Should You Use APC on Car Interiors? (What to Know)

Jimbo Balaam on

Not all-purpose cleaners are created equal—especially when it comes to your car’s interior. In this post, we break down why APCs might do more harm than good on leather, dash, and trim, and show you a safer alternative for OEM-quality results.

Should You Use APC on Car Interiors? (What to Know)

Should You Use APC on Car Interiors? (What to Know)

All-purpose cleaners are popular—but are they safe for your dashboard, leather, and interior trim?

APC (All-Purpose Cleaner) is one of the most common products in any detailer’s arsenal. It’s cheap, effective, and works well on a variety of surfaces. But when it comes to your car’s interior, it might not be the smartest option. Here’s what you need to know before spraying APC all over your cabin.

What Is an APC?

An APC is a versatile degreaser formulated to clean many types of grime—bug guts, engine bay sludge, tire browning, and even interior surfaces. The problem? It’s usually designed to be powerful first, and safe second.

That means on more delicate surfaces like leather, soft-touch plastic, rubberized trim, and infotainment screens, APC can dry things out, discolor finishes, or cause permanent damage if left to dwell too long.

Why Detailers Use APC on Interiors

  • Convenience: One bottle for everything.
  • Stronger cleaning power: Cuts through greasy buildup quickly.
  • Cost-effective: Especially when diluted properly.

But convenience can come at a cost. Over time, using APC regularly on interior materials can lead to fading, cracking, or a greasy residue that’s tough to remove.

The Safer Alternative: Interior-Specific Cleaners

Interior-specific cleaners are pH-balanced, non-greasy, and designed to leave behind a clean, OEM-style finish without harming sensitive surfaces.

Take Complete Cabin Cleaner for example—it’s formulated to work on:

  • Leather
  • Vinyl
  • Rubber
  • Dashboards
  • Steering wheels
  • Touchscreens and more

It cleans without streaking, smells fresh, and won’t leave behind a sticky or glossy film.

Also available on Amazon:

Buy Complete Cabin Cleaner on Amazon

When It’s Okay to Use APC on Interiors

There are a few exceptions where a diluted APC can be used safely—like cleaning rubber floor mats or removing a particularly stubborn stain on plastic. But even then, you should:

  • Dilute it properly (10:1 or more)
  • Test in an inconspicuous area first
  • Follow up with an interior-safe cleaner to neutralize the surface

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for long-term protection, clean surfaces, and factory-look results, skip the APC and go with something built for the job.

Complete Cabin Cleaner gets the job done safely and effectively—whether you’re cleaning high-end leather or textured plastic.

✅ Try Complete Cabin Cleaner

Interior cleaning made simple, safe, and streak-free.

  • Safe on leather, vinyl, rubber, plastic, screens
  • Leaves a clean matte finish – no greasy shine
  • OEM-quality results in one easy spray

BUY ON JIMBO’S DETAILING

BUY ON AMAZON

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