How to Deep Clean Your Car Interior After Winter
Winter is brutal on interiors. Between salt, slush, and soaked carpets, it’s time to reset your cabin with a deep clean that brings everything back to fresh.
Why Post-Winter Interior Cleaning Matters
Winter leaves behind more than just surface dirt. Moisture gets trapped in carpets, salt embeds in upholstery, and warm cabin air leads to funky odors. A proper deep clean not only restores appearance — it prevents long-term damage and resale value loss.
Step-by-Step Interior Deep Clean Process
1. Remove Trash and Floor Mats
Start by clearing everything out of the vehicle. Remove floor mats and shake off loose debris. If you haven’t already, check out this full guide on cleaning floor mats.
2. Thorough Vacuuming
Use a strong vacuum with crevice tools to remove salt, dirt, pet hair, and debris from all carpets, seat crevices, and under seats. Push seats forward/backward to access hidden spots.
3. Clean All Surfaces
Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner on all interior plastics, dashboards, door panels, cup holders, and screens. Wipe with Everyday Microfiber Towels.
4. Deep Clean Seats
Use a Scrub Buddy Pad to agitate seat fabric or leather gently. Use Complete Cabin Cleaner as a safe base cleaner for both types. For specifics, see:
5. Clean Windows and Mirrors
Use a glass-safe cleaner or interior spray on a microfiber towel to remove streaks and fog film from all windows and mirrors.
6. Eliminate Odors
Spray fabric surfaces with your preferred air freshener and deodorizer. For persistent odors, read: How to Remove Winter Odors from Your Car.
7. Dress and Protect Interior Plastics
Apply All Dressed Up (diluted 4:1) to trim, door panels, and rubber seals. This restores a factory-matte finish and adds UV protection before spring sun hits.
Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Trunk
Road grime and winter mess often collect in the cargo area, especially with wet groceries, snow gear, or strollers. Give your trunk a full wipe-down and vacuum too.
Recommended Tools
FAQs
How often should I deep clean my car interior?
At least once per season, with a priority cleaning right after winter to remove salt, moisture, and odor buildup.
Can I use one cleaner for all interior surfaces?
Yes. Complete Cabin Cleaner is safe for cloth, leather, plastic, vinyl, and glass — no streaks, no residue.
How long does it take for the interior to fully dry?
1–3 hours depending on airflow and humidity. Crack windows or use a fan to speed things up.
