Top 15 Interior Detailing Myths (Busted by a Pro)

Jimbo Balaam on

You’ve probably been told not to use water on leather or that shiny interiors are cleaner. This post breaks down 15 of the most common interior detailing myths—and what pros really do to get clean, factory-fresh results.

Top 15 Interior Detailing Myths (Busted by a Pro)

Top 15 Interior Detailing Myths (Busted by a Pro)

Shiny = clean? Magic erasers on leather? Steam your dashboard? Let’s break it all down.

The internet is full of bad advice when it comes to cleaning and detailing your car’s interior. What worked 20 years ago doesn’t always work today—especially with newer materials like coated leather, soft-touch plastics, touchscreens, and digital clusters.

This post will bust the top myths and help you clean your interior like a pro—with fewer risks, better results, and the right tools for the job.

1. Myth: All-Purpose Cleaners Are Safe for Everything

Truth: APCs can strip dyes, stain leather, and dry out plastic. Use a pH-balanced interior cleaner instead.

✅ Read: Should You Use APC on Car Interiors?

2. Myth: Glossy Interiors Look Cleaner

Truth: Gloss attracts dust, causes glare, and looks artificial. Matte finishes are OEM and safer.

✅ Read: Why Interior Gloss Is Not Always a Good Thing

3. Myth: Magic Erasers Are Fine for Interior Trim

Truth: Magic Erasers are abrasive and can dull or damage surfaces permanently.

✅ Read: Can You Use Magic Erasers on Your Car’s Interior?

4. Myth: You Need a Special Cleaner Just for Leather

Truth: For coated leather, a quality all-in-one interior cleaner is often safer and easier.

✅ Read: Leather Cleaner vs All-in-One Interior Detailers

5. Myth: Interior Cleaners Can’t Stain Surfaces

Truth: Harsh or improperly used cleaners can discolor leather, fabric, or trim.

✅ Read: Will Interior Cleaners Stain Leather or Fabric?

6. Myth: Steam Cleaning Is Always Safe

Truth: Steam can damage sensitive electronics, screens, and sensors in your dashboard.

✅ Read: Can You Use a Steam Cleaner on Car Electronics?

7. Myth: Microfiber Is Always Better Than Brushes

Truth: Both have their place—microfiber wipes, brushes agitate. You often need both.

✅ Read: Microfiber vs Brush for Interior Detailing

8. Myth: You Should Always Dress Your Dashboard

Truth: Some modern dashes don’t need it—and too much dressing can attract dust or glare.

✅ Read: Should You Dress Your Dashboard?

9. Myth: If It Looks Clean, It Is Clean

Truth: Many surfaces hold embedded dirt and oils that need agitation to remove.

✅ Read: Why Your Car Interior Still Looks Dirty After Cleaning

10. Myth: Any Towel Will Do

Truth: Cheap towels leave lint, scratch trim, or smear product. Use premium microfiber.

11. Myth: Glass Cleaner Is Fine for Screens

Truth: Alcohol- or ammonia-based glass cleaners can damage anti-glare coatings.

12. Myth: Leather Should Feel Slick After Cleaning

Truth: Clean leather should feel natural and matte, not shiny or greasy.

13. Myth: Diluting Products Makes Them Weak

Truth: Some products (like All Dressed Up) are designed to be diluted and still perform.

14. Myth: More Product = Better Results

Truth: Oversaturation leads to streaks, stickiness, and wasted product.

15. Myth: It’s All About the Product

Truth: Products matter—but process, technique, and tools matter more.

Your Complete Interior Detailing Kit

Everything you need to clean, protect, and restore your car’s interior—without streaks, shine, or risk.

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