Step-by-Step Guide to Interior Car Detailing at home: Tips for a Fresh & Clean Cabin

The interior of your car is where you spend the most time, yet it’s often the most neglected when it comes to detailing. A clean and fresh-smelling cabin not only improves your driving experience but also preserves the longevity of your car’s interior surfaces. Whether you’re dealing with daily wear and tear or simply want to freshen up your ride, this step-by-step guide will help you keep your car interior looking and feeling brand new.


Step 1: Remove Trash and Personal Items
Before diving into the cleaning process, start by clearing out any trash, personal items, or clutter from the interior. Remove all floor mats, seat covers, and any items that might obstruct your cleaning efforts. This gives you clear access to all areas that need attention, making the cleaning process much more efficient.


Step 2: Vacuum the Entire Interior
Vacuuming is the first and most important step in detailing the interior. It removes dirt, dust, crumbs, and other debris that have accumulated in your car. Pay attention to the following areas:

• Seats: Vacuum both the fabric and leather seats. If you have fabric upholstery, be sure to use the upholstery attachment to get deep into the fibres.
• Floor Mats: Take your mats out and give them a good shake or tap to remove any loose dirt. Then, vacuum the mats thoroughly, paying special attention to the grooves where dirt and debris can get trapped.
• Hard-to-Reach Areas: Use a crevice tool to get into tight spaces such as between seat cushions, around gear sticks, and along the edges of door panels.
• Headliner: Don’t forget the headliner (the fabric ceiling of your car). Use a soft brush attachment to gently vacuum any dust or debris from the headliner to avoid damaging it.

Step 3: Clean Upholstery (Fabric & Leather)
Next, focus on your seats. Whether your car has fabric or leather upholstery, each material requires specific care:
Fabric Upholstery:

• Use an Upholstery Cleaner: Apply a fabric upholstery cleaner (such as Autoglym Interior Shampoo or Gtechniq Fabric Clean) to any stains or soiled areas. Work the cleaner into the fabric using a soft brush or upholstery cleaning tool.
• Scrub and Blot: Gently scrub the cleaner into the fabric, then blot with a clean microfibre cloth to lift the dirt and grime.
• Steam Clean (Optional): For heavily soiled seats, consider using a steam cleaner to remove deep-set dirt and refresh the fabric fibres.

Leather Upholstery:

• Use a Leather Cleaner: For leather seats, use a product specifically designed for leather care (e.g., Gtechniq L1 Leather Cleaner). Apply the cleaner using a soft cloth, working in circular motions.
• Deep Clean: After cleaning, use a soft brush to agitate any embedded dirt or oils, particularly in the seams and creases of the leather.
• Condition the Leather: Once the leather is clean and dry, apply a leather conditioner (such as Auto Finesse Hide Leather Conditioner) to restore moisture and prevent cracking or fading.

Step 4: Clean and Treat Carpets and Floor Mats
The carpets and floor mats are prime areas for dirt, spills, and stains. Here's how to clean them properly:

• Vacuum First: Vacuum your carpets thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas like the footwells.
• Deep Clean with Carpet Shampoo: Use a carpet cleaner (e.g., Autoglym Interior Shampoo) to treat any stains or heavily soiled areas. Spray the shampoo onto the carpet, agitate with a brush, and blot with a clean cloth.
• For Floor Mats: Take your floor mats out and shake them or tap them to remove dirt. Clean them with a heavy-duty cleaner, like Gtechniq W1 Fabric & Carpet Cleaner, to lift any stubborn stains. Rinse well and allow them to dry completely before replacing them.

Step 5: Clean and Protect Dashboard, Console, and Door Panels
The dashboard, console, and door panels can accumulate dust, fingerprints, and smudges over time. Cleaning and protecting these surfaces ensures a fresh and polished look.

• Use a Non-Abrasive Cleaner: Apply a gentle cleaner (such as Autoglym Interior Cleaner or Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric) to a microfibre cloth and wipe down all plastic, vinyl, and painted surfaces.
• Don’t Forget the Vents: Use a small detailing brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris from the air vents.
• Protect the Surfaces: After cleaning, consider applying a protectant to the surfaces, such as Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care. This will help maintain the finish and protect against UV damage, keeping your dashboard looking fresh for longer.

Step 6: Clean the Windows and Mirrors
Windows and mirrors can easily get streaked, especially after cleaning the interior. Here’s how to get them sparkling clean:

• Use a Glass Cleaner: Spray a dedicated glass cleaner (e.g., Gtechniq G4 ClearVision Smart Glass) onto a microfibre cloth (not directly onto the glass) and wipe the windows and mirrors in a circular motion.
• Wipe in a ‘Z’ Motion: For streak-free results, wipe the glass in a 'Z' motion, changing the side of the cloth frequently.
• Don’t Forget the Rearview Mirror: The rearview mirror and any other interior glass surfaces (such as sun visors) should also be cleaned thoroughly.

Step 7: Freshen Up the Air with an Interior Odour Eliminator
Sometimes, cleaning isn’t enough to remove lingering smells. To freshen up the cabin, consider using an interior odour eliminator or air freshener.

• Use an Air Freshener: Sprays like Meguiar’s Whole Car Air Re-fresh or Autoglym Air Sanitiser can help neutralise bad odours and leave your car smelling fresh.
• Odour Eliminators: For long-term freshness, consider using an odour eliminator like Chemical Guys New Car Smell or Gtechniq I2 Tri-Clean to eliminate stubborn smells and leave a pleasant scent behind.

Step 8: Final Touches
After you’ve cleaned every surface, it’s time to give your car that final polish:

• Wipe Down: Go over the interior again with a clean microfibre cloth to remove any product residue or streaks.
• Reorganise: Put your floor mats and seat covers back in place, making sure everything is properly aligned and looking neat.

Conclusion: A Clean Car Interior is a Happy Car Interior
Interior car detailing not only improves the look and feel of your cabin, but it also creates a more enjoyable driving environment. By following these step-by-step tips, you can keep your car’s interior fresh, clean, and free from clutter. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also extend the life of your upholstery, carpets, and other interior surfaces, protecting your investment for years to come.
For those who prefer to leave it to the experts, book an interior detailing service with us and let our team take care of the hard work, leaving your car looking and feeling as good as new.
Contact us today to schedule your next detailing appointment!