Unlike a quick wipe-down, auto interior detailing involves a systematic approach that reaches every surface, seam, and crevice. For professionals, efficiency and consistency are key. This guide outlines proven steps to detailing a car interior from start to finish, using industry-approved tools and chemicals to deliver results customers will notice immediately.
Preparing the vehicle
Before any car interior detailing begins, efficiency starts with organization. Remove all personal items from the vehicle, such as loose change, phone chargers, floor mats, and trash, so you’re not working around obstacles. Use loose item bags to store anything left behind.
Tips:
- Soak removable ashtrays and removable cup holders in a bucket of soapy water while you detail the rest of the interior
- Quickly inspect the cabin for items that could snag vacuums or tools (pens, keys, sharp objects).
- Stage your detailing tools & equipment before the job to avoid backtracking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Interior Car Detailing
For maximum efficiency, work top to bottom and front to back. This prevents water or overspray from reaching areas that are already completed. Here’s how to detail a vehicle’s interior:
- Loosen Debris:
Use an air compressor to loosen dirt and debris in the carpets, seats, door pockets, and around the dashboard. This will make vacuuming easier later. - Clean the Headliner:
Using a damp hydra sponge, lightly spray Detail King’s Extractor Soap onto the sponge, and gently scrub the headliner. Avoid oversaturating it. Use a clean terry towel to wipe up excess soap and moisture. - Clean the Doors:
For door panels and plastics, spray Detail King’s Pink Power onto a clean microfiber towel and wipe down the panel. Pay extra attention to high-touch points like handles and buttons. Use an interior detailing brush for grime that’s hard to reach. Use the Tornador Classic for a faster clean. Wipe up moisture with a clean towel. - Dashboards & Consoles:
Continue with Pink Power on the dashboard, gauge cluster, and center console. Switch to interior-safe brushes for buttons, vents, and seams. Remember to clean/wipe down the glove box and lower dashboard areas. For leather components, follow manufacturer care instructions or move to Step 5. - Remove & Clean the Floor Mats:
Remove floor mats to vacuum and extract, if necessary. For plastic and rubber mats, pressure wash the mats and clean with a high-strength cleaner such as Magic Cleaner Concentrate or Special Force. Use one of our drill brush attachments to speed up the process on rubber or carpeted mats. Use mat hangers to allow them to drip dry. - Clean & Treat Leather Surfaces:
Use Leather Magic with a leather and vinyl brush for deep cleaning. Always follow with conditioner to prevent drying or cracking. - Remove Pet Hair:
When needed, remove pet hair before extracting carpet and upholstery using the FurzOff or a rubber pet hair brush.
Tip: Add two ounces of fabric softener to a quart of water and mist the affected areas to eliminate static charge and dislodge the pet hair more easily. - Shampoo Carpets:
Start by spot-treating stains with Hot Shot or Magic Cleaner Concentrate. Scrub Extractor Soap into the carpet and upholstery. Once the surfaces have been thoroughly shampooed, use a carpet extractor to fully remove the soap and dirt. Repeat extraction as necessary.Tip: If there is a lot of ground-in dirt, use our high-foaming Carpet Shampoo prior to the extractor soap to help loosen all of the dirt. Wipe away foam and dirt with a clean towel and then proceed to the extractor soap and carpet extractor. - Dress the Interior:
For a factory-look finish, apply Pearl Gloss to shine and protect plastic and vinyl. For rubber weather stripping, use Super Blue. If door jams have already been cleaned, now is a good time to wax them using an express detailer such as our Final Touch Ultra Express Wax or Gloss & Glide Detail Spray. Never dress the steering wheel, shifter, or pedals. - Protect the Interior:
Once the fabric and upholstery have dried, it’s time to apply protection. Use our Spill Defender to halt potential stains from setting in. For enhanced protection with nano-technology, use Jade A65 Fabric Guard. - Clean Interior Glass:
Use a dedicated streak-free window cleaner like Ready-to-Use (RTU) Glass Cleaner with dedicated window cleaning towels, like our Black Diamond Glass Towels or Huck Towels. - Odor Removal & Control:
For customers requesting full deodorization, complete the service with an ozone generator treatment. - Add Finishing Touches:
Add interior fragrance under the seat to leave the car smelling fresh. Reinstall anything that was removed in the beginning, such as the ashtray, and place the loose item bag on the passenger seat. Place plastic-coated paper floor mats on top in the front row. If the carpets are still damp, place the vehicle’s mats in the trunk. Be sure that AC vents, headrests, seats, backrests, and mirrors are positioned correctly.
Video Guides for Professionals
- How to Clean & Sanitize a Car’s Interior: Efficient workflow for reducing cross-contamination and improving air quality.
- How to Clean Interior Plastics & Vinyls: Professional techniques for avoiding streaking and restoring OEM finish.
Disclaimer: This procedure has been prepared as an example and should be used to create your own Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). All vehicles are different and may require additional steps. It is your responsibility to develop procedures that work for your organization.
FAQs:
How long should detailing an interior take?
A full interior car detailing service for a sedan typically takes 1.5–3 hours depending on condition, tools, and whether odor treatment or heavy stain removal is included.
Additional services such as odor removal or re-extracting the carpets in order to fully remove dirt will quickly add additional labor time. In extreme cases, it could even take multiple days to bring life back to the interior.
How often should you clean the interior?
For most clients, 2–4 times a year will maintain surfaces and prevent embedded dirt. Fleet and commercial vehicles benefit from monthly cleanings due to heavy use.
What’s the difference between a steamer and an extractor for interior detailing?
Steamers spray water vapor only. They are great for hard surface cleaning as well as breaking down stains and spills. Carpet extractors shoot out hot water with a decent bit of pressure and suck it back up along with dirt.
Carpet extractors are essential for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery in vehicles. Vapor steamers are great at cleaning plastic, leather, vinyl, and more, typically without the need to introduce any harsh chemicals. Both pieces of equipment use the power of hot water to loosen grime and provide the best possible clean.