How to Clean Your Steering Wheel and Dashboard
Cleaning your dashboard is important. Not only does wiping up your dashboard prevent the spread of bacteria, but clearing the clutter from it also promotes safety on the road. You shouldn't drive with any obstructions blocking the view through your windshield or loose items that can roll around. These can be distracting and dangerous.
Use a Disinfecting Wipe
Everything your hands touch lands on your steering wheel and controls, so clean them daily with a disinfecting wipe. Let the surface stay wet for at least 5 minutes before drying with a lint-free microfiber towel.
Remove Dust
An electrostatic disposable duster works well to remove dust from the dashboard. For tight areas in vents, use cotton swabs to capture trapped lint and dust.
Wipe Away Smudges
To remove fingerprints and smudges, dampen a microfiber cloth with water and wipe down the dashboard.
Condition and Protect
When everything is clean, condition the dashboard with a protectant to prevent cracking and fading.
How to Clean the Center Console
The center console can get pretty dirty pretty quickly. It's an easy place to collect dust, and if you sit your coffees in the cupholders there, they're susceptible to sticky circles. The center console is also likely where you store (and leave behind) a bunch of stuff: Old gum, random keys, crinkled receipts, candy wrappers... It's important to tidy up and disinfect this space since it's used so much.
Remove the Cupholder
If possible, remove the cupholder components and place them in a small bucket or bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Let them soak while you clean the rest of the console. After soaking, wipe with a dishcloth, rinse, and then dry with a microfiber cloth before reassembling.
Wipe With a Microfiber Cloth
Dampen a microfiber cloth (it should not be dripping, which allows moisture to enter the mechanics of the console) and then use it to wipe down the gearstick and other controls.
Clean Crevices
Use an old toothbrush or damp cotton swab to clean tight corners and crevices, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth or vacuum debris with the vacuum’s crevice tool.
When you're done cleaning each crevice, place a cup in the cupholder or door side pocket for straw wrappers and small bits of trash that accumulate.This way, you can just toss the cup next time and keep the console cleaner.
How to Clean Car Windows
Car windows need cleaning, too. After all, you need to be able to see clearly through them in order to drive safely. Car windows can collect all sorts of stuff—from dust and dirt to pollen and smashed bugs. Cleaning and disinfecting your windows can improve your view and keep germs at bay.
Choose a Window Cleaner
If using a commercial window cleaner, choose one without ammonia (because it can damage interior finishes) and check the label to be sure the product is safe to use on tinted windows.
Alternatively, you can make a homemade window cleaner by mixing distilled white vinegar and water in a 1:1 solution in a spray bottle.
Lower the Window
Lower the window slightly so you can get the top edge clean. Starting at the top, spray the glass lightly and then wipe away grime and smudges with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
Avoid Streaks
To help avoid streaks when cleaning windows, work in a shaded location so the cleaner doesn’t dry too quickly:
- Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as you work.
- Clean the outside of the windows in a vertical motion and the inside with a horizontal motion so you can quickly identify problems and remove streaks.
How to Clean Leather Car Seats
Many cars have leather seats, which require specific cleaning products and methods. Cleaning leather car seats is a multi-step process, and it's important to take care so that they don't dampen and collect more bacteria.
Vacuum First
Always begin by using the crevice tool of a vacuum to remove dust and crumbs from the seams and the area where the back and bottom of the seats join.
Use the Right Type of Cleaner
Use a commercial leather cleaner (or saddle soap) and a damp cloth to clean the seats.
Start at the Top
Following your leather cleaner's directions, start at the top of the seat and work your way down to avoid leaving dirty drips on clean areas.
Condition the Leather
When the seats are clean and dry, use a commercial leather conditioner to keep the seats supple and soft. Buff dry with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Cloth Car Seats
Cloth car seats are sometimes easier to clean than leather car seats because you may be able to remove the seat covers. Even if you can't remove the covers, however, you have more options for cleaning products when cleaning cloth instead of leather.
Vacuum the Fabric
Use the upholstery and crevice vacuum tools to remove loose dust and dirt from the fabric. Be sure to clean carefully between the back and bottom cushions.
