Your car’s interior appearance is just as important as its exterior. Much like people, your car does not have to look its age. Even new cars can look old and battered if they are not cleaned and maintained properly.

With everything people bring inside their cars, it’s not a mystery how dirt and garbage can accumulate so quickly, not to mention the stains on the upholstery due to spilled drinks, among others. This can leave your car gross and smelly.

Cleaning your car can be arduous, but it does not have to be. It’s a waste of time to devote two hours of your weekend cleaning your car when you could be doing something you actually enjoy.

Here are some non-intimidating tips on how to take care of your car’s interior and keep it looking fresh and brand-new. Most of these only take 20 minutes tops!

Use Chamois Towel

One of the most common crimes that car owners commit is spilling drinks inside the car. Because of this, it is recommended that you have a chamois towel close by. Chamois cloth is absorbent and dries quickly, making it the perfect tool to prevent your spilled drink from damaging other parts of your car.

Protect Your Car Seats 

Over time, it is inevitable that dirt and stains will accumulate on your car’s upholstery. The great thing is that there is an easy solution to this problem: getting new seat covers. Not only do they protect your car seats from dirt and stain, but they can also save you a great deal of time since they are way easier to clean than the original seats. With so many choices of car seat covers available, you can easily find a design that fits both your car’s interior and your personal taste. 

Shake Off Dust from Floor Mats

A good way to clean your car’s floor mat is to remove it and shake the dust off regularly. It’s usually where loose debris, dirt, and dust accumulate over time. You don’t need to do this every day; a weekly dusting off should do the trick. 

Once or twice a month, take out your car floor mats for good washing. If you’re using fabric mats, consider switching to waterproof and dustproof ones for easy maintenance.

Clean as You Go

A bit cliche, but it works on all messy situations inside your car, like crumbs on the floor or a drink spill. Take care of the following immediately to prevent problems in your car’s interior:

• Food and drinks spillage. These are common occurrences, and you must act fast in these cases! If you wait too long, the spillage will have a chance to set, making it much harder to clean.
• Accumulated junk. Gather and throw out the accumulated garbage in your car daily.
• Clutter. Avoid leaving random objects inside your vehicle. Having an organizer in your car will help to avoid scattered knickknacks everywhere; otherwise, you’ll have to take them outside with you.

Make It a Habit!

Regular cleaning helps maintain that fresh, brand-new interior look. Make it part of your routine to wipe, dust off, and declutter the inside of your car. These little things can save you time and a lot of money in the long run. Preventing stains, grime, and dirt from accumulating reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning and detailing.

How frequently should you clean your car’s interior? The answer: it depends. It is acceptable to clean your car once a month except for those you can do daily or weekly.

According to a study by researchers in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University, a positive correlation exists between the car’s age and the level of bacteria likely to be found within it. Therefore, an older car is generally dirtier. If your vehicle falls under the old category, you should clean it more often.

Aside from the obvious aesthetic and health benefits, taking care of your car’s interior protects its resale value. If you decide to finally trade it for a newer one, a well-maintained interior can get you a much better deal.

Go Home