Interior Details: A Step-by-Step Guide

An interior detail consists of cleaning, restoring, and protecting virtually every surface, including the dashboard, seats, console, carpets, windows, etc. With the following step-by-step instructions, you too can detail your car like a pro:

1. Remove all trash and debris: Start by removing all the trash, empty bottles, wrappers, and any other personal items from the car. This includes removing floor mats, shaking them out, and setting them aside to clean later. Change, chargers, Chiclets.... it's all gotta go!

2. Vacuum the car: Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the car's interior. In general, you want to clean back to front (i.e.-start in trunk and finish with driver's seat), top to bottom (clean higher areas first, carpets are the last area to clean. Start by vacuuming the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Make sure to get into all the crevices and hard-to-reach places, including under the seats and around the pedals. Agitate carpets & upholstery with a drill brush or similar brush, removing debris that the vacuum didn't already remove,.

3. Clean the dashboard and interior surfaces: Using a mild all-purpose cleaner, detailing brush, and a clean microfiber towel, spray then clean the dashboard, center console, door panels, and any other interior surfaces. Be gentle, and avoid using too much cleaner which can damage electronic components or be counterproductive.

4. Clean the windows: Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the windows, both inside and out. Make sure to remove any streaks or smudges.

5. Clean the upholstery: Use an upholstery cleaner to clean the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully, and make sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damage; For most cleaners, you can simply add it to a spray bottle and spray before agitating with your brush. If you have an extractor, this is when you would use it. For those of you who DON'T have one, a thorough vacuuming and final wipe with dry, clean microfiber towels will suffice. DO NOT ALLOW CLEANER TO SIT ON UPHOLSTERY IN THE SUN FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.... trust me.

6. Condition leather: If your car has leather seats, use a leather conditioner to clean and protect them. Same goes with any leather components. I use a number of products but am partial to "Leather Honey" (leather conditioner) and "LeatherSoft" by DuraCoating. Apply the conditioner to a clean microfiber , and rub it into the leather in a circular motion. Make sure to remove any excess conditioner with a clean, dry microfiber towel.

7. Clean the air vents: Use a small, soft-bristled brush to clean the air vents and other hard-to-reach places.

8. Polish the interior surfaces: Use a plastic or vinyl protectant to shine and protect the dashboard, center console, and door panels. This step is particularly relevant to those of you who have "PIANO BLACK" interior surfaces.... because it looked amazing in the showroom until you wiped it with a paper towel. Apply the protectant to a clean microfiber cloth, and rub it into the surfaces in a circular motion.

9. Clean the floor mats: After spraying the mats with an upholstery cleaner, allow product to dwell for a few minutes. Use drill brush to agitate and ultimately remove any dirt, sand, etc. Can either use your extractor or microfiber towels to remove cleaning product. Hang to air dry.

10. Finish up: Check the interior one last time for any missed spots or areas that need touching up. Make sure to close all the doors and windows, and enjoy your newly detailed car!

Overall, detailing the interior of a car can take some time and effort, but the end result is worth it. A mid-sized sedan ONLY takes me 3-4 hours, so be sure to bring snacks ;)

With these step-by-step instructions, you too can ensure that your car's interior is clean and protected for many miles to come!