We spend hours every week in our cars, yet the inside is often the most neglected part. Crumbs, dust, sticky drinks and that "lived-in" smell build up fast. Set aside an afternoon and follow this plan.
Step 1: Declutter
Remove everything: rubbish, loose items, car seats and mats.
Step 2: Vacuum top to bottom
Start with the headliner and seats, then the carpets. Use a crevice tool between seats and along rails. Slide the seats forward and back to reach underneath.
Step 3: Mats
Shake out and vacuum fabric mats. Scrub rubber mats with a diluted all-purpose cleaner and let them dry in the sun.
Step 4: Dashboard and plastics
Use a dedicated interior cleaner and a microfibre cloth on the dash, console, door panels and steering wheel. A soft brush gets dust out of air vents and switches.
Step 5: Upholstery
Treat stains with an upholstery or interior cleaner, agitate gently with a brush, and blot with a clean microfibre. Don't soak the seats.
Step 6: Glass
Clean the inside of the windows last with a glass cleaner and a fresh microfibre. Those hazy films come from plastics off-gassing in the heat.
Step 7: Freshen
Once everything is dry, a light mist of air freshener finishes the job.
Our sister company Max Products stocks interior cleaners, car care products, microfibre packs and car care hampers.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Microfibre Cloths 10 PackShop now →
Air Freshener Floral 5LShop now →
Iso Propyl Alcohol 85%Shop now →
