Best Practices for Interior Car Cleaning
Car detailing involves thoroughly cleaning and restoring all interior and exterior components to improve appearance.
Proper car detailing is a great way to keep your interior in the best shape possible. Sometimes, though, your vehicle may need a light cleaning. Knowing where to start, what to use, and what not to use can be important to ensure that good intentions aren't costly mistakes.
Know what not to use
It may be tempting to think that household cleaning products can work their magic just as well on a car, but this isn't always the case. If improperly applied, certain cleaning chemicals can cause degradation and damage to car surfaces and upholstery. Here are some offenders to look out for:
Bleach: This is a strong cleaning agent with a well-earned reputation for dealing with stains. However, the upholstery of certain car models is much more delicate than a carpet, and the bleach may end up causing more stains. Microsuede is particularly susceptible.
Alcohol and acetone: Cleaning products containing these chemicals can damage leather interiors. While other hard surfaces can handle an alcohol spray, the urethane coating of leather can't.
Dish soap: This may be a catch-all solution for the kitchen, but dish soap is a tougher solution that dissolves grease and can damage and discolor a vehicle's upholstery with repeated use. Opt instead for dedicated upholstery cleaners.
Start from scratch
Before moving to fine cleaning, clearing trash and loose items in the car is a good idea. Shoes usually bring the most dirt into a car. Remove the flooring mats and shake them out to remove any loose grit. Rubber mats can also be hosed down and hung up to dry.
Clean contact spots
Areas frequently touched can become sticky over time, not to mention a breeding ground for bacteria. Use a dedicated disinfectant (preferably for vehicle use) to wipe down handles, dashboards, steering wheels, and consoles. Clean the cup holders with a microfiber cloth soaked with a cleaning solution. If they can be detached, then wash them separately in soapy water.
Dust with microfiber
Microfiber cloths do more than wipe away dust. The tiny fibers capture it for a more effective cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth on all surfaces where dust can accumulate, especially the dashboard and the fronts of the air vents. Use a can of compressed air or cotton swabs for stubborn or hard-to-reach spots.
Occasionally, a deep cleaning of the air ducts will be necessary to keep them free from dirt, pollen, and other debris. This job is best suited to a professional detailer with the right tools.
Windows
While the outside of a car's windows usually gets the most attention when cleaning, the interior can become just as dirty over time. Apply a dedicated window cleaner to the surface with one cloth and wipe it off with another. Using microfiber cloths or a newspaper for this task can prevent streaking or damage to the window. If the cleaning solution is alcohol-based, ensure that any adjacent leather is protected beforehand.
Seat cleaning
When vacuuming the interior of a vehicle, pay special attention to folds and crevices where dirt accumulates. If possible, use a thin nozzle to reach. For stains and marks, different seating requires different treatments:
Clean the leather using a dedicated leather cleaner and condition it immediately.
Clean all upholstery using a damp cloth and upholstery cleaner. Be careful not to use too much water as it may stain or lead to mildew.
Vinyl leather is the easiest to clean and needs only a damp cloth to remove most marks.
Deodorizers
An air freshener is a good way to mask odors in a car, but it isn't the only method. Activated charcoal or baking soda are effective deodorizers. Sometimes, a stubborn smell could indicate mold, mildew, or a lingering stain that can't be reached. A professional cleaner can perform a deep clean to combat the root causes of stubborn odors.
Desert Shield is a Phoenix auto detailing and cleaning service specializing in interior and exterior car cleaning to create the perfect finish and shine. Call us at (623) 283-2249.
