If you run out of car cleaning products and don’t have time to go to the store, there are some household items that you can use instead. These can be just as effective, and they’re much less expensive.
Grab a microfiber cloth and wipe down the dash and door panels. You can also use a lint roller or rubber glove to wipe away hair and crumbs.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is a great way to keep your car interior looking its best. It works by sucking up dirt and other particles with suction, much like a vacuum cleaner at home.
Using a powerful vacuum cleaner that includes an attachment for cleaning hard to reach areas is the key to cleaning car interiors thoroughly. It’s also essential to take your time and not overdo it.
The first step is to remove all the floor mats from your car for easier cleaning. Once you’ve removed them, shake them out to help remove any loose dirt or sand that may be stuck underneath.
Use your vacuum and attachments to go over every area in your car, focusing on any tight spots, such as the seams of the seats and between them and the consoles. This is a perfect spot for crumbs and dust to gather.
Wiping
A good wiping job goes a long way in preserving your car interior’s appearance. This is especially true of cup holders, which can be a magnet for dirt and dust.
Use a microfiber cloth, a cleaning wipe, or a towel and spray that specifically cleans automotive surfaces to thoroughly wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, gauge cluster, gear shift, and other high-traffic areas. Change out the towel or frequently wipe to avoid spreading dirt around.
If you’re cleaning leather or vinyl seats, test a cleaner on a small section first to be sure it doesn’t damage the seat material. You should also avoid using bleach or alcohol unless you’re explicitly cleaning stains.
If you have removable cup holders, dust and disinfect before you take them out. Likewise, clean door panels and the steering wheel.
Disinfecting
Disinfecting is essential for all surfaces frequently touched by hands, like door handles, gear shifters, and steering wheels. Bacteria and viruses can quickly transfer from your hands into these areas of your vehicle.
You can disinfect your car interior in several ways, including using a disinfecting wipe. This method is safe for your hands and effectively kills bacteria and germs.
The problem with this method is that it can damage your interior materials. That’s why it’s better to use a cleaner that will clean and sanitize your car’s interior without damaging its materials.
Many disinfectants are available in the market, but choosing the right one for your needs is essential. Be careful not to use multi-surface cleaners or a product with ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage vinyl and plastic. Instead, you can use an EPA-approved cleaner to kill bacteria and viruses.
Cleaning Plastic
The plastic in the car interior can quickly get dirty if not cleaned regularly. Thankfully, there are a few ways to keep your plastics looking great without needing to call in a professional.
Vacuuming is the best way to start because it can remove dust and dirt particles from the plastic in your vehicle. Be sure to vacuum the air conditioning vents, dashboard, and other hard to reach areas.
Spraying with soap is also an excellent way to clean plastic surfaces. Wipe the soap residue with a dry towel before moving on to the next area.
The next step is to apply a plastic protectant. This will prevent dust and other contaminants from adhering to the plastic and can also help to prevent UV damage. Once this is done, you can then polish it. To do this, use a microfiber towel and rub it into the plastic in small circles.
