A car interior is made up of many different materials: plastic, leather, alcantara, vinyl, screens and fabric upholstery. Each of them needs the right approach. Get it wrong and you end up with a greasy shine, dried-out leather or streaks on your screens. This guide explains which cleaner is for what and how to clean the interior safely.
Choose the right cleaner
For most hard surfaces, dashboard, door panels, plastic and vinyl, a pH-neutral all-in-one interior cleaner is the most pleasant to work with. It cleans without leaving a greasy film. Leather deserves a separate, mild leather cleaner followed by a care product, because a cleaner that is too aggressive dries it out.
A popular all-in-one is the D-CON C.I.A. Complete Interior All, which tackles dashboard, panels, leather and plastic in one go. The Koch Chemie Pol Star pH Neutral Interior Cleaner is also a safe, versatile choice.
How to work safely
Spray the cleaner onto your microfibre towel, not directly onto screens or electronics. That stops moisture running into buttons and seams.
Work panel by panel and use a soft detailing brush for seams, vents and stitching.
For screens use a separate, dry or lightly damp microfibre towel without an aggressive cleaner.
Dry off with a clean towel and let the car air out for a moment.
Avoid the greasy shine
Many people use a dashboard spray that leaves a wet, shiny layer. That actually attracts dust and reflects in your windscreen. Instead, choose a cleaner that dries to a matte, natural finish. If you want protection, use a separate care product with a matte look.
Which towel for which job? Our microfibre towel guide explains how to keep interior and paint towels apart with colour coding.