With the summer months approaching and road trips on the horizon, it’s understandable that our cars may become filthier than usual. Now that our cars are getting a little more action, its understandable that they may become filthier than usual. We all know to clean the outside of our cars when they start looking dirty, but it’s important not to neglect the inside by regularly cleaning car interiors too! Nooks and crannies such as vents and cup holders can gather dirt, dust and debris very easily. This can lead to unsightly build-up, that may be difficult to clean efficiently. With so many varying materials to deal with, the inside of your car might just be trickier to clean than the exterior.
So, what should you do if you find yourself in a sticky situation? Fear not, WD-40® is here to help! Carry on reading to follow our ultimate guide to inside car cleaning!
A Vacuum
Extension cord
WD-40® Multi-Use Product
Leather or fabric cleanser
A densely bristled brush
Clean cloth / Kitchen roll
Air freshener
Although this step may sound simple, it is often overlooked. Vacuuming your car can really take it from a DIY job to a professional looking valet clean.
Using an extender cord, take your vacuum outside to reach your car. Ensure the weather is appropriate and there are no hazards such as puddles around to damage your vacuum. With the brush tool end, work your way through all surfaces of your car to remove any remnants of dust, dirt and debris.
With the dashboard being the first surface you set your eyes on when entering a vehicle, it is important to keep it looking fresh. Once a week, take a soft, clean sponge and spray it liberally with some WD-40® Multi-Use product. Use the sponge to coat the entirety of your dashboard with product and allow it time to break down any grime that may be apparent.
After five minutes, use a dry cloth to wipe away the product, revealing a shiny surface. To finish, apply a secondary light spray of product and work it into the surface, to create a protective barrier until the next clean.
Now that your dashboard is looking as good as new, it’s time to deal with the seats and trims. If you have leather trims, use a leather cleaner. If your upholstery is fabric, use a specialist fabric cleaner.
Begin by clearing the area of any additional wrappers, debris, and other objects. Take out any removable pieces such as floor mats and shake them outside to remove remaining dust and dirt particles. Next, take your chosen product and apply it to all applicable surfaces. Don’t forget the nooks and crannies under your seats, surrounding the handbrake, and in the boot!
Once the product has taken a few minutes to soak in, use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe the surfaces and dislodge any remaining debris. For more stubborn areas, repeat this process until you are happy with the results. Ensure you let your upholstery dry completely before using again!
Tiny spaces in your car including vents, door handles, and cup holders can be tricky to clean. We recommend using a small, densely bristled brush (or a toothbrush!) and a light spray of WD-40® Multi-Use product to really get in there and disrupt the build-up. Be sure to not use too much pressure to break these delicate fixings. Finish with a light spray of product to seal in the clean and leave a protective barrier.
Creating a smudge free finish on any reflective surface can be a challenge. Oily fingerprints and smears are tricky to remove but are no match for WD-40® Multi-Use Product!
Spray the affected surface liberally with your trusty blue and red can and wipe it immediately with a soft microfibre cloth. Buff away the oily smears, and then remove any remaining product using a dry cloth or kitchen roll to reveal crystal clear glass. Follow the same process for interior mirrors, and chrome fixings.
Now that your car is as clean as the day you bought it, it’s time to make sure it smells the part. Keep your car’s carpets and rugs smelling amazing using 1001 Carpet Fresh Spring Blossom and Mandarin. For an instant refresh, simply grab your handy can of 1001 Carpet Fresh, and spray the quick drying foam directly onto your car’s floor mats. Its unique formula will penetrate into your carpet’s fibres, neutralising trapped odours and releasing a delightful scent into your car that has been blended by perfume experts. No need to wipe away or vacuum, 1001 Carpet Fresh dries in minutes and leaves no mess for you to clean up. Simple!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
© 2025 WD-40 Company.
All Rights Reserved