Interior Car Detailing Checklist: What to Clean and in What Order
Work from top to bottom and back to front so dirt never lands on a clean surface.
What should be on an interior car detailing checklist?
Remove trash and mats, vacuum, clean hard surfaces from the top down, clean seats and carpets, clean glass last, and finish with protectant and a final vacuum. Working top to bottom stops dust from falling onto finished areas.
The checklist
| Area | What to do |
|---|---|
| Trash and mats | Remove trash and floor mats, and shake out the mats |
| Vacuum | Seats, carpets, seams, under seats and the trunk |
| Headliner and pillars | Wipe lightly with a barely damp microfiber |
| Dashboard and console | Dust the vents, clean buttons and screens, wipe surfaces |
| Door panels and pockets | Clean handles, pockets and the lower door edges |
| Seats | Clean fabric or leather, then condition leather |
| Carpet and mats | Spot clean or shampoo, then dry |
| Glass | Clean last, with a clean microfiber for streak-free results |
| Finish | Apply a UV protectant to hard surfaces, and do a final vacuum |
Tools you need
- A vacuum with a crevice tool and brush attachment
- Microfiber towels, several clean ones
- Soft detailing brushes for vents and seams
- An interior cleaner and a fabric or leather cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Leather conditioner and UV protectant
Common mistakes
- Soaking carpet or seats, which can cause odor and mold.
- Using greasy products on the steering wheel and pedals.
- Cleaning the glass before the dashboard, so dust lands on it.
In Spokane
Winter brings salt and slush into the carpet and summer brings dust and sun. If you would rather skip the work, our interior car detailing follows this list and comes to your home or workplace. Read our guide on how long detailing takes for timing.
Related services and pages
Questions
How long does an interior detail take?
A DIY job often takes several hours. A professional interior detail usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Can I use household cleaners?
Some are too harsh or leave residue. Use products made for car interiors, and test a hidden area.
What is the most overlooked area?
Vents, seat tracks, door pockets and the area under the seats.
Get your Spokane car detailing quote
Send the year and make, your ZIP code and a couple of photos. We reply with a clear price and the next open window, usually the same day.