Maintaining a clean car interior goes beyond regular vacuuming and car washes. It involves a deeper clean to eliminate dirt, grime, and germs. This can be challenging due to the variety of materials inside a car, each reacting differently to cleaning products. This guide provides simple, effective, and safe steps for cleaning your car’s interior.
Soap-barImage used with permission by copyright holder
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing Your Car Interior
Cleaning and sanitizing are distinct processes. Cleaning removes dirt and grime, while sanitizing targets viruses and bacteria, which is more challenging and requires specific products. Fortunately, many cleaning products and disinfecting wipes contain detergents safe for car interiors and effective in killing germs.
Choosing the Right Cleaners
Different materials require different cleaning approaches. Here’s a breakdown for various car interior surfaces:
Cleaning Leather and Organic Materials
2020 Chrysler 300 Radar Red Interior2020 Chrysler 300 Radar Red Interior – Image used with permission by copyright holder
Standard automotive cleaning wipes effectively remove dirt and grime. They often contain mild detergents that also help eliminate viruses and bacteria. Alternatively, makeup removal wipes can be surprisingly effective on leather due to their cleaning agents and moisturizers, preventing the material from drying out. While alcohol-based cleaners might seem like a quick disinfecting solution, they can strip natural oils from leather. A simple solution of soap and water is surprisingly effective for cleaning and killing germs.
Cleaning Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials like vinyl and faux leather are now remarkably similar to their natural counterparts. However, their cleaning requirements differ. These man-made fibers are less porous than leather, making them less prone to drying out from harsh cleaners. While bleach, alcohol, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals should still be avoided, synthetic surfaces are more tolerant of general-purpose cleaners. Products like Armor All or detergent-based cleaners are suitable choices.
Cleaning Painted Surfaces
Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATICMercedes-AMG GT 43 4MATIC – Image used with permission by copyright holder
Avoid using dish soap on interior painted surfaces as it can strip protective waxes, leaving the paint vulnerable to damage. Alcohol-based cleaners should also be avoided for similar reasons. While heavily diluted bleach can be used in dire situations, plain water is often sufficient to remove most dirt and grime without harming the paint.
Harnessing the Power of Sunlight
Sunlight offers a natural sanitizing solution. Sustained sunlight and high temperatures inside your car for at least 15 minutes daily can effectively kill many harmful bacteria and viruses.
Cleaners to Avoid
Many household cleaners, effective in kitchens, can damage car interiors. Avoid bleach-containing Lysol or Clorox wipes. Spray disinfectants require thorough application to every surface for effective sanitization. Ammonia-based cleaners should be avoided, particularly around electronics and screens, as they can strip protective coatings and damage touchscreens.
Cleaning Public Transportation
Public TransportationImage used with permission by copyright holder
Public transportation and rideshares present unique challenges due to shared use. Personal sanitary wipes containing alcohol are handy for wiping down door handles and grab bars. Thoroughly washing your hands after using public transport or rideshares is crucial for maintaining hygiene.
Further reading
- How to change the oil in your car
- How to jump a car battery
- How to defog the windows in your car
- How to wax your car
