How to Clean the Interior of Your Car from Top to Bottom (Step-by-Step Guide)
Most people think interior detailing means a quick vacuum and wiping down the dash. But if you want that real fresh-from-the-factory look and feel, you need to go deeper. This step-by-step guide shows you how to clean your car’s interior like a pro—from roof liner to carpet—with the right tools, techniques, and products.
Step 1: Remove Trash and Personal Items
Start by taking everything out of the car: cups, wrappers, gym bags, receipts, coins, and anything else cluttering the cabin. Empty the glove box and center console. The less in the way, the easier your job will be.
Step 2: Move the Seats Forward and Back
This is one of the most overlooked steps. Slide both front seats all the way forward and all the way back to reach trash and grime trapped under them. You’d be surprised what lives under there.
Step 3: Vacuum Everything
Use a vacuum with a crevice tool and brush attachment. Start at the top (headliner) and work your way down to avoid knocking dust onto clean areas. Don’t forget to vacuum between seat cushions, under mats, in cupholders, and the trunk.
Step 4: Clean All Surfaces with the Right Product
Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner directly onto a microfiber towel or use it with a Scrub Buddy Pad for tougher areas. This formula is safe for plastic, leather, vinyl, rubber, fabric, and screens. No streaks. No shine. Just a clean, OEM-level finish.
Use different towels for dirty and clean surfaces—like the Orange Wash Microfiber for scrubbing and the Everyday Microfiber for buffing dry.
Step 5: Hit the Vents, Crevices, and Tight Spaces
Use a detailing brush or soft bristle toothbrush to get inside air vents, seatbelt pockets, buttons, and seams. Lightly mist your towel or brush with cleaner—don’t spray directly into electronics.
Step 6: Clean the Glass
Use a dedicated glass cleaner or Complete Cabin Cleaner (it’s streak-free) and a low-pile towel. Clean the inside of all windows and the rearview mirror. Pro tip: roll the windows down halfway to clean the top edges.
Step 7: Finish with Floor Mats and Carpet
Remove rubber or carpet mats and vacuum thoroughly. For rubber mats, pre-soak with The Super Soaper, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse, and let dry. For carpet mats or floors, use a carpet cleaner or light mist of Complete Cabin Cleaner and agitate with a Scrub Buddy Pad or brush.
Optional: Odor Elimination
If the interior smells off, spray the carpets and under seats lightly with a deodorizing cleaner or air freshener. Don’t mask odors—neutralize them.
Final Wipe and Inspection
Do one final wipe-down with a clean microfiber towel to remove any leftover residue or streaks. Check everything in natural light if possible. That’s when smudges and missed spots stand out.
Watch our full video on this process:
Conclusion
Interior detailing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you follow a top-to-bottom plan using high-quality products, it’s actually fast, efficient, and incredibly satisfying.
Pro-level interiors start with the right tools:
🧼 Products Featured in This Guide:
- Complete Cabin Cleaner – All-surface interior cleaner
- Scrub Buddy Pad – Safe scrubbing tool
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel
- Everyday Microfiber Towel
- The Super Soaper – For rubber mat pre-wash
Clean cars feel better to drive—and they retain more value. Start inside and set the tone for a full detail the right way.
