A car’s interior holds just as much importance as its exterior, which is why keeping the interior clean should always be a top priority.
However, with the daily clutter and messes that come with children, traveling, running errands, or other day-to-day activities, maintaining that “new car” scent, stain-free seats, or spotless windows and mirrors can be a challenging task.
And when it’s finally time to tidy up, it can be difficult to determine which cleaning products will effectively restore your car’s interior and which might cause damage.
To help with this, we’ve combined expert insights and testing along with customer product reviews to create a list of the best interior car cleaners.
These include window and glass cleaners that leave windows smudge-free, leather cleaners and conditioners that make seats shine, upholstery cleaners that remove carpet and seat stains without damaging the fabric, and car-cleaning wipes that are perfect for dashboards and hard-to-reach areas.
With these products and some of our favorite cleaning tips to help reduce monthly messes, cleaning your car doesn’t have to feel like a daunting chore. Instead, it can become a quick refresh when needed.
Now, let’s dive into the picks that will help keep your car fresh, clean, and odor-free.
Best Overall:
1. Carfidant Ultimate Car Interior Cleaner
- Now 23% Off
- $22 $17 at Amazon
Pros:
- Can be used on both interior and exterior
- Unscented
Cons:
- May require multiple treatments for tough stains
What’s better than a powerful interior cleaner? One that works on the exterior too. The Ultimate Car Cleaner is an unscented product designed to gently clean seats, dashboards, mats, and more within your car.
But it’s also robust enough to tackle dirt and grime on exterior surfaces like windows, tires, and even exhaust tips. You can even use it as an engine degreaser or to clean exterior trim pieces, making it a versatile, all-in-one option.
While it may take a few applications to remove particularly stubborn stains, and some reviewers noted that windows may streak if not dried properly, the majority were impressed with its effectiveness.
One user shared, “Seats looked less cracked, and my black interior looked shiny and not filmy.”
Where to get it: Carfidant Ultimate Car Interior Cleaner
Best Value:
2. Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant
$12 at Amazon | $12 at Walmart | $12 at Lowe’s
Pros:
- Works on all types of fabric
- Provides a protectant layer to prevent fading or cracking from sunlight
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Smells a bit strong
No matter what material you have inside your car leather, vinyl, plastic, carpet, or glass this versatile spray makes cleaning messes and stains simple without damaging the surfaces or leaving a greasy residue behind.
The unique formula doubles as a protectant, ensuring that after cleaning, your seats and other surfaces are shielded against fading, cracking, or tearing caused by sunlight.
Though its scent may be a bit strong for some users, it remains a best seller on Amazon, boasting over 25,000 five-star reviews.
Customers praise it as a “one-stop solution for all my interior cleaning needs,” proving its value for anyone looking to keep their car’s interior spotless and protected.
Where to get it: Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant
Best for Leather:
3. Furniture Clinic Leather Care Kit
- $38 at Amazon | $33 at Walmart
Pros:
- Cleans leather without drying it out
- Adds a protective layer to prevent future staining
Cons:
- Requires a two-step process
This Good Housekeeping Seal-approved leather care kit is a top choice for maintaining and protecting leather upholstery.
It effectively removes dirt, especially the grime that settles into stitching and hard-to-reach crevices, while ensuring the leather remains moisturized and doesn’t dry out.
Beyond cleaning, it also provides a protective barrier that helps prevent future stains, extending the life of your leather seats.
Also Read: Top 10 Car Cleaning Products To Keep Your Vehicle in Pristine Condition
The product works so well that it’s not limited to car interiors—it can also be used on leather goods like bags, shoes, and jackets, making it a versatile addition to your cleaning arsenal.
This two-step process may require a little extra effort, but the results make it well worth the time.
Where to get it: Furniture Clinic Leather Care Kit
Best Wipes:
4. Armor All Car Cleaning Wipes
- $8 at Amazon | $19 $8 at Walmart | $9 at Lowe’s
Pros:
- Convenient usage
- Portable
Cons:
- Not great for deep cleaning
When you’re on the go, having a quick and easy way to clean your car is essential. Keep a container of these effective wipes in your glove box for fast clean-ups.
