Cleaning Procedures for your Car’s Interior

The inside portion of your car should always be kept clean for cosmetic and health purposes. If you manage to keep the vehicle’s body sleek and free from dust and mud all the time, you should devote the same time to the carpets, upholstery, windows and dashboard. Likewise, do not allow water to build up under the seats and make sure that you get rid of any stale odor. This will prevent rapid deterioration and accrual of molds and other germs.

You can abide by the following formula:
 
- Take out floor mats, accessories and other rubbish. Vacuum all the seats and carpet thoroughly including the areas under and around the seats and control panel. Vacuum the mats with care as well. Use the spongy brush in vacuuming the doors, dashboard and console. However, take care not to scratch the upholstery, mechanical parts like door and window handles.
 
- Wipe every portion gently using a soft and dirt-free cloth. You can use warm water or gentle detergents for meal and wooden surfaces and glass cleaner for the mirrors and windows. Leave the windows and doors open for some time to allow any unpleasant scent to evaporate.
 
- If you finish cleaning and drying the inside portion and nasty smell still persists, determine the source of the stink. This can be caused by microorganisms that have accumulated. You can apply anti-bacteria chemical that can be bought from the cleaning equipment and supply section of supermarkets and big car accessories outlets. For cigarette smoke, you can dash some baking soda or deodorizer on the upholstery and carpet and let these stay for several hours. Another option is to soak towels in water and white vinegar solution and put these near the ashtray and backseat to absorb the musty stench.
 
- If the scent comes from urine, clean the affected part and remove the stain.

Blot the same area with urine odor remover instead of scrubbing to avoid damaging fibers. This is the same for pet vomit since it sticks to carpets if not dealt with promptly. The smell of mildew can be eliminated by making sure that there is no accumulation of liquids such as water or soda and decayed food. Dry and clean up these parts and spray the carpet with Lysol to do away with the molds.
 
- Leather upholstery may be difficult to clean because it is fragile. The best way is to make use of products meant to cleanse leather seats. Use soft and unsoiled cloth instead of paper towels to avoid scratches. You should also clean the car ceiling. Do not rub the fabric profusely. Use a damp rather than wet cloth and add a small quantity of mild cleaning substance.