How to Keep Your Car Interior Clean All Winter

Snow, salt, mud, and slush don’t just hurt your paint—they trash your interior too. Here's how to stay ahead of winter mess.

Why Winter Is Hard on Interiors

Wet boots, dirty gloves, and slushy floor mats bring grime inside your car every day. If you don’t stay on top of it, stains, salt buildup, and odors can settle in fast.

Step 1: Pre-Treat Floor Mats Weekly

Winter floor mats soak up snow and salt like a sponge. Give them a weekly pre-rinse outside the car using a pressure washer or garden hose. Then apply The Super Soaper and let it dwell before brushing.

Want a complete guide? Check out our full tutorial on how to clean all-weather mats properly.

Step 2: Use a Dedicated Interior Cleaner

All-purpose cleaners are too aggressive and can dry out plastics. Instead, use Complete Cabin Cleaner—it’s made for dashboards, vinyl, rubber, and more without streaks or shine.

✅ Safe on screens, buttons, trim, and leather
✅ Leaves a matte OEM finish
✅ No greasy residue or strong odor

Step 3: Protect High-Use Surfaces

After cleaning, apply All Dressed Up to rubber trim, door panels, and plastic kick plates. It repels moisture and keeps those spots from scuffing too easily.

Step 4: Keep a Quick-Wipe Kit Inside

Store a microfiber towel and small sprayer of Complete Cabin Cleaner in your door panel or trunk. That way, you can wipe up salt or slush on the go—before it settles in.

Step 5: Vacuum More Than You Think

Salt crystals grind into carpet fibers fast. A quick vacuum once a week keeps buildup under control—especially under the pedals and in the driver’s footwell.

Related Winter Car Care Tips

FAQs

How often should I clean my car interior in winter?

At least once every 1–2 weeks. Small cleanups between deeper cleans prevent long-term staining.

What’s the best cleaner for interior plastics in winter?

Complete Cabin Cleaner is ideal—safe, streak-free, and matte-finish approved.

How do I remove winter salt stains from carpet?

Use warm water and Complete Cabin Cleaner, scrub with a soft brush, and blot dry. For heavy buildup, a carpet extractor helps.