Keeping your car’s interior spotless doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, with a few simple DIY hacks, you can make your vehicle feel as fresh as it did when you first drove it off the lot. Here are 15 tips to help you tackle that interior clean-up like a pro.

Follow a Cleaning Routine

The worst approach is putting off cleaning until stains and grease stick out like sore thumbs. You’re better off doing a light clean weekly, which includes a quick sweep, dusting, and spot-cleaning any messes. That way, when deep cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks, you don’t have to deal with accumulated dirt.

Use Common Cleaning Supplies

Most experts recommend cleaning tools that don’t require a steep learning curve to master. You’ll need essentials like a handheld vacuum, microfiber cloths, trash bags, an all-purpose cleaner, a soft-bristle brush, and some coffee filters. A foam brush and toothbrush will also come in handy when cleaning tough-to-reach areas.

Start With a Quick Sweep

Before grabbing a wash bucket, you should start cleaning with a quick sweep to declutter your car’s interior. Gathering trash, stray items like rogue kids’ socks, and dirt first improves the car’s appearance and makes cleaning easier. You can collect garbage in a small bin or bag and take a moment to put things back in their place.

Remove and Clean Car Seats and Floor Mats

For a thorough clean, remove the car seats and floor mats. Shake out the mats to get rid of loose dirt, then scrub them with a mix of warm water and dish soap. You can deal with stubborn spots and remove stuck-on bits on rubber mats with a garden hose. Remember to let them dry fully before returning them to the car to avoid mold or bad smells.

Use a Handheld Vacuum for Tight Spots

You can’t sweep out every nook and cranny of your car interior as some parts are out of reach. A handheld vacuum draws out dust, crumbs, dirt, and debris from crevices and tight corners. Start with the seats and move on to the floor, while working your way from front to back. Then, vacuum the trunk for thorough cleaning.

Clean the Seats

Besides having the widest surface area in the car interior that can accumulate dirt, seats are the most used part of a car interior. As expected, they harbor the most stains and dirt. While a soft-bristle brush works wonders for fabric seats, a specialized cleaner keeps leathers crack-free. Finally, wrap up with a fabric freshener or leather conditioner.

Dust the Interior With Coffee Filters

Surprisingly, coffee filters aren’t just for brewing your morning cup! Their lint-free texture makes them ideal for dusting delicate areas like the front panel, dashboard, and console. Since they won’t scratch or leave fibers behind like paper towels, all you have to do is swipe the coffee filter across these surfaces to catch every speck of dust.

Polish the Dashboard With Olive Oil

You’d be surprised how a simple kitchen item works cleaning wonders. Instead of using chemical sprays that leave artificial gloss, dab a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth and simply buff the surface in circular motions. When the oil dries, your plastic, leather, or vinyl will have a shiny look—just be careful not to overdo it.

Clean Vents and Cup Holders With a Foam Brush

Due to their small size, foam brushes effortlessly glide through air vents and scoop out crumbs from cup holders. Rather than leaving these parts to harbor bacteria, spray a little cleaner on the brush or dampen it with soap water. To totally eliminate dirt and dust, wipe down and follow through with a cleaner brush.

Remove Scuffs With a Magic Eraser

Don’t let scuffs ruin your car’s interior when a Magic Eraser can completely remove marks. Their unique melamine foam texture effectively lifts stubborn stains without damaging surfaces. With minimal effort, dampen the eraser slightly and gently rub doors, consoles, and seat backs until the marks vanish. This tip works well for plastic surfaces.

Use a Toothbrush for Crevices

Who knew bathroom supplies could double as car cleaning supplies for hard-to-reach areas and youth stains? Grab an old toothbrush and work it into the tight spaces around your dashboard, air vents, door handles, and seat stitching. After using this handy tool to loosen dirt, use a clean microfiber cloth to tackle the loose dirt.

Wipe the Windows With Vinegar and Newspaper

Besides getting the vibe of a well-cared-for vehicle, you’ll need crystal-clear windows to drive safely. Don’t wait until some neighborhood kid writes “Wash Me” on your windows. Add equal portions of water and vinegar in a spray bottle, spritz on the glass, and wipe with a microfiber cloth or old newspaper to avoid streaks. 

Condition the Interior With Baby Wipes

Baby wipes aren’t just for babies! They’re perfect for quickly wiping down your dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles. The gentle formula in these soft materials effectively cleans and conditions surfaces without leaving sticky residues. You can even keep a pack in your glove compartment for quick touch-ups that ensure your car’s interior stays fresh.

Additional Tips for a Clean Car Interior 

The easiest tip to cleaning is preventing the mess or cleaning up as it happens. You can keep a small trash bag in the car to dispose of litter like snack wrappers, empty cups, and accumulating receipts on the go. Likewise, regular vacuuming stops dirt from accumulating. Portable vacuums are ideal as they’re easier to use and maintain.

Extra Prevention Tips

You can also minimize cleaning time by using seat covers and floor mats to catch spills and dirt. Also, don’t eat messy foods that crumble easily or sticky things like lollipops that cause grease. If you’re a pet owner, you wiping down your pets’ paws before getting them in the vehicle helps reduce your weekly cleaning.