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Here’s how to keep your car's interior from becoming a disaster zone.
By
Jolie Kerr
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/J-Kerr-Headshot-2000-1c6e27bab79a420aaffb42d8de8dbd33.jpg "How to Clean a Car Interior for an Almost-New Look in 10 Minutes (1)")
Jolie Kerr
Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag ... And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. Her work has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times and Town & Country. A graduate of Barnard College, Jolie lives in a tiny Manhattan apartment with her five vacuum cleaners.
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Updated on September 12, 2023
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For such a small space, a car's interior can quickly turn into a big mess. Empty drink containers, stray makeup bags, discarded cleats—cars can become a receptacle for all sorts of stuff that belong somewhere else. Learn how to clean a car interior in just a few minutes to stay ahead of the game using a technique known as short-burst cleaning.
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What is Short-Burst Cleaning?
Short-burst cleaning is the term for tasks or routines that can be done in a quick, prescribed amount of time (usually 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes). Some types of short-burst cleaning can be done while other tasks are in progress, especially those with some built-in waiting time, like boiling a pot of water.
Examples of using waiting time to complete short-burst cleaning jobs include wiping the bathroom sink ledge and basin while waiting for a hair styling tool to heat up, emptying the dishwasher or dish drying rack while a pot of coffee is brewing, or returning five items to where they belong during a commercial break. With short-burst cleaning, you make the most of those tiny pockets of time throughout your day.
There are also routines that qualify as short-burst cleaning: discrete tasks that can be codified into quick, step-by-step practices. A trash day routine, for example, might involve going into every bathroom and bedroom with a small garbage can, emptying and relining each one, opening the refrigerator to check for spoiled food, and then taking garbage bags out for collection.
These types of routines can help to alleviate stress. Cleaning and organizing in small bursts provides a sense of control and achievement without the effort typically associated with more traditional, larger-scale cleaning or organizing efforts. Additionally, establishing a routine that takes the thinking and guesswork out of cleaning will make these jobs rote and less stressful.
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Equipment / Tools
- Microfiber cloth
- Plastic laundry basket (or similar)
- Handheld vacuum or shop vac
- Timer (optional)
Instructions
How to Clean a Car Interior in 10 Minutes
Cleaning the interior of a car is more straightforward—and requires only a few cleaning supplies. Follow this routine for how to clean a car interior to make your car look (almost!) brand new in just ten minutes.
Open Doors and Trunk
Unlock the car and open all the doors and the trunk. This is a step of its own, so even though it may be tempting, don't combine it with other tasks. Opening all the doors and trunk will allow you to get in and out of the car as needed, and 10 minutes of fresh air will do a lot to relieve the car of stale, unpleasant odors.
If you'll be using a timer, set it for 10 minutes.
Remove Anything That Doesn't Belong
Starting on the passenger side and working around the car to the driver's side, remove anything that doesn't belong in the car and put it in the laundry basket. Don't worry about separating items during this step: Focus on cleaning out the car. This includes trash, discarded clothing, shoes, accessories like umbrellas, scarves, hats, bags, mail, and packages.
Is there something you've left in the car, such as clothes or household linens you plan to take to be donated? Take it out of the car and set it aside for the moment.
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Clean the Dashboard and Center Console
Clean the dashboard and the center console using a microfiber cloth to remove dust, hair, crumbs, and other debris.
Vacuum the Seats and Floor Mats
Starting on the passenger side and working around the car to end on the driver's side, use a handheld vacuum to vacuum the seats and floor mats.
Shut the Doors and Trunk
If you took anything out of the car that should go back, put it in the car and then close all the car doors and the trunk.
Take Basket Inside
Take the laundry basket into the house, where its contents can be handled appropriately. Start by putting trash in the garbage can and recyclables like take-out containers, water bottles, and soda cans in the recycling bin.
Then, sort through whatever is left in the basket and return it to its home. Books, shoes, and toys should go to their owner's room. Discarded socks and hoodies can go in the hamper or directly to the laundry room.
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Make a Plan for Items Still in the Car (Optional)
If items still in the car (such as those to-be-donated clothes or household linens) have been there longer than they should have, make a plan for them. Schedule a day and time for that task by entering it on your calendar, making it more likely that the job gets done.
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Tips & Tricks for How to Clean a Car Interior
- A plastic laundry basket is ideal for this task because it's lightweight, sturdy, and has handles for easy carrying. However, there are plenty of other options if you don't have one and don't want to buy one for this job. A woven basket, medium garbage pail, large canvas tote bag, or even a grocery or trash bag are fine—you want a place to toss and carry items into the house.
- Similarly, if you don't own a handheld vacuum and don't want to buy one, you can use a dust broom or your hands to sweep car seats clean.
- Instead of vacuuming floor mats, remove them and shake or beat them.
- Microfiber will clean a car's dashboard and console without a separate cleaning product. Microfiber can also be used to polish glass without glass cleaner. To remove sticky spills, dampen the microfiber cloth with water for more cleaning power.
- Using a timer is optional but recommended, especially for those with a bit of a competitive streak. You may find yourself racing through the job to "beat" the timer, turning the chore into a game. Using a timer is also helpful for those overwhelmed by cleaning, resetting expectations around how much time and effort goes into tidying up.