Pretreat Stains
Use a commercial upholstery cleaner (according to label directions) or a homemade cleaner to pretreat stains.
To make your own upholstery stain cleaner, create a 1:1 mixture of oxygen bleach powder and water in a small bowl. Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the paste and work it into the stain. Let it work for one hour before vacuuming the dried powder and soil.
Choose or Make a Cleaner
Follow the directions on a commercial upholstery cleaner or use a DIY cleaner.
To make your own upholstery cleaner, add ½ cup distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, and 1 cup warm water to a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
Apply the Cleaner
Starting at the top of the seat, lightly spray the cleaner and work it into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. Clean all surfaces, including the sides and backs of the seats where kids have left footprints, and don’t forget the seat belts.
Do not saturate the upholstery because it will take too long for the padding to dry, allowing mold and mildew to form.
Rinse the Seats
Remove loose soil and “rinse” the seats by wiping them down with a microfiber cloth dampened with clean water. Rinse and wring the cloth often, and change the water as it becomes dirty.
Dry the Upholstery
Leave windows open as the upholstery dries. To speed the process, set up a circulating fan nearby.
How to Clean Car Carpet
Your carpet might be the dirtiest area of your car. After all, you walk around outside and in public, and then step all over the carpet in the car. Regularly cleaning the carpet is key to keeping your car fresh and free of debris and germs. Plus, freshly cleaned soft surfaces make the car smell much better, too.
Remove and Clean the Floor Mats
If you have floor mats, remove them to clean separately. Hose down rubber mats and, if they're carpeted, clean them following the same steps as the car’s carpet.
Vacuum the Carpet
Carpets are the last area of the car you should vacuum so you catch all the dust and debris that has fallen to the floor from the dashboard and seats. Use the crevice and upholstery brush to slowly cover each area of the carpet.
Treat Stains
Following the label directions, use a commercial carpet stain remover to treat oil, food, and dirt stains.
Use a Carpet Cleaner
To do an overall carpet cleaning, use a commercial carpet cleaning powder (dry or liquid) or use the same homemade solution recommended for cleaning upholstery (½ cup distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, and 1 cup warm water).
Air-Dry
Open the windows and allow the carpet to air-dry. Add a circulating fan to speed up the process. Do not replace freshly cleaned car mats until the carpet is completely dry.
After you're done cleaning the carpet and allowing it to dry, spray the carpet and fabric upholstery with an odor-eliminating fabric refresher.
Tips to Keep Your Car Clean for Longer
Now that you have a clean, odor-free car, follow these tips to keep it that way.
- Keep a small trash bag handy and toss it at least weekly.
- Line cupholders with silicone baking cups to catch drips, and occasionally toss them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
- Keep an electrostatic duster, lint roller, and a microfiber cloth in the glove compartment or console for quick clean-ups while you’re waiting in the car.
- Use washable seat covers when transporting pets and kids.
- Treat spills and stains as soon as possible.
- Wipe off shoes before stepping inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of odor in the car?
When you have some time while the car is idle, sprinkle the seats and carpet with baking soda. Spritz with a light spray of water and work the powder into the fibers. Allow it to sit for at least eight hours before vacuuming away odor-causing soil.
If you don’t have eight hours, pour some baking soda into a resealable plastic food storage container. Cut some vents in the lid and stash the container under one of the front seats for the baking soda to absorb odors. Replace the baking soda each month. Hanging a car air freshener also helps to keep the good smells lasting longer.
How do I clean the trunk?
Messy trunks can cause odors. Think: Lost produce or a stinky gym bag left behind. Empty the trunk, discard trash, use a car vacuum on the interior, and hose off the trunk mat (if you have one).
How do I clean the screen on my dashboard?
When cleaning your dashboard, you'll also want to wipe down your screen. It's important to be careful when cleaning a touchscreen in your car. Dampening a non-abrasive cloth with disinfectant will do the trick. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid so you don't drench the screen, which can potentially damage it.
How to Wash a Car at Home Like a Pro—Inside and Out
