How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Touch Points
Your car’s touch points — steering wheel, door handles, buttons, and gear selectors — are the most frequently touched and most contaminated areas inside your vehicle. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean and disinfect these high-contact surfaces safely without damaging delicate materials or leaving a greasy residue.
Estimated Reading Time: ~8 minutes
Why Touch Points Deserve Special Attention
These areas see the most use — and the most contamination. Oils, skin residue, and bacteria build up quickly, especially on steering wheels and door handles. Over time, this not only looks bad but can also wear down finishes and materials. That’s why touch point detailing should be part of every cleaning routine.
- → Reduces germs and cross-contamination.
- → Prevents premature wear and discoloration.
- → Improves overall driving feel and cleanliness.
Step 1: Identify Key Touch Points
Before cleaning, take note of all common touch zones. These include:
- → Steering wheel and column stalks
- → Door handles (inside and out)
- → Gear selectors and cupholder lids
- → Infotainment screens and buttons
- → Seat controls, window switches, and grab handles
Each material may require a slightly different approach — for example, glossy piano black trim should be wiped differently than textured rubber buttons.
Step 2: Use the Right Cleaner and Towel
Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner directly onto a microfiber towel rather than on the surface. This avoids overspray on screens or electronics. Wipe gently across each area, flipping the towel often to pick up dirt and oils.
This cleaner safely removes grime while leaving a matte, residue-free finish that feels factory fresh.
Clean Every Touch Point Safely
Complete Cabin Cleaner is a multi-surface interior cleaner that cuts through oils and grime without leaving streaks or shine.
Shop Complete Cabin Cleaner Buy on AmazonStep 3: Gently Agitate for Deep Cleaning
For textured surfaces like steering wheels or buttons, use a Scrub Buddy Pad or a soft interior brush. Light agitation helps lift grime from pores and grooves. Wipe immediately with a clean microfiber towel to remove loosened residue.
Step 4: Disinfect (If Needed)
If you need extra sanitization — especially after illness or ridesharing — lightly mist an EPA-approved disinfectant onto a towel (never directly on surfaces). Wipe evenly and follow up with a damp towel using Complete Cabin Cleaner to remove chemical residue.
This maintains cleanliness while preserving the texture and color of your materials.
Step 5: Finish with All Dressed Up (Optional)
To restore color and add UV protection, apply a thin layer of All Dressed Up to non-glossy surfaces like door handles or rubber trim. It leaves a matte OEM look and prevents fading without making surfaces slippery — especially important for steering wheels.
Touch Point Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | What Happens | Correct Method |
|---|---|---|
| Spraying directly on surfaces | Overspray on electronics or trim | Spray towel, not surface |
| Using alcohol wipes | Drying and cracking over time | Use balanced cleaners like Complete Cabin Cleaner |
| Skipping UV protection | Fading, discoloration | Finish with All Dressed Up |
| Reusing dirty towels | Spreads oils instead of removing them | Use fresh microfiber for each step |
Detail Your Touch Points Like a Pro
Pair Complete Cabin Cleaner with All Dressed Up for the perfect balance of cleanliness, protection, and a factory-matte finish.
Shop All Dressed Up Buy on AmazonPro Tips for Safer Touch Point Detailing
- → Always clean in the shade to avoid product flash-drying.
- → Avoid glossy dressings on steering wheels and controls.
- → Use multiple towels to prevent cross-contamination between materials.
- → Finish by wiping screens last for a streak-free look.
- → Re-clean high-touch zones weekly for lasting cleanliness.
Related Reading
- The Ultimate Interior Detailing Guide for Beginners
- 10 Interior Detailing Mistakes You’re Probably Making
- How to Deep Clean Your Dashboard Without Damage
- How to Clean Car Vents and HVAC Systems
- How to Detail a Car Interior Efficiently (Top-to-Bottom Method)
FAQs
Can I use alcohol wipes on my steering wheel?
It’s best to avoid alcohol-based products. They dry out the material and remove dyes over time. Use a balanced cleaner like Complete Cabin Cleaner instead.
How often should I clean touch points?
Clean high-touch areas weekly for daily drivers. More often if multiple people use the vehicle or during flu season.
What’s the safest product for screens and buttons?
A lightly dampened microfiber towel with Complete Cabin Cleaner removes oils and fingerprints safely without streaks.
Should I apply dressing to the steering wheel?
No. Dressings make the surface slippery and unsafe. Keep steering wheels clean and dry with a matte finish only.
Can I use the same towel for all touch points?
Use separate towels for different areas (steering wheel, screens, handles) to avoid spreading oils or grime.
