Written by Menswear Style
in
Cars
on the
6th March 2025
When was the last time you cleaned your car’s cabin? Just the other day? But how detailed was your last clean? You might have tidied up clutter, vacuumed crumbs, tossed out wrappers and bottles, and wiped down the dash. That should cut it, right?
Well, it depends. If you follow this routine every two weeks, do a deep clean at the end of the month, and get a thorough detail two or three times a year, then yes, that should be enough. Why make a fuss, you ask, while thinking your car’s interior looks just fine.
A study by Scrap Car Comparison, in collaboration with microbiologists at Aston University, found that car interiors contain more bacteria than the average toilet. The research showed that the boot had the highest bacteria growth, followed by the driver’s seat, gearstick, back seat, dashboard, and steering wheel. While other areas weren’t specifically tested, just think about what might be lurking in the floor mats.
The top reasons for keeping your car’s interior spotless are health and hygiene. Of course, there are plenty of other benefits, including your safety and comfort, your car’s aesthetics, resale value, etc. But even if you put all of this aside, just the simple pleasure of stepping into a fresh, spotless car is reason enough to stay on top of regular cleaning and detailing.
No, think of it this way; every auto detailing process includes cleaning but not every cleaning routine includes detailing. The former is a more thorough and lengthier process where professionals or enthusiasts remove visible and invisible contaminants from all interior surfaces and trim in the cabin and boot areas. Not using baby wipes and paper towels, that is, but specialised interior car care products to clean, disinfect, sanitise, deodorise, and protect all substrates found inside.
You’ll need the right cleaners, tools, and techniques to get the job done. So, first things first, get your shopping list ready.
Gather the Supplies
A good cleaner is the foundation of any detail. When shopping for interior car care products, you’ll notice that there’s a huge variety of multipurpose cleaners. These work on most surfaces, and they’re formulated to tackle dust, oil, grease, germs, and other contaminants. Keep in mind, though, you may need a specialised cleaner for tougher stains or delicate materials such as leather.
Then, let’s go ahead and take Benjamin Franklin’s words quite literally: “The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” You’ll need soft brushes to loosen dirt, a vacuum cleaner to remove deep-seated debris, microfibre towels to prevent streaks and scratches, and maybe a couple of white magic sponges for stubborn markings.
Bear in mind that this is not a complete list. Your focus should be on choosing the right tools for the job. If a task requires a dedicated tool, get it. Avoid makeshift or improper tools that could cause damage. For instance, using a toothpick or a knife to remove grime from a nook or cranny in the door can scratch the surface. For a safe and effective clean, you should use a specialised brush or compressed air.
Or, if you’re dealing with stains on the headlining, steam can oversaturate it and weaken the adhesive, causing it to sag. For a hassle-free clean and peace of mind, you can use an air-powered cleaning gun with micro-atomisation.
Follow the Right Steps and Trust the Process
Detailing takes time, but patience and skill lead to the best results. You can have the highest-quality, professional-grade car interior products, but if you don’t know how to use them or rush the process, the results won’t be as good as you want them to be. Here are some expert tips to guide you through the process:
– Work from top to bottom to prevent recontamination.
– Keep your feet out of the vehicle to prevent tracking in dirt and debris.
– Vacuum and loosen dirt in hard-to-reach areas before applying any cleaners.
– Apply cleaners correctly by following user instructions.
– Tackle stains with the right cleaner for carpet or leather.
– Don’t forget the details; seatbelt straps, cup holders, and door pockets are easy to overlook yet accumulate dirt and grime.
– Use gentle, circular motions to prevent uneven cleaning, streaks, or damage.
– Once everything’s clean, protect surfaces with a hydrophobic, anti-static interior dressing to prevent stains, fading, and dust build-up and keep the cabin and boot fresh for longer.
– And last but not least, take a moment to admire your work.
One of the best things about the automotive community is the shared knowledge and support; it’s not every man for himself. Here are some of the top interior car detailing supplies, tried and trusted by experts.
Gtechniq W5 All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
The Gtechniq W5 is a versatile, biodegradable cleaner that effectively yet safely removes grime, stains, and bug splatter from various interior and exterior surfaces.
Tornador Black Z-020RS
The Tornador is an advanced cleaning tool that uses air pressure to deliver a fine mist of air or agent, making it ideal for deep-cleaning hard-to-reach areas without over-wetting surfaces.
Valet Pro Enzyme Odour Eater
A powerful solution that targets and eliminates the root cause of stubborn odours—organic matter. Don’t mask, but eliminate unpleasant smells with this pH-neutral formulation without worrying about damaging automotive fabrics and upholstery.
BigBoi SuckR Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum
This high-performance vacuum is designed for both wet and dry applications. With 22 kPa of suction, a 30L capacity, AFT, and a wireless remote function, it’s built for practicality and efficiency, making light work out of the toughest jobs.
Ultimate Finish Premium Microfibre Buffing Cloths
Our soft and durable all-purpose microfibre cloths are ideal for buffing, cleaning, and drying surfaces without leaving scratches or streaks. Featuring a 300 gsm weight composed of a genuine 30% polyamide and 70% polyester, the UF non-scratch microfibre cloths are the go-to for professional detailers and enthusiasts alike.
Gtechniq I2 Tri-Clean
This all-surface antibacterial cleaner not only cleans but also kills 99.9% of bacteria and fights odours for a healthy, hygienic, and fresh interior.
Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner
If you’re looking to remove marks, grime, and fingerprints from leather and vinyl surfaces without using abrasives, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Dodo Juice.
Auto Finesse Dressle All-Purpose Dressing
This versatile, long-lasting dressing restores and protects plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces, leaving a non-greasy, satin finish. You can use it on the engine bay, trim, grilles, dashboard, and other interior and exterior surfaces.
Geist 3 Plus Care Kit
This is the ultimate leather care kit that includes cleaning and conditioning products to restore and maintain the suppleness and appearance of leather interiors. What’s interesting about it, is that it’s completely free from harsh chemicals, soaps, and solvents, making it not only safe for the interior but for your health too. The formula is pH-balanced and plant-based, ensuring a gentle yet effective clean. Featured in this kit are the Geist Rapid Cleaner, Leather Conditioner, Dye and Friction Blocker, sponge, cleaning brush, and two cloths.
Although it’s widely recommended to do a professional detail twice a year, it really depends on your usage and lifestyle. If you have pets, kids, or eat in your car, more frequent detailing can prevent buildup and make maintenance easier.
No question about it, it’s the only way to keep your interior fresh, clean, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing in the long run. So without further ado, it’s time to ask yourself again, how detailed was your last clean?
