Car Interior Cleaning: How to Get It Spotless

Your car deserves a thorough clean – and not just on the outside. Here you’ll find out why cleaning your car's interior is important, how to go about it, and which tools can make the job much easier.

Contents

Car interior cleaning: Why is it important?
What you'll need for your car interior clean
From upholstery to windows: A 7-step interior clean
Tips for cleaning your car's interior

Black car seat covers with white detailing in a vehicle's interior.

Car Interior Cleaning: Why is it important?

Caring for your car isn't just about looks. Dirt, crumbs, or grime inside your vehicle can also be a safety hazard. For example, crumbs can block the seatbelt buckle, and dirty windows can obstruct your view.

Beyond safety, a clean passenger cabin is also about comfort and hygiene. Last but not least, regular exterior and interior cleaning will increase the resale value of your car.

Black car boot organizer with cleaning products and car accessories

What you need to clean your car's interior

The easiest way to clean your car's interior is to drive to your nearest self-service car wash or petrol station. There you'll find vacuum cleaners and all the large equipment you need for the job. You will need:

Vacuum cleaner (with upholstery nozzle)
Lukewarm water
Sponge, microfibre cloths
Cleaner for upholstery, dashboard and windows
Microfibre cloths
Brush or paintbrush
Thread

Tip: Standard household cleaners are not suitable for cleaning your car's interior, as they can damage the plastic on the dashboard.

From Upholstery to Car Windows: Interior Cleaning in 7 Steps

It doesn't really matter in which order you clean your car. However, it makes the most sense to clean the exterior of your vehicle first, and then follow these steps in the given order:

Step 1: Declutter
Vom Parkticket bis zur Münze zwischen den Sitzen – alles, was nicht ins Auto gehört, wird entfernt. Checke auch gleich den Kofferraum und überprüfe dabei, ob der Verbandskasten noch gültig und der Ersatzreifen funktionstüchtig ist.
Step 2: Vacuum the interior and floor mats
Nimm die Fußmatten aus dem Auto und reinige sie außerhalb des Fahrzeugs mit einer Bürste oder dem Sauger. Sauge den gesamten Innenraum vom Kofferraum bis zum Cockpit gründlich aus. Vergiss nicht, Abdeckungen anzuheben oder die Seitenfächer in den Türen zu reinigen.
Step 3: Clean the dashboard
Remove stains and dirt with a cockpit cleaner and then vacuum the dashboard.
Step 4: Clean upholstery
You can treat dirty upholstery with an upholstery cleaner, otherwise a thorough vacuum is enough.
Step 5: Clean the window panes
Clean all window panes from the outside and inside with a window cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Don't forget the window frames.
Step 6: Clean the air conditioning unit
Remove the air filter, clean it or replace it. Also take care of the air conditioning unit itself.
Step 7: Waterproofing
Zum Abschluss der Autoinnenreinigung kannst du alle Oberflächen imprägnieren. Setze dafür auf abgestimmte Imprägniersprays für Kunststoff, Polster usw.

Black car seat cover with red accents, viewed from the interior of the vehicle.

Tips for cleaning your car's interior

To get your car sparkling again, both inside and out, you should follow a few tips. These will improve the result and prevent any scratches or damage:

Spray cleaner onto the cloth or sponge, never directly onto surfaces.
Clean your car in the shade – otherwise, you'll get streaks, just like when cleaning windows.
Be careful with vacuum nozzles and similar tools – they can easily scratch plastic surfaces.
If you use a wet vacuum for the upholstery, let it dry thoroughly afterwards.
Use a brush or a piece of string for small grooves and crevices in the car.
Open all the doors and the boot while cleaning – this allows moisture to escape.
If you have leather seats, treat them with a leather conditioner or care product after cleaning.