Best Car Interior Cleaner

You want the best interior cleaner on the UK market?

Look no further - Here it is:

Auto Glanz Mist is the best car interior cleaner out there in our opinion - but it does not come without compromises. 

Because:

You can't find a a single interior cleaner that excels in all these categories:

• Trim
• Plastic
• LCD/Dashboard
• Leather
• Fabrics
• Glass / Windows

But don't worry - we'll get back to that!

Key Takeaways:

• Choose the best car interior cleaner to achieve a pristine interior.
• Follow our tips and recommendations for effective car interior cleaning.
• Consider dedicated cleaners for different surfaces such as leather, glass, plastic, and fabric.
• Don't compromise on the quality of car interior cleaning products.

What To Look For in the Best Car Interior Cleaner of 2024

When it comes to car interior cleaning, having the right products can make all the difference.

In our opinion:

The best car interior cleaner should be able to tackle light dirt and stains, and leave the surface with a natural look, inhibiting dust to settle easily after cleaning. 

When choosing the best car interior cleaner, it's important to consider the specific surfaces and materials you need to clean.

Some cleaners may be more suitable for fabric upholstery, while others are designed for plastic or leather. 

Key Features to Look for in Interior Cleaners

When it comes to choosing a car interior cleaner, there are several key features that you should consider.

By understanding these features and their importance, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your car's interior receives the best care possible. Take a look at the following factors to keep in mind:

There is no "one product" fits all

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to interior cleaners. Each surface in your car, such as the dashboard, plastic trims, or fabric seats, requires a dedicated cleaner that is specifically formulated to provide optimal results.

This doesn't mean that your glass will be damaged by using Mist to clean your glass - but you are much better off using a dedicated glass cleaner such as Moonshine. 

Without dedicated cleaners for each surface you will compromise

Using a dedicated cleaner for each surface ensures that you can effectively target any stains, dirt, or grime that may be present.

For example, a trim dressing designed specifically for trim / plastic will give you the opportunity to darken faded plastic, and potentially make it glossy if that is what you wish.

You will not get that in a sole interior cleaner product.

Ease of Application and Use

Another important aspect to consider when choosing an interior cleaner is its ease of application and use.

Look for a cleaner that offers a user-friendly application method.

We typically prefer spray - but foam can also be a good way to apply interior cleaner. 

Interior Cleaning Areas

These are the areas in your car where you would need to use an interior cleaner.

Leather

Leather seats add a touch of luxury to any car interior. To keep them looking their best, it's important to clean and condition them regularly.

You can use our interior detailer Mist on leather, such as seats and steering wheel - and it will work perfectly for everyday dirt.

If you need a deep clean we will suggest using our dedicated leather cleaner.

Bundle it with our leather conditioner to keep those seats in the best possible state - preventing it from drying out and cracking. 

Plastic & Trim

Plastic and trim surfaces are prone to dust, fingerprints, and scuff marks.

Mist excels at a light clean of hard surfaces such as plastic and interior trim. 

If your interior plastics are very dirty - we suggest you read our guide to cleaning plastics, but for that every day cleaning, and preventing dust to settle Mist is perfect!

Fabrics

Fabrics are one of those areas where we recommend a dedicated fabric cleaner instead of a "generic all round" interior cleaner.

The reason for using a dedicated cleaner is simple:

You minimise the risk of discolouring and unwanted marks on your fabric.

To refresh and clean these surfaces, start by vacuuming to remove loose dirt and debris. Next, use a fabric cleaner appropriate for your specific type of upholstery (e.g., fabric, velvet, or suede). Apply the cleaner according to the instructions, using a soft brush or cloth to gently agitate the surface. Finish by blotting with a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture.

If you want to go into details - read our guide to cleaning cloth seats here>>

LCD Screens

Modern cars often feature LCD screens for navigation, infotainment, and other purposes. Cleaning these screens and your dashboard requires a gentle touch to avoid scratching or damaging. Make sure there is enough mist and use a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid applying pressure and drying with the cloth without lubrication.  

Windows

Clear and streak-free windows contribute to a clean and pleasant driving experience.

To clean your car's windows, use a dedicated glass cleaner like moonshine specifically formulated for automotive use.

READ ALSO: What makes a good car glass cleaner

Surface	Recommended Cleaning Products
Leather	Mist or Leather Cleanse
Plastic & Trim	Mist or Plastic Cleaner
Fabrics	FabriClean
LCD Screens	Mist
Windows	Moonshine

How to Restore That New Car Shine

Over time, the interior of a car can lose its shine.

