Work the hair together in smaller areas and vacuum it up.

Do not necessarily try to suck every single hair directly out of the carpet.

Loosen them first.

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Step 2 – clean the dashboard and plastic

Now we move on to the hard surfaces.

This could be:

• Dashboard

• Center console

• Door panels

• Cup holders

• Plastic around seats

• Storage compartments

• Panels

Here, a good dedicated interior cleaner would be an obvious choice.

At Carfreak, you will find, among others, products like:

P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner

YumCars Interior

Koch Chemie Pol Star

and other interior products.

See our selection of interior products.

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Don't necessarily spray directly on everything

On standard robust surfaces, the product can often be applied directly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

But around:

• Screens

• Electronics

• Buttons

• Instrumentation

• Sensitive materials

we would often rather apply the product to:

the microfiber cloth or the brush.

That way, you have better control over the liquid.

You want to clean the car.

Not test if the infotainment system is waterproof.

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Use interior brushes for textured plastic

A microfiber cloth is fantastic on smooth surfaces.

But many interior panels have texture.

Here, dirt and grease can settle down into the texture of the material.

A soft interior brush can help the cleaning product work into the surface.

Work the product in.

Lift the dirt.

Wipe off with a clean microfiber cloth.

This often gives a significantly more uniform result than just wiping the surface quickly.

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Details make the difference

If you want to take the car from:

“it’s been cleaned”

to:

“it looks freshly detailed”

then the details are important.

Use a small detailing brush around:

• Buttons

• Air vents

• Gear selector

• Stitching

• Handles

• Emblems

• Speaker grilles

• Cup holders

• Small joints

These are often the places where dust gathers and reveals that the cleaning was a bit rushed.

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How do you clean air vents?

Ventilation vents can be annoying.

They consist of small slats where dust easily gets stuck.

Use, for example:

• Soft detailing brush

• Microfiber

• Vacuum cleaner

• Compressed air

If you use compressed air, be aware of where the dirt ends up.

There's not much point in blowing dust out of one air vent and directly onto the dashboard you just cleaned.

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Step 3 – clean the steering wheel

The steering wheel is one of the places in the car we touch the most.

Therefore, it accumulates:

• Skin oils

• Sweat

• Lotion

• Dirt

• Residue from the hands

A dirty steering wheel can eventually get a shiny and greasy surface.

And no:

An extremely shiny leather steering wheel is not necessarily a sign of healthy and well-maintained leather.

It can simply be dirt and grease.

Use a product suitable for the steering wheel's material, and work carefully.

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Watch out for a worn steering wheel

If the surface of the steering wheel is already worn or damaged, you need to be extra careful.

Strong chemicals and aggressive brushing can make existing damage more visible.

Cleaning can remove dirt.

It cannot recreate:

worn color or missing surface material.

Here, actual repair may be necessary.

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Step 4 – clean screens and instrumentation

Modern cars have more screens than some offices.

Infotainment.

Digital instrumentation.

Climate control.

Screens for the back seat.

And they love:

fingerprints.

Use a clean and very soft microfiber cloth.

Do not apply a lot of aggressive interior cleaner directly to the screen.

Some screens have sensitive surface treatments.

Use a product suitable for the specific surface and follow the car manufacturer's recommendations.

If you are in doubt:

Start extremely mild.

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Do not use paper towels on sensitive screens

It can be tempting.

But for delicate glossy surfaces, we would prefer a clean, soft microfiber cloth.

This also applies to:

• Piano black

• Glossy plastic

• Instrument glass

• Sensitive screens

These surfaces can be extremely easy to scratch.

And once the sun hits piano black full of micro-scratches...

you will see them.

All of them.

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Step 5 – clean fabric seats

Fabric seats can collect:

• Dust

• Skin oils

• Drinks

• Food

• Sweat

• Dirt

• Stains

Always start with a thorough vacuuming.

Then a suitable textile/interior cleaning product can be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A product like Koch Chemie Pol Star is, for example, developed for textiles and other sensitive interior surfaces.

You will find the product and alternatives in our category for interior cleaning.

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Do not make the fabric seat unnecessarily wet

A classic mistake when cleaning textile seats is:

too much liquid.

More water does not necessarily mean cleaner.

If you soak the seat, you can:

• Greatly extend drying time

• Pull dirt further down

• Risk water spots

• Create moisture problems

Use the necessary amount of product.

Not a swimming pool.

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How do you remove stains from fabric seats?

It depends on the stain.

Coffee is not the same as oil.

Soda is not the same as mud.

But a good general principle is:

1. Remove loose dirt

2. Identify the stain if possible

3. Use a suitable cleaning product

4. Let the product work according to the instructions

5. Work carefully with a suitable brush

6. Remove the dissolved dirt

7. Let the area dry properly

8. Assess the result

Avoid going directly to the strongest chemicals.

