Most often, we put off giving the interior of our cars a good thorough cleaning because of the high costs of all the various products needed to clean the different components.
First there is the carpet, and then the car mats.
Next is the leather, then the suede seats.
We mustn't forget about the interior roof and of course, there is the chrome and glass.
After listing all of these, cleaning the car sounds like a full day's work and the first time you do it probably will be.
You will find though cleaning the car is well worth the effort and after this first intense cleaning if you keep up with it on a regular basis it won't take near as long.
You really have to consider all that is trapped in this space that many of us spend so much time in.
The interior of the vehicles never do get a good airing out.
Think about all the various odors that have penetrated into the upholstery.
There is most likely stale perfume, perspiration, and the left over aromas of last weeks fast food take out.
If this is not enough then consider adding the donations from the family pets, and who knows what the kids have left behind.
So now that we have you convinced that your car interior really does need some tender loving care here are some hints and inexpensive homemade solutions to help you do a great job at little cost at cleaning the car.
Interior Roof: You can use just plain soap and water with a scrub brush.
If there is nicotine build up then you may want to add a small amount of bleach that is safe for colors in with your solution.
Use a shop vacuum to remove the soap and water, then in the same manner rinse with water and white vinegar with about a ¼ to a pail of water.
The Carpets: After you have removed the car mats give the carpets a thorough vacuuming, and at the same time do the seats as well.
Then with ordinary laundry soap and warm water and a scrub brush put some elbow grease into scrubbing the carpet.
Vacuum out the excess water with a shopvac, then with the scrub brush go over it lightly again with clear water that you have added some white vinegar to.
About a ¼ of a cup to a pail of water is about the right ratio.
This helps to remove the soap and any odors that have been absorbed by the rug.
Once again vacuum out the excess water and let it dry.
Leather: You want to be really careful when using any type of cleanser on the leather.
It can tend to make it dry out and crack.
Ideally use a very soft dish soap and water.
Rinse well with tepid water and dry with a soft cloth.
Suede: This is one of the most difficult materials to clean.
The best solution for this is to simply take some dried rolled oats and rub them into the material in a circular motion.
Leave this mixture on over night and then vacuum the next morning.