The Ultimate Interior Car Detailing Guide
A clean car interior makes driving more enjoyable, keeps your vehicle smelling fresh, and preserves its value over time. But interior detailing isn’t just about wiping things down—it’s about following a system that ensures every surface is cleaned, protected, and maintained correctly. This guide walks you step by step through a professional-level interior detail from start to finish.
Step 1: Remove Trash and Clutter
Before any cleaning begins, empty the interior. Remove all trash, water bottles, personal items, and floor mats. Sliding the seats forward and backward will expose hidden areas that collect debris.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
A good vacuuming sets the foundation for everything else. Use a shop vacuum with a crevice tool to reach tight spaces and a brush attachment for carpets and cloth seats. Pay attention to:
- Under the seats
- Between seat cushions
- Carpets and mats
- Cargo or trunk area
Step 3: Clean Plastics, Trim, and Dash
Use a pH-balanced cleaner like Complete Cabin Cleaner. Spray it onto a microfiber towel—not directly on the surface—to avoid overspray. Wipe gently, flipping to a clean section of the towel as dirt lifts.
For textured plastics or seams, use a Scrub Buddy Pad for deeper cleaning without scratching.
Complete Cabin Cleaner
The safest, most versatile cleaner for dashboards, plastics, vinyl, cloth, and even screens.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonStep 4: Seats and Upholstery
- Cloth Seats: Lightly mist cleaner, agitate with a microfiber or scrub pad, and blot dry.
- Leather Seats: Use Complete Cabin Cleaner to remove dirt, then protect with All Dressed Up to prevent cracking and fading.
- Vinyl Seats: Scrub Buddy Pads paired with Complete Cabin Cleaner safely remove grime.
Step 5: Carpets and Mats
Vacuum mats separately, then clean them based on material type:
- Carpet Mats: Spray, scrub, and blot with microfiber until stains lift.
- Rubber/All-Weather Mats: Pre-soak with The Super Soaper, scrub, rinse, and finish with All Dressed Up for protection.
Step 6: Glass and Screens
For infotainment screens and glossy black trim, use Softer Than Soft Towels. Spray cleaner onto the towel first and wipe gently in straight lines. For glass, the same towel ensures streak-free clarity.
Step 7: Deodorize and Refresh
Even after cleaning, odors can linger. Finish with Air Freshies for a balanced scent that lasts weeks without being overpowering.
All Dressed Up + Air Freshies
Protect leather, vinyl, and trim while keeping your car smelling clean and fresh.
Buy All Dressed Up Buy Air FreshiesComparison Table: Interior Cleaning Essentials
| Product | Best For | Why Use It? |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Cabin Cleaner | All interior surfaces | Safe, streak-free, versatile |
| Scrub Buddy Pad | Textured plastics, vinyl, seats | Deep cleaning without scratching |
| Everyday Microfiber Towels | General wipe-downs | Durable, lint-free cleaning |
| Softer Than Soft Towels | Screens & glass | Ultra-soft, streak-free finish |
| All Dressed Up | Leather & vinyl | Protects, conditions, and prevents fading |
| Air Freshies | Interior scent | Long-lasting freshness without overpowering |
Pro Tips for Interior Detailing
- Always work from top to bottom so dust doesn’t fall onto cleaned areas.
- Use separate towels for glass, leather, and plastics to prevent cross-contamination.
- Don’t over-soak fabrics—light misting and blotting work best.
- Set a reminder to deep clean your interior every 2–3 months.