Start as mild as possible.

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Extractor / carpet cleaner – when does it make sense?

For deeper cleaning of:

• Fabric seats

• Carpets

• Fabric mats

an extractor or carpet cleaner can be a very effective tool.

It can help apply cleaning liquid and subsequently suck:

liquid + dissolved dirt

out again.

This can yield very nice results on dirty textiles.

But technique is important.

Do not over-saturate the material.

And ensure proper drying afterwards.

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Step 6 – clean carpets

When the other areas are under control, the carpet can get a more thorough treatment.

Start again with:

vacuuming.

If the carpet is still dirty, you can use a suitable textile cleaner and brush.

Work in smaller areas.

This makes it easier to control:

• Product amount

• Cleaning

• Wiping/extraction

• Result

On very dirty carpets, an extractor can be a great help.

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Step 7 – clean the floor mats

Floor mats take in a huge amount of dirt.

Especially in the winter:

• Water

• Salt

• Mud

• Sand

If you have fabric mats:

Vacuum them thoroughly first.

Then use appropriate fabric cleaner as needed.

If you have rubber mats, they can often be cleaned more aggressively, but be mindful of the material and the manufacturer's recommendations.

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Do not use slippery dressing on pedals or mats

This is important.

You do not want a nice, shiny, and slippery:

brake pedal.

Products that leave a slippery surface do not belong in areas where grip is important.

This includes, among others:

• Pedals

Floor mats

• Steering wheel

• Other control surfaces

Safety comes before shine.

Every time.

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Step 8 – clean leather seats

If the car has leather seats, they require slightly different treatment than fabric.

Start with vacuuming.

Be careful around:

• Stitching

• Perforations

• Edges

• Electrical features

Then use a product designed for the car's leather type.

Work the product in with an appropriate leather brush or microfiber as needed.

Wipe away dirt with a clean cloth.

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Should leather be shiny?

Not necessarily.

Many modern car interiors have a relatively:

matte or satin finish from new.

If the leather seat becomes very shiny over time, some of the gloss may come from:

• Skin oils

• Sweat

• Dirt

• Products

Wear and tear

Proper cleaning can therefore make the leather appear more natural again.

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Cleaning and conditioning are not the same

There is an important difference.

Cleaning

Removes dirt and contamination.

Conditioning/protection

Applied after cleaning to provide the properties the product was developed for.

This applies to both:

• Leather

• Plastic

• Rubber

• Vinyl

You do not necessarily need to apply a dressing to every surface.

But if you do:

Clean first. Condition afterwards.

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Step 9 – clean Alcantara correctly

Alcantara and similar microfiber materials must be treated with respect.

They should not be drowned in strong APC and scrubbed until your arm gets tired.

Use a product suitable for the material.

Koch Chemie Pol Star, for example, is developed for Alcantara and textiles, among other things.

Work carefully and avoid unnecessary saturation.

When the material dries, the fibers can be gently worked back if needed with a suitable soft brush.

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Step 10 – clean seat belts

Seat belts can get surprisingly dirty.

But remember:

It is safety equipment.

Do not use random aggressive chemicals, solvents, or methods that could potentially affect the material.

Follow the car manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning seat belts.

The seat belt does not need to win a detailing competition.

First and foremost, it must:

function correctly.

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Step 11 – clean door jambs and entry areas

Door jambs are positioned somewhere between:

interior and exterior.

But a perfectly cleaned cabin with dirty door jambs never looks quite finished.

Clean the:

• Door edges

• Jambs

• Door sills

• Area around locking mechanisms

• Rubber seals

Use chemicals and tools suitable for the materials.

It is a small detail that makes a big visual difference.

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Step 12 – clean the windows from the inside

Interior car windows can develop a greasy film.

It can come from, among other things:

• Fingerprints

• Dust

• Smoke

• Materials in the cabin

• Cleaning products

On the windshield, this becomes particularly annoying in:

low sun and darkness.

Use a good glass cleaner and a clean glass cloth.

Work systematically and ensure all product residue is removed.

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Why do I get streaks on the window?

Typical causes are:

• Too much glass cleaner

• Dirty microfiber cloth

• Product residue

• Greasy window

• Poor wiping

A good trick is to have:

one cloth for cleaning and one dry cloth for the final finish.

This makes it easier to achieve a completely clear window.

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Remember the top of the side windows

Here is a classic.

You clean the side window perfectly.

Then you lower the window 5 cm.

And discover a nice dirty streak along the top.

Therefore, lower the side windows slightly during cleaning and include the top edge.

It takes 30 seconds.

And makes a huge difference.

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Step 13 – plastic care and dressing

Once the plastic surfaces are clean, you may choose to apply a conditioning product.

