The outside appearance of your car says a lot about you, which is why it's important to keep it clean and shiny. The interior is only visible to you and whoever gets in your car, but that doesn't mean that you should just leave it cluttered and a mess. Here are steps you can follow for a deep clean.
1. Pick Up the Trash
If there is trash that you can remove with your hands like empty bottles and wrappers, take a trash bag and collect them all. It would make it easier for you to really get in there later with all the vacuuming and wiping since they will be out of the way. Basically, if a vacuum cannot clean it, then you have to pick it up.
2. Take Out Loose Parts and Items
Once you clean out the bigger junk, you need to start taking out removable interior parts like the floor mat and other car accessories. This allows for easier access to the nooks and crannies where smaller debris and dirt tend to fall into and accumulate. You can then wash them separately and let them dry out.
3. Vacuum Up
This is probably one of the most satisfying parts as you will get rid of the small debris, dirt, and dust that fall into corners and crevices. Don't just focus on the floor and the spaces between seats. Remember that even parts like your dashboard and your trunk need vacuuming too, as well as the door panels and the center console. Use a brush to loosen stubborn dirt.
4. Start Cleaning the Seats
Aside from the floor, the seats are probably one of the filthiest parts of the car. Whatever dirt and bacteria stick to your clothes are left on the seats as well. Brush your seats thoroughly using the right cleaning products based on the material, and use an upholstery cleaner to remove residue from the product.
5. Apply Conditioner to the Seats
Depending on what kind of material you have for your seats, you might need an extra step to keep it in good condition longer. In leather seats, for instance, you will need to use a leather conditioner to prevent them from drying and cracking. This is especially important if you live in a place with a hot climate.
6. Wipe Down Solid Surfaces
Now that you're done with the most difficult part, which is cleaning the seats, out of the way, you can start wiping down harder surfaces on your car. Using a microfiber cloth and the appropriate cleaning solutions, clean areas such as the steering wheel, the gear shift, the door handles, the armrests, and even the seatbelt buckles since you touch those every time you drive.
7. Scrub the Pedals
This is optional, but if you want to clean every surface of the interior, you shouldn't leave out the pedals. It goes without saying that it probably has a lot of build-up since you step on it with your outside footwear. Use a hard brush to remove stubborn dirt and then wipe it off. While you're at it, wipe the floors as well before returning the floor mats.
8. Wipe Your Windows
You need to use a different microfiber cloth for your windows given that you'll need a different cleaning solution for glass. There are glass cleaners that allow for a streak-free finish to clear up your view from the inside. Do it for your windshield and rear glass too, especially since they are essential for you to see where you're going.
9. Air it Out
Some of the chemicals used to clean a car can be overwhelming, so it's important that you air out the car first before using it again. Roll the windows down to let it dry out, and also for the remaining smells to go away. Once that's done, you use a car freshener to make it smell clean as well.
