Americans drive around 14,263 miles every year, which shows how long we spend in our vehicles.

Because of this, regularly cleaning your vehicle is key to keeping you and your family safe. But if you’re not used to cleaning the inside of a car, this can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re currently in this situation and are looking for tips.

Sounds like you? No worries; we’ve got your back. Here are five tips for cleaning the inside of a car.

  1. Remove Trash

When cleaning a car, start by gathering and removing trash from the interior. Target areas like floorboards, cup holders, and door pockets as these are litter hotspots. You should also remove car seats or toys so it’s easier to tackle the hard-to-reach places.

  1. Clean the Floor Mats 

An important trick for auto maintenance is cleaning the floor mats. Shake each one to remove dust as these can be the dirtiest part of the car’s interior. But place these on a clean drop cloth so they’re not on the ground.

When you’ve completed this, spend time cleaning the door panels. These are made from a combination of materials, so choose a product that works best.

  1. Vacuum the Interior Carpet 

One of the top car cleaning tips is to vacuum the interior carpet. This will remove any dirt that has come out of the vents and crevices. Don’t worry if there are stains on the floor; simply use a commercial carpet cleaner for fast results.

  1. Wipe Away Grime and Dust

Use a duster to remove any grime or dust on surfaces, such as the dashboard. Once completed, it’s important to wipe down the area with a damp microfiber cloth until it’s spotless. Also, a major mistake motorists make is forgetting to disinfect the steering wheel, where bacteria often builds up.

You should also clean the gearstick and other controls. Use a clean microfiber cloth and, to reach the tight corners, use an old toothbrush or a damp cotton swab to remove stubborn grime. Also, use a soft brush and a can of compressed air for tackling the air vents.

Further, prioritize getting rid of odors such as cigarette smoke or pets. Luckily, simply install a diffuser like this for the best results.

  1. Clean Mirrors and Windows 

Again, grab a microfiber cloth and a window cleaner for car maintenance. Or, if you don’t have the time, mix a solution of dish soap and water as it’s effective for removing fingerprints.

To be effective, lower the window and start at the top while working your way down. This will catch any drips and prevent watermarks.

Tips for Cleaning the Inside of a Car

Hopefully, you’re now an expert in cleaning the inside of a car.

There are many tips for cleaning a vehicle, such as removing trash and cleaning the floor mats. You should also wipe down mirrors and wipe away stubborn grime on surfaces for a safe, pristine vehicle. Good luck!

Found this helpful? Great! Then, browse the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.