By Richard Hutchins, CD, Leather Repair Company, Hull, East Yorkshire, England
Maintaining a clean and tidy vehicle interior is essential not only for your comfort but also for the overall value and longevity of your vehicle. Germs, grease, dirt, and grime cause a health risk on interiors. It doesn’t do much good to have a shiny outside if the inside of your vehicle is covered in germs, dirt, and grime.
Here are some tips on how to maintain your vehicle interior:
1. Vacuum the interior on a routine basis. Regular vacuuming of your vehicle’s interior can help remove dirt, dust, and other debris that accumulate over time. Use a handheld or portable vacuum to clean the seats, floor mats, and carpets thoroughly.
2. Use seat covers. Seat covers can help protect the upholstery from wear and tear, spills, and stains. They are available in a variety of materials and designs to suit your style and needs.
3. Clean spills immediately. Accidents happen, and spills are a common occurrence in vehicles. However, cleaning up spills immediately can prevent stains and damage to the upholstery. Keep a small bottle of upholstery cleaner and a clean cloth in the vehicle for emergencies. You can also apply a fabric protector.
4. Wipe down surfaces regularly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, and other surfaces in your vehicle regularly. This helps to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime. Make sure you use the correct products for the surface material being cleaned — leather requires a dedicated leather cleaner, whereas for plastics you can use an all-purpose cleaner (APC).
5. Protect the dashboard. The dashboard is prone to fading and cracking due to exposure to sunlight and heat. Use a dashboard protector or cover to protect it from damage.
6. Use air fresheners. A fresh-smelling vehicle interior can make all the difference in your driving experience. Use air fresheners to keep your vehicle smelling clean and pleasant.
7. Take care of leather seats. If your vehicle has leather seats, it’s essential to clean and condition them regularly to keep them soft and supple. Use a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep them in good condition. Ceramics on leather are bad as it blocks all pores and causes drying out to take place and accelerates cracking and deterioration.
8. Keep glass clean. Making sure your windows are clean and free of dirt and grime is essential for clear driving vision. Rear windows and front windows can generate films on the inside of them that could cause vison issues. Smoking in vehicles is the biggest cause of this, so regular deep cleaning of windows to remove nicotine will ensure clear vision.
Maintaining a clean and tidy vehicle interior is easy with these tips. Regular vacuuming, cleaning up spills immediately, wiping down surfaces regularly, and using seat covers and air fresheners in vehicles are all simple ways to keep your vehicle interior looking and smelling great. By taking good care of your vehicle interior, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for years to come.
About the Author: Richard Hutchins, CD, is the Owner of Leather Repair Company, a global leather care brand based out of Hull, East Yorkshire, England. Their leather care and repair services help keep all forms of leather in top condition, increase resale value, and avoid costly replacements, helping to protect the planet with its eco-friendly award-winning products range. They offer a wide variety of leather care, repair, and restoration products, as well as providing training courses and distributorship deals globally. They are a circular economy business, who are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificated.