Good car maintenance will make your vehicle more valuable and a source for pride. Both the interior and exterior of your car are made of plastic. Start by vacuuming the interior plastic and then use a soft cloth along with a plastic safe cleaner. To clean exterior plastic, first wash the car and then use a degreaser. Use some type of protection to finish off your cleaning sessions.
Interiors of cars vary. It all boils down to the price, brand, and purpose of the vehicle. Vinyl seating is used in commercial vehicles for cleaning. However, most vehicles, regardless of sector, will have a variety of plastics as part of their dashboard and trim features. You can choose from a piano-black or textured surface, or even a carbon-fibre effect. Higher-end models may have real carbon fibre. However, all plastics are susceptible to dirt and will still need to be cleaned. Here’s how you do it.
How to clean the car interior plastic
- Bucket of pure water
- Vacuum cleaner
- Detail brush for hard-to reach corners
- A selection of microfibre cloths
- Towel drying
- All-purpose cleaning product
- Detailing spray to give that final touch
How to clean the interior of a plastic car
Our cars are constantly in motion, adding dust to the interior and leaving fingerprint marks. It’s not difficult to clean car interiors, but it can make a big difference in the enjoyment of owning a car.
Start by vacuuming the entire area to remove any loose particles and dust. Use the tools to reach all corners. Water is not good for electronics so avoid watering them. However, some surfaces like plastic doors trims or metal doors can be cleaned with a microfibre cloth to remove surface marks. Use an interior cleaner that’s designed to clean multiple surfaces to get rid of stubborn marks and spillage stains. This will leave a shiny, clean surface.
Use a towel to dry your vehicle and catch any excess water.
Tip: Instead of spraying surface cleaner all over the place, spray it only sparingly onto a microfibre cloth. Because they collect dirt in the fibers, rather than spreading it around, microfibre cloths work well. They can also be washed and reused. When working, change them frequently.
Finish the showroom
A good vacuuming and an all-purpose cleaner should be sufficient to clean most interior surfaces. However, for a unique touch, you can use a branded interior detail spray that is safe for plastic, vinyl, and metal surfaces. This product will leave a showroom with a clean, fresh finish. It also repels dust and is anti-static. It is worth it.
How to clean the interior of a black plastic car
Some trims, such as textured or anonymous grey plastics, don’t show dust. The worst thing about black plastic trim, such as the shiny piano-black finish is that it shows dust and marks. This also applies to plastic touchscreen surfaces. Use an anti-static detailing spray to clean them. This will prevent dust buildup. It should be used sparingly.
How to clean the interior plastic trim of your car
A good first step is to clear out junk from door bins and dashboard consoles. Next, vacuum the entire area. It will be easier to use cleaning products. To avoid scratching surfaces and getting into the corners, use the vacuum tool, particularly the brush attachment. You might use a detailing brush to clean around switchgear, air vents and other items. Next, proceed with the cleaning steps outlined above.
How to clean the interior of a hard plastic car
The hard plastics can be scratched easily so take care when using any tools. To remove stubborn marks, a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth or an all-purpose cleaner will do the trick. Water and electronics are not compatible so do not use excessive amounts of water or spray liquids directly onto the cloth.
How to remove mud from car interior plastic
Winter means that you will often bring mud with you when you go out in the snow. For example, boots can rub against the doors trim. You will only spread the mud if you try to clean it off. It is better to let it dry, then use a soft bristled brush to brush it away. Use a soft bristled brush to avoid scratching the surface. After you’re done, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Use an interior cleaner to clean any stains and residue. A spray interior detailing spray can restore the plastic’s original look.
How to clean car interiors made of textured plastic
Some interiors of cars have textured or grooved surfaces. This is evident in the plastic trim that covers the doors. You can clean the plastic trim around the door shuts in the normal way, but you should also use a soft brush to reach into any grooves or textured surfaces that a vacuum might miss.
It is satisfying to do good car maintenance and cleaning. Admire your work. Motoring is more enjoyable when the interior is clean. Well maintained cars will retain their value longer.