They’re designed to work on a variety of surfaces, including dashboards, vinyl, consoles, leather, carpet, fabric, and more.
Thanks to the moisture lock-lid, you don’t have to worry about the wipes drying out, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for use.
While they’re perfect for light cleaning, they might not be strong enough for heavy-duty or deep cleaning tasks.
Where to get it: Armor All Car Cleaning Wipes
Best for Vinyl Upholstery:
5. CAR GUYS Super Cleaner Interior Stain Remover Spray
- $17 at Amazon | Shop at Walmart
Pros:
- Versatile usage
- Amazon best-seller
Cons:
- Has a light odor
When it comes to cleaning vinyl upholstery car seats, using an all-purpose cleaner with a microfiber cloth is key to removing stains while protecting the integrity of the seats and this product delivers on all fronts.
As an Amazon best-seller, this cleaner works on a range of materials, including upholstery, fabric, canvas, and leather. It’s also highly effective for removing dust and dirt from plastic panels, dashboards, and consoles.
While some users mention that it has a slight odor, its ability to remove years of dirt buildup makes it a standout option.
Also Read: Top 10 Synthetic Engine Oils Revolutionizing Car Maintenance and Performance
Many reviewers love how it restores even the most aged seats, leaving them looking refreshed and revitalized when used properly.
Where to get it: CAR GUYS Super Cleaner Interior Stain Remover Spray
Best for Windows
6. Stoner EZ Grip Invisible Glass Aerosol Spray
- $5 at Lowe’s | $7 at invisibleglass.com
Pros:
- Thoroughly cleans debris
- Leaves no drippy residue
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Reviewers say the scent is strong
This aerosol spray earned top marks during Cleaning Lab testing for its exceptional performance on car windows. It easily cuts through grime without leaving behind drippy streaks.
While some users found the scent a bit overpowering, the spray effectively removes smudges, smoke haze, markers, and other interior window stains.
It also works wonders on the exterior, tackling bird droppings, bugs, mud, and other debris. For best results, simply wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Where to get it: Stoner EZ Grip Invisible Glass Aerosol Spray
What to Consider When Shopping for Interior Car Cleaners
Before diving into your car cleaning routine, here are some key factors worth considering:
Car Seat Material: Choosing the wrong cleaner for your car’s interior can cause irreversible damage, especially for leather seats. Seats are typically made of leather, vinyl upholstery, or cloth.
Carolyn emphasizes only using products specifically designed for leather on leather seats or trim, ensuring safe and effective cleaning.
Application: Consider the type of cleaner that best suits your needs. Wipes and fine mist sprays are often more convenient, requiring less effort to wipe or buff especially useful given the confined spaces inside a car.
UV Protectant: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade and damage your seats. Opt for cleaners with built-in UV protectants to guard against sun damage.
Enzymes: If your car interior suffers from food smells, pet stains, or lingering odors, look for carpet and upholstery cleaners with enzymes for effective odor elimination.
How Often Should I Clean My Car’s Interior?
Cleaning your car may seem like a daunting task, but staying consistent makes it much easier. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of tough messes that require significant effort to remove.
What’s the Best Way to Keep a Car Clean?
If you want to reduce the frequency or intensity of your cleaning sessions, here are a few expert tips to keep your car tidy:
- Don’t Eat in the Car: Avoid bringing food or candy into your car to minimize the risk of sticky surfaces and crumbs. If you do eat, keep a small trash can handy for wrappers and waste.
- Wipe Off Your Pets’ Paws: Before letting your pets into the car, clean their paws to prevent mud, dirt, and other debris from being tracked inside. For pets that shed, consider keeping a Scotch-Brite pet hair roller on hand for quick clean-ups.
- Use Protective Car Seat Covers: These covers are easier to clean than the actual seats and are made of durable materials less prone to damage from rough handling, sunlight, or stains.
- Apply Leather Conditioner or Fabric Protector: Use these products to safeguard against future messes and make stains easier to clean when they occur.