How to Clean a Car Interior from Dashboard to Seats

Female wearing long-sleeve striped shirt sitting in front seat, wiping car dashboard with white cloth.

Discover how to detail your own car and clean car interiors. Learn how to deep clean cloth seats and get tips for keeping your vehicle fresh and sanitized.

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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. Start with the dashboard

    Wipe down all hard, nonporous surfaces with Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes, including the glovebox, air vents, sound system controls and touch screen. Always follow car manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting of electronics.

    Tip

    To disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces, use enough wipes to keep surfaces wet for 4 minutes before air drying.

  2. Wipe down the steering wheel and console

    Wipe all parts of the steering wheel including the turn indicator and gear shift, as well as the cup holders on the center console. This is especially important for a car that has multiple drivers.

    Tip

    Use the small brush to scrub away gunky stains on hard surfaces.

  3. Wipe the interior of each door

    All hard surfaces on the door, including door handles, window controls, locks, and cup holders, should be wiped with a disinfecting wipe.

  4. Clean the windows

    Use the glass cleaner and the microfiber cloth to clean all the windows.

    Tip

    Clean the windows when the car is parked in the shade.

  5. Air dry

    Allow all treated surfaces to air dry completely before driving.

Steps to clean cloth car seats

  1. Vacuum soft surfaces

    Thoroughly vacuum all carpeting and upholstery, including any on the door panels. Collapse seats to better reach crevices and remove floor mats to vacuum under them. Leather upholstery may require pre-cleaning with a leather cleaning product; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

  2. Sanitize soft surfaces

    Hold Clorox™ Disinfecting Mist 6–8 inches from surfaces and spray evenly until upholstery or carpet is wet; do not saturate. To sanitize, soft surfaces should remain visibly wet for 1 minute before air drying.

    Tip

    When spraying the mist, make sure the car interior is well-ventilated by having windows down or a door open.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.