But with the right products and techniques, you can bring back that fresh-off-the-lot look. In this section, we'll guide you through the steps to restore your car's interior to its former glory.

We'll also discuss the importance of UV protection in preserving the beauty and longevity of your car's interior.

Choosing the Right Products for Glossy or Matte Finishes

When it comes to car interiors, there are two main types of finishes: glossy and matte.

Even Matte surfaces can be turned glossy using interior dressing such as TT serum.  

Be careful not to make your interior too glossy as you might get unwanted reflections when driving in sunny conditions. 

Preventing Sun Damage with UV Protection

UV rays can cause significant damage to your car's interior, leading to fading, cracking, and discoloration. To prevent sun damage, it's crucial to use products that offer UV protection.

Many of our interior cleaners, dressings, and protectants contain UV inhibitors. These products create a barrier against harmful UV rays, shielding your interior from the sun's damaging effects.

By taking these preventive measures, you can prolong the lifespan of your car's interior and maintain its original beauty.

Automotive Interior Cleaners: Sprays, Wipes, or Foams?

Pros and Cons of Different Application Methods

When it comes to automotive interior cleaners, there are various application methods available, such as sprays, wipes, and foams. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when choosing the right one for your needs.

Sprays: Sprays are the most commonly used application method for automotive interior cleaners. They are easy to use and provide even coverage over a large area. Sprays are ideal for cleaning hard surfaces such as dashboards, door panels, and trim. Instead of spraying directly on the surface you want to clean - you can also spray onto a cloth and then apply, if you are worried about overspray. 

Wipes: Wipes are convenient and portable, making them great for quick touch-ups and spot cleaning. They are best suited for regular maintenance rather than heavy-duty cleaning.

Foams: Foams are usually easier to dose, and make sure you don't use as much product. However, foams can be more time-consuming and require additional effort compared to sprays and wipes.

Steering Clear of Common Car Cleaning Pitfalls

Cleaning a car's interior requires care and attention to avoid common pitfalls. To ensure a flawless interior cleaning experience, it is important to be aware of the following:

Using the wrong products

Many car owners make the mistake of using generic household cleaners on their car's interior surfaces. These cleaners are not specifically formulated for automotive materials and can cause damage or discoloration. Always opt for car care products that are designed for the specific surfaces you are cleaning, such as leather, plastic, or fabric.

Improper techniques

Another common mistake is using aggressive scrubbing or abrasive tools on delicate surfaces. This can result in scratches, tears, or fading. Use gentle cleaning techniques with appropriate tools, such as soft microfiber cloths or detailing brushes.

Neglecting to test products

It is always recommended to test any new cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of your car's interior before applying it to the entire surface. 

Skipping proper prepping

Before you begin cleaning, it is essential to remove any loose dirt, debris, or pet hair. Skipping this step can lead to ineffective cleaning and can spread dirt or scratches across your car's interior surfaces.

Car Interior Cleaning Supplies Breakdown

Apart from your interior cleaner you will need:

Microfiber Cloths 

Microfiber cloths are incredibly versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including plastic, vinyl, and leather. They are soft and absorbent, making them perfect for safe cleaning . Additionally, these cloths are reusable and can be washed and reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective choice.

When selecting microfiber cloths, opt for high-quality options that have a dense weave and a high GSM (grams per square meter) rating. These features ensure maximum durability and effectiveness.

We recommend Laser Edge 380.

Detailing Brushes

Detailing brushes are indispensable tools for reaching tight spaces and intricately detailed areas in car interiors. These brushes come in various sizes and bristle types, allowing for precise and thorough cleaning.

We recommend our Super Soft Detailing Brushes for all interior.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Cleaner

What should I look for in a car interior cleaner?

When choosing a car interior cleaner, it's important to consider factors like the specific surfaces you need to clean (leather, plastic, fabric, etc.) and the ease of application and use.

What areas of my car's interior should I clean?

You should focus on cleaning areas like leather seats, plastic and trim, fabric upholstery, LCD screens, and windows to maintain a pristine car interior.

Can I use the same cleaner for all surfaces?

No, different surfaces require dedicated cleaners for optimal results. Using the wrong cleaner may compromise the cleanliness and condition of your car's interior.

How can I restore the new car shine to my car's interior?

To restore the new car shine, choose the right products for glossy or matte finishes and consider using interior cleaners with UV protection to prevent sun damage.