The Complete Guide to Interior Car Detailing (Step-by-Step)
Your car’s interior takes a beating—from coffee spills and kids’ snacks to dirty shoes and sun damage. This guide walks you through how to fully detail your interior from top to bottom using safe products and pro-level techniques.
What You’ll Need
- Complete Cabin Cleaner
- Scrub Buddy Pad
- Everyday Microfiber Towels
- Softer Than Soft Towels (for screens and gloss trim)
- All Dressed Up (for a dressed but matte finish)
Step-by-Step Interior Detail
1. Start with Trash Removal
Clear out fast food bags, water bottles, wrappers, and floor mat buildup. Don’t forget under seats and in cup holders.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuum carpets, seats, mats, and all cracks and crevices. Move the seats forward and backward to get everything underneath.
3. Clean Cup Holders, Door Pockets, and Tight Spaces
Use your Scrub Buddy Pad with Complete Cabin Cleaner to lift grime from high-contact spots. Wrap a towel around a slim tool for hard-to-reach cracks.
4. Dash, Console, and Door Panels
Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner onto a microfiber towel and wipe from top to bottom. Flip towels as they get dirty.
5. Touch Screens and Gloss Surfaces
Use a Softer Than Soft Towel with light cleaner mist to wipe screens, clusters, and piano black trim streak-free.
6. Floor Mats
Remove and clean mats separately. Foam them down, scrub with a brush, rinse, and dry fully before putting them back in.
7. Finish with Dressing (Optional)
For a like-new OEM finish, apply All Dressed Up to dash, door panels, and other plastic or rubber surfaces. It dries matte and won’t feel greasy.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Work top to bottom to avoid re-contaminating clean areas
- Use multiple towels and flip them often
- Avoid spraying products directly onto sensitive surfaces—spray onto your towel first
- Leave doors open or windows cracked afterward to ventilate and air out moisture
FAQs
What should I use to clean all interior surfaces?
Complete Cabin Cleaner is safe for all interior surfaces including plastic, vinyl, leather, screens, and more. Just spray, scrub, and wipe.
Can I use one towel for the entire interior?
No. Use multiple microfiber towels and flip them often. This prevents dragging dirt across clean areas and reduces streaking.
How often should I deep clean my interior?
A full interior detail every 1–2 months keeps your car looking, smelling, and feeling fresh—especially if you commute, eat in the car, or have kids or pets.