How to Detail the Inside of a Car Like a Pro
If you want your car to look and feel brand new, knowing how to detail the inside of a car is just as important as washing the outside. In this post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to deep clean your interior using safe and effective tools and cleaners from Jimbo’s Detailing.
Step 1: Remove All Trash and Loose Items
Start by taking out all floor mats, personal items, and visible trash. Don’t skip the glove box, cupholders, door pockets, and trunk—those areas often get overlooked.
Step 2: Move the Seats Forward and Back
This is a pro tip most people forget. Slide both front seats forward and backward to access the full carpet area underneath. Use a brush or compressed air to loosen debris in tight crevices.
Step 3: Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a crevice tool to reach between seats and under pedals. Vacuum the seats, carpets, floor mats, and all cracks and corners. A small detailing brush can help knock dust and dirt out of vents and seams while you vacuum.
Step 4: Clean All Surfaces
Spray a safe, streak-free interior cleaner like Complete Cabin Cleaner on a Scrub Buddy Pad or microfiber towel. Wipe down dashboards, center consoles, door panels, trim, and other surfaces. This product is safe on plastic, vinyl, rubber, screens, and leather—leaving a matte, factory-fresh finish.
Step 5: Detail the Vents and Buttons
Use a soft detail brush or makeup brush to gently agitate dust in tight areas like air vents, buttons, knobs, and seams. Follow with a microfiber towel to wipe away loosened grime.
Step 6: Clean the Glass
Use a dedicated glass cleaner and a lint-free microfiber towel to clean the interior side of the windshield and all other windows. Be careful not to overspray near the dashboard or door panels.
Step 7: Reinstall Mats and Add a Finishing Touch
After vacuuming and wiping down your floor mats, reinstall them. Then, spray a light burst of your favorite air freshener or odor eliminator to finish the job.
Watch This Interior Detail in Action
Final Thoughts
Detailing the inside of your car doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With the right tools and a simple plan, you can keep your interior looking clean, smelling fresh, and feeling brand new. The key is using purpose-built products like Complete Cabin Cleaner and accessories like the Scrub Buddy Pad to get the job done efficiently and safely.