It can provide:

• More uniform appearance

Refreshment

• Protection

• Satin/matte finish depending on the product

At Carfreak, you will find, among other things, products for plastic and vinyl from Koch Chemie, P&S, and other professional car care brands.

See our selection of trim and plastic care for the interior.

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Avoid the greasy cockpit effect

Many still associate interior care with:

a dashboard so shiny you can see your reflection in it.

That is not necessarily the look we want.

For modern cars, many prefer a:

clean, natural, and satin/matte finish.

It looks more like factory-new and often causes fewer annoying reflections in the windshield.

Therefore, choose a product based on the finish you desire.

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Interior cleaner or APC?

A dedicated interior cleaner is developed specifically for the car's interior surfaces.

An APC – All Purpose Cleaner – is more universal and can in some cases be used for specific interior tasks at the correct dilution.

But:

APC is not automatically the best product for every surface.

Sensitive materials often require a more specialized solution.

Therefore, always use the product according to the manufacturer's instructions and check material compatibility.

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How strong of an interior cleaner should be used?

Same principle as with almost all car care:

Use the mildest chemical that solves the task satisfactorily.

A lightly dusty car does not necessarily require the same chemicals as a five-year-old work vehicle that has never had its cabin cleaned.

For regular maintenance, a gentle interior cleaner is often plenty.

For heavier dirt, stronger or concentrated products may be relevant.

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P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner

P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner is an example of a dedicated cabin cleaner for general interior surfaces.

It can be a good choice for regular cleaning of, among others:

• Plastic

• Vinyl

• Interior panels

You will find it in our category for trim and plastic for the interior.

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YumCars Interior

YumCars Interior is developed as a versatile interior cleaner for several surfaces in the cabin.

This makes this type of product interesting if you want:

one product for a large part of the general interior cleaning.

You will find YumCars and our other interior products at Carfreak.dk.

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Koch Chemie Pol Star

Koch Chemie Pol Star is particularly interesting for:

• Textiles

• Alcantara

• Fabric

• Other sensitive interior surfaces

It is a good example of why there are specialized products.

Some materials simply require a different approach than hard plastic.

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Which microfiber cloths should be used inside?

You do not necessarily need the same type of microfiber for all tasks.

It can be smart to have separate cloths for:

• General interior

• Glass

• Screens

• Leather

• Dirty areas

And most importantly:

Use clean cloths.

A microfiber cloth filled with dirt is no longer a gentle cleaning tool.

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Do not use the same cloth everywhere

The cloth you just used on:

door jambs and dirty floor plastic

should not go directly onto:

the infotainment screen.

Use multiple cloths and preferably a system so you know which cloths are used where.

It reduces the risk of moving:

• Dirt

• Grease

• Cleaning agents

around the cabin.

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Steam cleaner for car – is it a good idea?

A steam cleaner can be a fantastic tool in the hands of an experienced user.

It can be effective around:

• Hard surfaces

• Small details

• Hard-to-reach areas

But heat and moisture must be used with care.

Avoid indiscriminate use on:

• Electronics

• Sensitive screens

• Glued materials

• Sensitive leather

• Surfaces that cannot withstand heat

The steam cleaner is a tool.

Not a flamethrower for dirt.

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Compressed air for interior cleaning

Compressed air is ingenious for:

• Seat tracks

• Cracks

• Ventilation nozzles

• Under seats

• Between panels

• Carpet fibers

It can loosen dirt that the vacuum cleaner otherwise struggles to catch.

The best method is often to combine:

compressed air + brush + vacuum cleaner.

That way you loosen the dirt and remove it afterwards.

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What about bad odors in the car?

An air freshener is not the same as cleaning.

If the car smells of:

• Smoke

• Dog

• Moisture

• Old food

• Spilled drinks

you must first try to find:

the source of the odor.

Clean the:

• Seats

• Carpets

• Mats

• Trunk

• Areas under seats

and examine the car for moisture or other problems.

When the source is removed, deodorizing products can be used as part of the process.

But spraying perfume on top of old dog smell primarily results in:

dog with perfume.

Not a clean car.

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Should you clean the headliner?

Yes, if it is dirty.

But carefully.

The headliner can be more sensitive than many think, and the material may be glued to the substrate.

Therefore, you should avoid:

• Heavy saturation

• Aggressive scrubbing

• Unnecessary heat

Use as little liquid as necessary and work carefully with a product suitable for the material.

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What about piano black?

Piano black is beautiful.

For about seven minutes.

After that, it has:

• Fingerprints

• Dust

• Micro-scratches

Use extremely soft and clean microfiber cloths.

Avoid hard pressure.

And ensure that there is no dust or sand on the surface before you wipe it.

Piano black should be treated more like a sensitive paint surface than common robust plastic.

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The quick maintenance cleaning

You do not need to do a complete deep clean every time.

