How to Clean Interior Car Plastic: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published 29 August 2024

Keeping the interior of your car clean is essential not only for aesthetics but also for maintaining the vehicle’s value and ensuring a pleasant driving experience. This is especially important if you’re leasing your car, as returning it in top condition can help you avoid extra charges at the end of your lease term. Among the various materials inside a car, plastic surfaces are often the most prone to dirt, grime, and wear. From the dashboard to the door panels and centre console, these surfaces can accumulate dust, fingerprints, and stains over time. Regular cleaning is crucial to keep your car’s interior looking new. This guide will walk you through the best practices for cleaning interior car plastic surfaces effectively.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning, it’s important to have all the necessary supplies ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Microfibre cloths: These are gentle on plastic surfaces and won’t leave lint behind.
• Soft-bristle brush: Useful for getting into crevices and textured areas.
• Vacuum cleaner with attachments: A small, handheld vacuum is ideal, but a regular vacuum with the appropriate nozzle works as well.
• Mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner: Look for one that’s safe for plastics.
• Water: Preferably distilled, to avoid leaving mineral deposits.
• Interior car plastic cleaner: Specifically formulated cleaners can be more effective and safer for car plastics.
• Protectant: A product that not only cleans but also protects the plastic from UV rays and future grime.

2. Prepare the Area

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to prepare the area to ensure a thorough job. Start by removing any loose items from the car. This includes floor mats, trash, and personal belongings. Next, use a vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris from the plastic surfaces, paying special attention to crevices, seams, and other areas where dirt tends to accumulate. If your vacuum has a brush attachment, use it to gently lift dirt from textured surfaces like the dashboard or door panels.

3. Dust and Wipe Down the Surfaces

Once the loose dirt has been removed, it’s time to dust and wipe down the plastic surfaces. Use a dry microfibre cloth to gently wipe the surfaces, removing any remaining dust. Microfibre is ideal because it traps dust rather than pushing it around. If you encounter stubborn spots, lightly dampen the cloth with water or a mild cleaner and wipe again. Be careful not to oversaturate the cloth, as excess moisture can seep into electronics or small crevices, potentially causing damage.

4. Clean with a Suitable Cleaner

Now that the surfaces are dust-free, it’s time to tackle the grime. If you’re using a dedicated interior car plastic cleaner, apply it directly to a microfibre cloth rather than spraying it onto the surface. This allows for better control and prevents overspray on other materials like fabric or leather. Gently wipe the plastic surfaces with the cleaner, using a circular motion to lift dirt. For heavily soiled areas, allow the cleaner to sit for a few moments before wiping it away.

If you don’t have a dedicated plastic cleaner, a mild detergent mixed with water can also do the trick. Mix a few drops of detergent in a bucket of warm water, dip a microfibre cloth into the solution, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe down the plastic surfaces. Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.

5. Tackle Tough Spots and Crevices

For textured surfaces and tight spaces, a soft-bristle brush can be invaluable. Dip the brush into your cleaning solution and gently scrub the areas that need extra attention. Use the brush to clean around buttons, knobs, air vents, and other small crevices. Be gentle to avoid scratching the plastic.

6. Dry the Surfaces

After cleaning, it’s important to dry the surfaces to prevent water spots or streaks. Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe down all the plastic areas you’ve cleaned. This step ensures that no moisture is left behind, which could attract dust or cause damage over time.

7. Apply a Protectant

To maintain the cleanliness and extend the life of your car’s plastic surfaces, consider applying a protectant. These products not only provide a layer of protection against UV rays, which can cause fading and cracking but also help repel dust and dirt. Apply the protectant with a clean microfibre cloth, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to avoid getting the product on any surfaces that shouldn’t be slippery, such as the steering wheel or pedals.

8. Regular Maintenance

Keeping your car’s interior plastic clean is easier if you maintain it regularly. Dusting the surfaces weekly with a dry microfibre cloth and vacuuming the interior often can prevent the build-up of grime. For a deeper clean, repeat the steps outlined in this guide every month or as needed, depending on your driving habits and environment.

Conclusion

Cleaning the interior plastic surfaces of your car doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep these areas looking fresh and new, enhancing your car’s overall appearance and longevity. By following this guide, you’ll ensure that your car’s interior remains a clean, comfortable, and enjoyable space every time you get behind the wheel. Regular care and maintenance will not only preserve the look of your vehicle but also contribute to a more pleasant driving experience.