How to Clean a Car Interior from Dashboard to Seats

Mujer con camisa a rayas limpiando el panel de control del automóvil con un paño blanco desde el asiento delantero.

Los carros siempre se ensucian por dentro, especialmente cuando transportan niños. Con los productos adecuados, es fácil higienizar los asientos de tu automóvil y mantener limpios y desinfectados los , tableros y manijas de las puertas.

Más de los expertos de Clorox

Car interiors get dirty and germy, especially in cars that drive kids around. Dirt and grime build up inside cars from dust, pollen, and debris carried in through open windows and vents or tracked in by shoes. Spilled drinks, food crumbs, and oils from skin contact with seats, steering wheels, and doors add to the mess. Over time, lack of regular cleaning and exposure to moisture can cause stains, odors and stubborn buildup inside the car. While you may have a regular home disinfecting routine and office cleanup chore chart, your car may need some attention, too.

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How often should you clean the inside of your car?

With lots of people hopping in and out of your car, it can get dirty fast. To keep the interior clean, aim for a monthly basic cleaning, like vacuuming and wiping down surfaces to keep dirt, dust and crumbs under control. High-touch areas like the steering wheel, gear shift and door handles should be disinfected more often, especially during cold and flu season. Regular cleaning not only keeps your car looking fresh but also can help protect surfaces from long-term wear and tear.

What to use to clean inside of a car

Steps to clean hard surfaces inside a car

  1. Comienza por el tablero

    Limpia todas las superficies duras no porosas con toallitas desinfectantes Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes, incluyendo la guantera, las salidas de aire, los controles del equipo de sonido y la pantalla táctil. Siempre debes seguir las instrucciones del fabricante del auto para la limpieza y desinfección de los componentes electrónicos.

    Consejo

    Para desinfectar superficies duras no porosas, utiliza suficientes toallitas para mantener las superficies húmedas durante 4 minutos antes de que se sequen al aire.

  2. Limpia el volante y los compartimientos del carro

    Limpia todas las partes del volante, incluyendo el indicador de giro, y la palanca de cambios, así como los portavasos en el compartimiento central. Esto es especialmente importante si el automóvil tiene varios conductores.

    Consejo

    Usa el cepillo de dientes para quitar las manchas pegajosas de las superficies duras.

  3. Limpia el interior de cada puerta

    Todas las superficies duras de las puertas deben ser limpiadas con una toallita desinfectante, incluyendo las manijas, los controles de las ventanas, las cerraduras y los portavasos.

  4. Limpia las ventanas

    Usa el limpiador para vidrios y el pañito de microfibra para limpiar todas las ventanas.

    Consejo

    Limpia las ventanas cuando el carro esté estacionado en la sombra.

  5. Deja que se sequen al aire

    Antes de conducir el carro, permite que todas las superficies tratadas se sequen completamente al aire.

Steps to clean cloth car seats

  1. Aspira las superficies blandas

    Aspira bien todas las alfombras y la tapicería, incluyendo la de las puertas. Dobla los asientos para llegar mejor a los lugares difíciles de alcanzar y quita las alfombras para poder aspirar por debajo de ellas. Si la tapicería es de cuero, puede que necesites limpiarla previamente con un producto especial para cuero; recuerda seguir las instrucciones del fabricante.

  2. Higieniza las superficies blandas

    Sostén la botella rociadora de Clorox™ Disinfecting Mist a entre 6 y 8 pulgadas de distancia de la tapicería o las alfombras y rocíalas uniformemente hasta que estén completamente mojadas, sin llegar a saturarlas. Para lograr la higienización, las superficies blandas deben permanecer visiblemente húmedas durante 1 minuto antes de secarse al aire.

    Consejo

    Al rociar las superficies dentro del carro, asegúrate de que esté bien ventilado, manteniendo una puerta o las ventanas abiertas.

When it comes to children’s car seats, you may need a little extra help. Get more in-depth details with our guide for how to clean a baby car seat.

How to get water out of your car & dry out the interior

Rainy soccer practice or a summer pool party can make for soggy car seats. If you need to get water out of your car and dry the interior, start by using a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much excess water as possible. Then, use towels on the wet areas to absorb any remaining moisture and use fans, a hairdryer or a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process. This will help prevent mold and keep your car fresh.

How to get dust and crumbs out of your car

We love road trip snacks, but not the crumbs. To target dust and crumbs in your car, use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with attachments to reach all the nooks and crannies. For tight spots, a soft brush or compressed air can help loosen debris. Alternatively, a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe can be an effective way to pick up messes or spills from hard, nonporous surfaces inside the car.

Preguntas frecuentes

Can I use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes in my car?

Absolutely, you can use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to clean many hard, nonporous surfaces inside your car, like the dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles. Just be careful with touchscreens and delicate surfaces, and avoid using them on leather seats. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to test on a small hidden area first.

Why is my dashboard sticky?

If your dashboard is feeling sticky, it's likely due to heat and sun exposure breaking down the materials over time, especially in older cars. Dirt, spilled drinks or leftover cleaning products can also contribute to that tacky feel. Regular cleaning and using UV protectants can help prevent and reduce stickiness, keeping your dash looking tidy.

Why does my car get so dusty?

Dust happens. Cars tend to collect dust from outside air coming in through vents, windows and doors, especially when driving or parked outdoors. Plus, interior materials like carpets, seats and dashboards can shed tiny fibers that add to the dust buildup. Regular vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and using cabin air filters can help keep the dust at bay and your car looking clean.

How do you get crumbs out of a car?

To get crumbs out of your car, grab a handheld vacuum or one with a narrow nozzle attachment to reach between seats, under mats, and into crevices. A soft brush or a can of compressed air can help loosen crumbs from tight spots before vacuuming. You can help keep those pesky crumbs from piling up by regularly shaking out floor mats and wiping down surfaces.

How do you disinfect inside of a car?

Start by cleaning high-touch surfaces like the steering wheel, door handles, dashboard, and gear shift with soap and water to remove dirt. Then, use a disinfectant that's safe for automotive interiors. Wipe hard, nonporous surfaces gently and evenly, then let the treated surface remain visibly wet for 4 minutes for disinfecting.