Why Interiors Are Tricky (and How to Keep the OEM Look)

Interior materials are a blend of soft-touch plastics, coated leather, vinyl, rubber, glossy trim, and sensitive screens. Household cleaners are designed for kitchens and bathrooms—not dashboards—so they often leave streaks, shiny residue, or discoloration. The goal isn’t “shiny.” The goal is OEM: clean, matte, and uniform across every surface. That’s why a purpose-built interior cleaner matters.

Complete Cabin Cleaner was formulated to break down body oils, soda splatter, sunscreen, dust, and light mud without leaving a glossy film. Use it once and you’ll immediately notice: plastics look new, leather feels clean—not greasy—and there’s no strong fragrance trying to hide odors.

Tools & Products Checklist (Beginner-Proof)

Setup & Safety (Avoid Rookie Mistakes)

• Park in the shade and crack the windows. Heat flashes cleaners dry and can streak.
• Pre-vacuum to remove loose dust and grit. Wiping first can grind debris into surfaces.
• Spray your towel or pad, not the screen. For electronics and glossy trim, damp towel only.
• Avoid household glass cleaners with ammonia—they can haze tint and screen coatings.

Step-by-Step: A Quick Clean in 15 Minutes

1. Dust high surfaces first. Use a dry microfiber on the dash, cluster hood, and top of the steering wheel. A soft brush helps for vents and seams.
2. Clean the screens. Mist Complete Cabin Cleaner onto a Softer Than Soft towel, wipe in straight lines, and follow with a dry side to level. Details in the screen section.
3. Wipe plastics & trim. Lightly mist your towel or the Scrub Buddy, wipe door panels, center console, cupholders, and the dash. For textured plastics, a few gentle passes with the pad lifts grime out of the grain.
4. Steering wheel & touch points. These gather body oils. Use the Scrub Buddy dampened with cleaner, then level with a microfiber towel. You want a dry, grippy feel—not slick.
5. Seats. For coated leather and vinyl, spray towel (not seat) and wipe; stubborn dirt may need a second pass with the pad. Always finish dry.
6. Carpets & mats. Quick vacuum; if needed, lightly spot clean mats with cleaner and the pad, then wipe or blot dry.
7. Interior glass (last). Two towel method: one towel dampened with cleaner for the initial wipe, one dry towel to polish off haze. Vertical strokes on the inside help you see which side has streaks.

Monthly Deep Clean: Seats, Plastics, Carpets

When it’s time to reset the cabin, use this simple workflow to get everything back to “new.”

1) Seats (Leather, Vinyl, Cloth)

• Leather/Vinyl: Work in small sections. Mist towel, not surface. Wipe with light pressure. For grime in perforations or seams, use the Scrub Buddy barely damp, then blot dry.
• Cloth: Vacuum first, then light mists of cleaner and blot—don’t soak the fabric. Use short, overlapping passes and finish with a dry towel.

2) Plastics, Console, Door Cards

• Remove trash, coins, and accessories from cupholders and door bins.
• Spray cleaner onto the pad/towel and agitate edges, window switches, and handles. Wipe dry immediately to maintain a uniform matte finish.

3) Carpets & Floor Mats

• Shake mats outside the vehicle and vacuum. For rubber mats, scrub with the Scrub Buddy and cleaner, then rinse and dry if heavily soiled.
• For carpet, spot treat stains with light cleaner mists and blot. Avoid over-wetting to prevent wicking and odors.

How to Clean Screens & Infotainment Without Damage

Screens scratch easily and many have anti-glare or oleophobic coatings. Treat them gently:

1. Power the screen off if possible so smudges are easier to see.
2. Mist Complete Cabin Cleaner onto a Softer Than Soft towel—never spray the screen directly.
3. Wipe in straight lines (top-to-bottom), then flip to a dry side and level to a streak-free finish.
4. Use a second dry towel to buff the glass around the screen and the cluster lens.

Optional Protection for a Long-Lasting OEM Finish

Protection is optional, but it keeps dust from sticking and makes future wipe-downs faster. If you want protection without shine, use:

• All Dressed Up on plastics, rubber, and vinyl. Apply with a foam applicator, let it dwell 30–60 seconds, and wipe any excess for a uniform matte look.
• Skip silicone “wet look” dressings. They smear and attract lint.

How Often Should You Clean a Car Interior?

Top Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Using household cleaners. They’re too aggressive or leave films that attract dust.
• Spraying directly on screens. Liquids can seep into edges/connectors.
• Chasing shine. Glossy interior products look greasy and highlight dust. Keep it matte.
• Skipping the dry pass. Always follow with a dry towel to level and remove residue.
• Over-soaking cloth seats. Light mists + blotting prevents water marks and odors.