Tip 1. Remove large items

Before performing a deep interior cleaning of the car, you'll need to remove larger garbage items like wrappers, receipts, coins, or cans. Though many of these things may be easy to find, others might be hidden under the seats or in the door’s map pocket.

Tip 2. Wipe down hard surfaces and air vents

With a clean cloth soaked in warm water, wipe away residual dust from the plastic surfaces around your interior. Air vents tend to collect a lot of dust over time, and wiping inside of them not only improves their appearance but also delivers cleaner air when the heat or A/C runs. 

Tip 3. Vacuum floor mats

The floor mats in your car take a beating and accumulate large quantities of dust, gravel, and other particles from you and your passengers’ shoes.

That's why an excellent first step during the interior cleaning of your car is pulling the floor mats out and thoroughly vacuuming them.

But before you vacuum floor mats, shake them out or flap them against a tree or wall to loosen up and get out larger chunks of dirt or gravel.

Once you have the big pieces out of the way, vacuuming the floor mats front to back slowly ensures you remove all the dirt. 

After that, you can wash them with hot soapy water or a specialized automotive carpet cleaner to make them look and smell like new.

Cleaning the interior of your car yourself can save you big time, just like buying a used vehicle can save you thousands versus purchasing a new car. But finding one in excellent condition can be a hassle. From the interior to the mechanical components, you want something in great shape that'll stand the test of time. And wouldn't it be nice to make your purchase without having to spend hours and days driving around, searching for a vehicle that suits your needs? You can buy any of Shift's cars directly online from the comfort of your home, know it has no hidden issues (from our 150-point inspection) and get a fair, up-front price.

Tip 4. Vacuum seats and floors

Your seats, floors, and car carpets are probably a close second to the floor mats in terms of wear and dirt collection. Because of that, it's essential to scour them with a vacuum cleaner when you finish the floor mats.

Especially significant are the various crevices and nooks present throughout your seats and upholstery, and also the area behind your pedals and around the door panels. 

Tip 5. Clear away pet hair

Though dogs, cats, and other animals are fun to have around, they also shed hair that sticks to your car seats. 

And if your vacuum leaves behind plenty of hair on the back seats and upholstery, a regular upholstery cleaner may not do the trick. However, rubber-dipped gloves make removing pet hair easy.

All you have to do is move your gloved hand throughout the interior, and the pet hair adheres to it, making for a simple and easy process. 

Tip 6. Wipe down windows and mirrors

Clean windshields and windows are key to having good outward visibility and help ensure safe driving. And both your rear-view and side mirrors keep you informed of oncoming traffic, giving you extra insurance against collisions. 

Using an ammonia-free window cleaner in a spray bottle gives your windows and mirrors a factory-fresh appearance and protects interior plastics from harsh chemicals. 

A microfiber cloth works best when used alongside glass cleaner, featuring a good blend of cleaning ability and gentleness. 

Tip 7. Clean the center console

Because it's in the middle of everything, the center console on your car undergoes a lot of wear and tear and winds up picking up a lot of dirt and grime.

The center console needs regular cleaning to maintain its appearance from the storage compartment to the cupholders, gear shift, and other knobs or controls.

For a thorough rinse of the center console storage bin, first try soaking it in a cleaning solution of warm water and dish soap, and then using a sponge to wash it out. Then rinse it with clean water and dry it out with a microfiber towel.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to pick up dust and leave plastic surfaces spotless on the gear change and surrounding areas. 

A toothbrush or wet cotton swab can squeeze inside and remove every last bit of dirt from the tightest crevices in and surrounding the center console.

Tip 8. Make your own air freshener

With time, car interiors don't always begin to look less new; they begin to smell less new, too.

Making your own air freshener can absorb unpleasant odors and make your car smell great. All you have to do is mix one cup of baking soda with five drops of your preferred essential oil. After keeping the mixture in a sealed bag or a jar for 24 hours, sift it over the floor of your vehicle and let it sit for about 20 minutes

Then, vacuum away the baking soda, and you'll experience a bright and clean scent, completing your interior cleaning of the car.

And voila! Your car is looking and smelling as good as new again. Although a used car may look like it's in excellent condition, or even have that new car smell,how can you really know? Even if the interior smells new, it could be hiding mechanical issues. And when you purchase a used vehicle, how can you be sure it'll stand the test of time? With Shift's best-in-industry service contracts, you know your car's good to go, mile after mile. With a Shift Vehicle Protection plan, not only are essential components covered, but you also receive roadside assistance if you run into trouble. Wherever you happen to be in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.