The Ultimate Guide to Interior Car Detailing: Clean Like a Pro

A complete, step-by-step guide to detailing your car’s interior like a pro. From stains and odors to trim, screens, and more—this is your one-stop resource.

The Ultimate Guide to Interior Car Detailing: Clean Like a Pro
The Ultimate Guide to Interior Car Detailing: Clean Like a Pro

The Ultimate Interior Detailing Guide

If you want your interior to look and feel brand new, this is the only guide you need. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned detailer, here’s how to clean every surface the right way—with no gloss, no streaks, and no damage.

TL;DR: For a clean, matte, factory finish: use Complete Cabin Cleaner with the Scrub Buddy Pad for plastics and vinyl, and wipe down with Softer Than Soft Towels. Finish trim and rubber with All Dressed Up for an OEM-style finish.

Start with the Trash and Loose Debris

Before spraying anything, remove trash and shake out floor mats. Slide seats forward and backward to access hidden debris. This makes vacuuming and deep cleaning far more effective.

Vacuum Thoroughly—Yes, Even Under the Seats

Use a crevice tool and move seats fully forward and back. Don’t forget seat cracks, vents, and around the shifter. A good vacuum job sets the foundation for all your other steps.

Clean All Plastics, Vinyl, and Hard Surfaces

Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner directly onto your Scrub Buddy Pad and gently work into all textured surfaces. Wipe clean with an Everyday Microfiber Towel. No gloss, no streaks, no residue.

Remove Stains the Safe Way

Don’t flood fabric seats or carpets. Instead, mist Complete Cabin Cleaner and agitate gently. This lifts the stain without over-wetting. Wipe with a clean microfiber towel to extract.

Dress Trim the Right Way

Apply All Dressed Up to interior plastics, rubber seals, and even pedals (lightly) for a clean, non-greasy finish. Use an All Blacked Out Applicator for precision.

Clean Touchscreens, Nav Displays, and Glossy Trim

Never spray directly. Lightly mist a Softer Than Soft Towel and wipe with minimal pressure to avoid scratching.

Kill Odors Without Covering Them

If your interior smells funky, it’s likely from hidden stains or buildup. Clean the surfaces first, then consider a purpose-built odor eliminator—never just spray cheap air freshener and hope it goes away.

The Right Towels Matter

For regular interior cleaning, stick with Everyday Microfiber Towels. For glossy trim or delicate work, switch to Softer Than Soft. This keeps your surfaces scratch-free and streak-free.

Want to Avoid Interior Mistakes?

What’s the best way to clean interior trim?

Use a dedicated interior cleaner like Complete Cabin Cleaner with a soft scrub pad, then wipe clean with a microfiber towel. Follow up with All Dressed Up if you want a natural, matte finish.

Is it okay to use APC inside my car?

Avoid APCs on interior surfaces—they’re often too harsh and can damage plastic, leather, or screens. Use a pH-balanced interior product instead.