A clean car is a happy car. We all know the importance of getting your car washed from time to time, but what about your car’s interior? Detailing it is of utmost importance if you want it to last a long time and if you want to enjoy driving it.
If your car is past the point of no return, then it’s time to get it redone. Proper cleaning can save you time and money, but we’ll be here if you ever need professional help on replacing your carpet, seats, upholstery, or want a customized interior.
Car Interior Detailing
Car interior detailing involves cleaning the inner parts of a vehicle. Some of the components found in the interior cabin include leather, plastics, vinyl, carbon fiber plastics and natural fibers. To clean the interior cabinet, different techniques such as steam-cleaning and vacuuming are used.
Outer beauty is nothing compared to inner beauty. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that interior car detailing requires more effort and time than exterior detailing. After all, you can’t just run the interior through an automated industrial wash.
A dirty interior cabin not only has a bad odor, but also adds to operational complications. Dirty air exhaust spreads allergens about the cabin; stain and grit causes switches to fail; and hazy windows can obscure the view of a driver. In that case, cleaning a car’s interior is more than just washing with water and soap.
Depending on the car detailer you visit, there are different ways to do interior car detailing. However, the standard processes include all of the following (and yes, we mean all).
Vacuuming and Dusting
The first step to cleaning the interior of a car includes vacuuming seats, headliners, rear cargo area, trunk and shelf. To get the best out of vacuuming, floor mats and the vacuum should be cleaned separately. As for the difficult areas that cannot be reached using a vacuum, an air compressor can be used.
Once you’re done vacuuming, take a duster and do a thorough sweep over your dashboard, steering wheel, cup holders and median, and doors.
Brushing and Steam Cleaning
This is used to clean carpets and mats. A thorough scrubbing is done on the mats in order to remove any stains and blemishes that may have accumulated over the past years. To be more effective, a steam-cleaner should be used. However, carpets should be left to dry completely to avoid mildew.
Dry them by keeping your windows open overnight in your garage. If you don’t have a garage, you can either opt to crack open your windows to let out the moisture, or be prepared to have a wet smelling car in the morning (this can be fixed later).
Glass Cleaning
A glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth will do a long way to keep your windshield and windows sparkling clean. Avoid cheap cleaners and paper towels, as they can leave streaks.
Leather Trimming
A leather cleaner, saddle soap, or leather soap are used to clean all the leather. Do not use water and soap! Use a dish cloth or old rag to remove excess cleaner.
If the leather is dry, a conditioner customized for leather can be used to make cleaning more efficient.
Re-Vacuuming and Wiping
We know what you’re thinking, and yes, you have to do it twice. Re-Vacuuming is important just after vacuuming. Any dirt left in the interior cabin is removed. Dashboards and windows should be wiped clean with a clean cloth using a cleaning detergent. After all this is done, a car’s original shine is restored.
Perfuming
Finally, to leave the car with a good scent, a deodorant is used in the car.
It is a lot and there is a reason why most leave it up to the professionals to handle. However, all of this is doable at home if you have the time for it. You can also lessen the need for car interior detailing with regular cleanings and making sure you don’t leave any food or drink in the car.
Why Bother with Interior Detailing?
No one but yourself sees the interior, so why should you bother with all of this work? It’s simple — you see it. It’s more fun to enjoy a clean car with a pleasant smell then hearing something rolling in the backseat every time you stop.
Additionally, it will save you money in the long run. It increases the lifespan of your carpet, seats, and leather, and reduces the chances of damaging all of the above. Why? Because it’s clean!
Finally, it also makes your car healthier for you to ride in. Car interiors hold a lot of dust and dirt, which you’re constantly breathing in. Detailing takes care of all that, which means you’ll be breathing in cleaner air.
And remember, if the job is simply beyond the helping of detailing, give us a call. We’ll get you a free quote about restoring your car’s interior to its original state (or better)!
