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, the steps to follow, and which tools can save you a lot of work.
Car interior cleaning: Why is it important?
Car care isn't just about looks. Especially inside, dirt, crumbs or soiled parts can also be a safety risk. For example, crumbs can block the seatbelt buckle, and dirty windows can obstruct your view.
Beyond that, keeping the passenger cabin clean is also a matter of comfort and hygiene. Last but not least, regular exterior and interior maintenance increases 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 the nearest self-service car wash or petrol station. There you will find vacuum cleaners and all the large equipment you need for cleaning. 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
Tip: Standard household cleaners are not suitable for car interior care as they can damage the plastic in the cockpit.
From upholstery to car windows: Interior cleaning in 7 steps
It doesn't really matter in which order you clean your car. However, it makes the most sense to clean the exterior of your vehicle first and then follow the steps below in the given order:
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, both inside and out, you should follow a few tips. These will improve the result and 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 when cleaning windows.
- Be careful with vacuum nozzles and attachments – they can easily scratch plastic surfaces.
- If you use a wet vacuum for the upholstery, let it dry thoroughly afterwards.
- Use a brush or a piece of string for small grooves and crevices in the car.
- Open all the doors and the boot while cleaning – this allows moisture to escape.
- If you have leather seats, treat them with a leather conditioner or cream after cleaning.