A quick maintenance can be:

1. Remove trash

2. Vacuum

3. Wipe the dashboard and panels

4. Clean screens

5. Clean steering wheel

6. Clean windows

7. Shake/clean mats

If you do this regularly, the big cleaning will be much easier.

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The complete deep cleaning

When the car really needs it, the process can look like this:

Empty the car

↓

Take out mats

↓

Vacuum thoroughly

↓

Blow/brush hard-to-reach areas

↓

Clean plastic and vinyl

↓

Clean details and air vents

↓

Clean steering wheel

↓

Clean seats

↓

Clean carpets

↓

Clean mats

↓

Clean leather as needed

↓

Clean glass

↓

Apply conditioner/protection

↓

Final inspection

Then the car again starts to feel like a place you actually want to spend time in.

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15 classic mistakes when cleaning the car interior

1. You use one product for absolutely everything

Different materials can require different products.

2. You spray product directly onto electronics

Apply it in a controlled manner to a cloth or brush instead.

3. You use too much liquid

More liquid does not automatically mean cleaner.

4. You saturate the fabric seats

This can result in long drying times and problems with moisture.

5. You use the same microfiber cloth everywhere

Use separate clean cloths for different tasks.

6. You start with the floor

Work systematically and preferably from top to bottom.

7. You forget under the seats

Move the seats forward and back.

8. You forget the top of the side windows

Lower the window slightly and clean the edge.

9. You use slippery dressing on pedals

Never.

10. You think shiny leather is always well-conditioned leather

It can be accumulated dirt and grease.

11. You use aggressive chemicals on screens

Be careful with sensitive surfaces.

12. You hide bad odors with perfume

Find and remove the source.

13. You soak the headliner

Work carefully and with minimal liquid.

14. You scrub piano black

Treat sensitive glossy surfaces very gently.

15. You wait until the car is extremely dirty

Regular maintenance makes the work much easier.

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FAQ – car interior cleaning

How do you clean the inside of a car?

Start by emptying the car and removing the floor mats. Then vacuum thoroughly and clean the dashboard, panels, seats, carpets, and details with products suitable for the individual materials. Finish with the windows and any care/protection treatments.

What is best for cleaning the car's interior?

A dedicated interior cleaner combined with good microfiber cloths and interior brushes is a very good starting point. For leather, textiles, and sensitive materials, specialized products may be relevant.

Can you use APC inside the car?

Some APC products can be used on certain interior surfaces at the correct dilution, but they are not automatically suitable for all materials. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How do you clean plastic in a car?

Vacuum or brush away loose dust. Then apply a suitable interior cleaner to a microfiber cloth or brush and work the surface. Wipe off with a clean microfiber cloth.

How do you clean fabric seats?

Vacuum the seat thoroughly first. Then use a suitable textile/interior cleaner and work the product gently with a brush as needed. Avoid unnecessary soaking and ensure proper drying.

How do you clean leather seats?

Vacuum carefully and then use a product intended for the car's leather type. Work with a suitable brush or cloth and wipe away the dirt. Care/protection can be applied afterwards if needed.

How do you clean Alcantara?

Use a product suitable for Alcantara and avoid soaking the material. Work carefully and, if necessary, work the fibers with a soft brush after drying.

How do you get bad odors out of the car?

First find the cause. Clean the affected seats, carpets, mats, and other materials thoroughly. Deodorizing products can then be used as a supplement, but they should not replace the cleaning itself.

Can you use a steam cleaner in the car?

Yes, on suitable surfaces and with the correct technique. Be very careful around electronics, glued materials, and heat-sensitive surfaces.

How do you get dog hair out of the car?

Loosen the hairs with a suitable rubber or pet hair brush and combine with vacuuming. On difficult areas, compressed air can also help.

What should I use to clean the screen in the car?

Use a very soft and clean microfiber cloth as well as a product suitable for the specific screen. Follow the car manufacturer's recommendation and avoid aggressive chemicals.

How often should the car be cleaned inside?

As needed. A light maintenance cleaning on a regular basis reduces the need for frequent deep cleanings.

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Conclusion – how to get a clean interior

A nice interior does not necessarily require a cupboard filled with 100 different products.

The most important thing is:

the right method.

Start by removing loose dirt.

Vacuum thoroughly.

Use cleaning products that match the materials.

Work with good brushes and clean microfiber cloths.

Use as little liquid as necessary.

And be extra careful around:

screens, electronics, Alcantara, headliners, and sensitive glossy surfaces.

Also remember the difference between:

cleaning and care.

First, we clean the surface.

Then we can choose to protect and care for it.

If you want to get started, you will find our selection for car interior cleaning at Carfreak.dk.

You can also see our selection for trim and interior plastic.

And remember:

The best interior cleaning is not the one that makes the car smell the most like cleaning agent.

It is the one that makes the cabin feel:

clean, natural, and well-maintained.