With little movement and use for your vehicle during the pandemic, you probably don't feel the immediacy of cleaning it. The problem is dirt and dust accumulate on the interior even if it's sitting idle.
Your car's interior is a reflection of what type of driver you are.
You want it to reflex positively, don't you? Additionally, the accumulated dirt and dust may lead to health issues by causing bacteria to grow and thrive in the interior.
Sure, it may look clean on the outside, but what about the inside?
If your car hasn't been thoroughly cleaned since you bought it new, you have many filthy things in some unexpected places. They're there, and they aren't going away by themselves.
Can I Have It Cleaned in the Carwash?
Sure, you can. But for the most part, car washes are designed to clean the exterior of a vehicle. Their tools and techniques are not meant for cleaning interiors, or maybe they're not as thorough.
With all the suds from washing other vehicles using the same equipment, you could be looking at a filthier interior after paying $100 for a detailing job.
So, you're better off cleaning your vehicle interior on your own, and here's how to do it:
1 - Carpets and Upholstery First
As you may have guessed, the carpets and upholstery are the dirtiest parts of your vehicle. This is because they are in contact with your shoes directly when you enter or exit your car and are constantly exposed to dust from outside.
Things To Do:
● Remove the mats. Carry them out of your car and lay them down in an area where they can dry completely. Make sure to wipe the mats with a damp cloth before putting them back. You might want to consider taking it up a notch using one of those carpet cleaning equipment because these little suckers get the job done better than just running a vacuum over them.
● Get hold of an upholstery cleaner to thoroughly clean your seats, using an application method that is either spot or spray-on. After you've cleaned one section, wipe it down to remove any dust and liquid residue.
● After cleaning, dry the sections of your car's carpet and upholstery with a towel or microfiber cloth.
What to Avoid:
● Do not use a steam cleaner because it might leave soap residue and discolour the fabric.
● Steer clear of products that may contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, or deodorizers.
2 - Leather and Vinyl
The protective layer in these materials means you must be extra cautious and gentle.
Things to Do:
● The easiest way to clean leather and vinyl seats is to vacuum them regularly. However, you can't use an ordinary vacuum because the nozzle's bristles can damage the material. Check whether your vacuuming device has a special attachment for cleaning delicate materials before using it on these surfaces.
● Mix a gallon of water with 1/2 cup of fabric softener. Spray the mixture on a small section of the surface, then rub with a micro-fibre cloth to remove dirt and dust.
● Pat the area dry with a towel, and you're done.
What to Avoid:
● Do not use liquid cleaners as they can easily stain both leather and vinyl materials.
● Avoid cleaning the leather seats with soap and water, especially if they contain any oil or wax coatings.
3 - Hard Surfaces
The dash and other hard surfaces in the cab of your car are not as sensitive as leather or vinyl seats, but they, too, need cleaning.
Things to Do:
● Wipe all surfaces thoroughly using a micro-fibre towel and mild soap to loosen dirt threads and stains.
● You can use your all-purpose household cleaner, or if you don't have one handy, mild soap will do. Always remember to wipe off all residue on a hard surface before it dries out.
What to Avoid:
● Avoid wiping the dash and other hard surfaces with a microfiber towel that's too dirty, as this can lead to scratches.
● Do not polish these surfaces. Do not overuse soaps and detergents. Clean these surfaces with mild soap to avoid leaving residues and film on the surface.
4 - Dashboard, Gauges and Controls
Your car's dashboard is usually exposed to sunlight, more so if you don't have a covered parking area. Prolonged exposure leads to discolouration (the plastic material turns yellowish over time).
Things to Do:
● Clean your instrument cluster and the vents using a micro-fibre towel with mild soap, just like you do on your hard surfaces.
● Clean the air-con vents with compressed air or a vacuum, not soap.
What to Avoid:
● Do not clean your dashboard with chemical cleaners (these can damage the plastics).
● Do not use paper towels and tissues because they can scratch the surface.
5 - Cabin Filter Cleaning
Your car's air-conditioning system is responsible for keeping the cabin cool, so it's essential to clean your filter regularly. Leaving a dirty or clogged filter can reduce efficiency leading to higher engine temperatures.
Things to Do:
● Cabin filters are easy to access (usually located behind some vent in the glove compartment). Look at the current one first and compare it with a new one that's not yet opened to check if you need to replace it. Sometimes, cleaning does the job.
● Check the filter for clogs or any toxic and harmful contaminants such as smoke and soot before installing a new one (a visual inspection will do). Check your vehicle manual to see if a unique type is required for your car.
● Generally, a cabin filter should be replaced every six to 12 months. This depends on how often you drive, though, so it might be best to change the cabin filter annually if you have a daily commute.
What to Avoid:
● Avoid cleaning the cabin filter with any liquid air-conditioning cleaners because some chemicals in these cleaners can damage and weaken the plastic in the filter.
● Never wash a cabin filter in soapy water because this can reduce the life of the device and clog it. Avoid washing it with water at all, as some filters may not be waterproofed. Plus, you don't want trapped dirt to get into other car components when the water evaporates.
So, you've done a thorough cleaning, replacing all the dirty or worn-out parts of your vehicle's interior. You probably think that you're done now (if only it were that easy). These are small details in the long run, but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, it helps to treat these areas with extra care not to attract dirt and grime again.
Use mats inside your car that are easy to clean. Avoid driving with wet mats as it'll put you at risk of getting into an accident.
Do not place items that might cause stains on your car's upholstery, like coffee mugs and plastic bags.
Conclusion
Putting things in order inside your vehicle is also a must if you want to keep it clean. Use a storage bag for storing your unused or dirty items. This is particularly useful if you have a lot of stuff to put inside the car like sports gear, groceries and other household items.
Of course, you don’t need to clean it yourself! If you need the exterior or the interior of your car detailed then come to Tiago's Auto Spa for one of our service packages. Give us a call at 604-568-3110 or email us at info@tiagosautospa.com