We all know how to clean our cars in a basic way, but how many of us know how to deep-clean our cars? Near the end of summer is the perfect time to dig out the sand and wash away the sweat that has built up on your car’s interior. It is fairly easy to get the job done in an hour with a plan. So grab your vacuum and your rag to get started with these deep-cleaning basics.
Gear Up
You can get hurt while cleaning your car. Gloves and even eye protection can protect you while using harsh chemicals on the interior. Also, make sure you are in the proper space to clean your car. Good airflow and space away from traffic flow or other cars are best, so you can move around safely. Lastly, consider shade and lighting so you can be effective and comfortable working.
Clear Your Car
You don’t want to be moving things around while deep cleaning. Start by throwing away any trash in your car. Next, take any non-essentials out of the car. Set them inside or otherwise away from the path around your vehicle. This will give you better access to the areas that need your attention.
Clean From the Top
Just like your exterior, remove dirt at the top first to stop you from cleaning lower surfaces multiple times. Next, wipe away dust from the dashboard with a microfiber dust cloth and a cleaning/conditioning wipe. Include hard-to-reach areas like crevices of the steering wheel, gauge cluster, and gear shift. Change out your wipes often, and if there are hairs that refuse to move, use a toothbrush to assist. Finally, use glass cleaner and microfiber towels for your windows but pay attention to their own instructions if tinted.
Vacuum Everything Up
Now you are ready to do the vacuum. Remove your car floor mats and shake off excess dirt outside of the vehicle. Starting with the higher surfaces, vacuum your seats first. Use any appropriate attachments to get into the crevices. Next, move onto the floor. Start under the seats to get any fallen crumbs. Next, move the seat around so you can get to the middle console and the doors. Any brushes that come with the vacuum can be helpful to dislodge any pet hair stuck in the fibers. Finally, vacuum the carpet mats to replace them, and you are done! Any stains or other tough areas may require a carpet extractor.
Double Check Your Work
Go through your car and look for any resistant stains in the seats, carpets, and other areas. Then, go back over with the vacuum if you need to. If you still see any stubborn areas, seek professional help.
Cleaning the inside is the hard part. Now that you have that down get to the exterior. Make your ride shine, and check out these tips on cleaning your exterior.