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Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers. Leather For Shoe Upper
An interior cleaner suitable for all surfaces.
An interior cleaner that won’t break the bank.
A leather cleaner that shines over the rest.
Interior wipes that go above and beyond.
An interior cleaner that leaves a noticeable shine.
Interior cleaning is an essential part of car care that can be easily overlooked. Great car interior cleaners not only keep the interior of your car presentable but also improve its health and prevent further damage over time.
Keep in mind that not every soap is appropriate for interior detailing. When we asked Rob Harper, Director of Product Development and Tech Support at Ziebart International, about the biggest changes he’s seen during his more than 20 years in the detailing industry. He said this about interior cleaners:
“The level of electronics has changed a tremendous amount [and there are] things we have to be careful of. Certainly, we don’t want to get the vital electronics in the car wet. But also some chemicals adversely affect things like touch screens and other electronics in the car.”
Fortunately, there are a number of interior detailing products specifically designed for sensitive electronics and other common car surfaces. In this review, our team of experts recommends some of our favorite options.
For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each car interior cleaner based on each item’s application, scent, dust and stain removal, and UV protection. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
Based on these criteria, the best car interior cleaners are the Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner And Protectant, 303 Interior Cleaner, Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit, Armor All Car Cleaning And Leather Wipes, and Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant. Each car interior cleaner’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:
The car interior cleaners in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors such as effectiveness, versatility, customer ratings, and prices.
Our product testing team then ordered the car interior cleaners that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a 2003 Ford Focus Zx3, taking note of how easily the car interior cleaner could be applied, what kind of scent it produced, how well it handled dust and stains, and its level of UV protection Each car interior cleaner was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
We used a nearly twenty-year-old vehicle with years of interior wear to test each car interior cleaner for this review. Each cleaner was used on various surfaces within the car with a microfiber towel, with the exception of the Armor All wipes.
Application: When considering the application of a cleaner, you want a product that can be used safely on all parts of your car interior without damaging or wearing down the upholstery. The products in this review that were made specifically for more sensitive materials scored well in this category. Cleaners that could be used safely on multiple different surfaces scored highest in this category.
Scent: With any cleaner, there’s a risk of overpowering or offensive scent. After cleaning, we determined the scent that the cleaner left behind in our vehicle. Cleaners that had a strong chemical smell scored lower in this category. The interior cleaners that left a subtle, pleasant smell after cleaning scored the highest.
Dust and Stain Removal: The purpose of an interior cleaner is to remove dust, grime, and stains that build up over time and wear down your car’s upholstery. During our cleaning process of each product, we compared each cleaner to see how easy stains were to remove and how much, if any, residue or dust was left on surfaces after cleaning.
UV Protection: UV rays can damage your car’s upholstery over time, especially if you consistently park your vehicle outside. We looked at each product’s contents and description to determine the degree of UV protection each cleaner offered. We also took note of how visible the protective coat was after cleaning different surfaces. Interior cleaners supplied with some form of UV protection to prevent cracking and fading scored highest in this category.
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After testing several options for car interior cleaners, we determined that Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner And Protectant offers the best cleaning solution because of its wide range of applications, UV protection, stain removal, and pleasant scent.
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best car interior cleaners in the sections below:
We picked Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant for our Best Overall pick because of its toughness on grime with an added layer of lasting protection. Its formula packs a punch against stubborn stains without damaging your car’s interior.
In addition to its power, this cleaner leaves your car smelling fantastic.
You can see how the Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant performed in each category below:
We gave the Chemical Guys Total Cleaner and Protectant 4.9 out of 5 stars. Our review team found this all-purpose cleaner to be highly effective on stains without damaging the interior of our test car, and it left a noticeable gleam with an inviting fruity aroma. We recommend the Total Cleaner for anyone who wants to give their car upholstery a spick-and-span clean.
Application: Chemical Guys isn’t kidding with the title “Total Cleaner.” We were able to spray this on nearly all interior surfaces without damaging them. The formula’s watery texture caused it to drip more than expected, so users should be wary of over-spraying.
Scent: We liked the Total Cleaner’s flowery aroma, which lingered long after we finished cleaning. It had no hint of any chemical smells.
Dust and Stain Removal: No remnants of dust remained after a once-over with the Total Cleaner and a microfiber towel. Stains took little effort to tackle, too.
UV Protection: The Total Cleaner’s streak-free finish left a nice UV protection layer over all cleaned sections of the car.
Customers praise the Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant’s versatility and usefulness on hard stains and scratches. A whopping 78 percent of these reviews were 5.0 out of 5.0 stars, however, there are some negative reviews. These reviews argue that the Total Cleaner is not suitable for all surface types as advertised.
We recommend the Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant for anyone who wants a versatile and affordable interior cleaner.
Car interior cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive. While the 303 Interior Cleaner is tough on ground-in stains, it’s light on surfaces for a smooth finish.
You can see how the 303 Interior Cleaner performed in each category below:
We gave the 303 Interior Cleaner 4.9 out of 5 stars. Its dust-eliminating capabilities and streak-free shine are great for the bargain price.
Application: We found the spray on the 303 to have a wide reach, so only a few sprays were required to cover an entire door interior. It spread just as easily as expected due to its liquid texture.
Scent: While most interior cleaning products have some sort of smell, the 303 amazingly didn’t. We were unable to pick up a new scent after application.
Dust and Stain Removal: 303 was tough on stains and cut through grime without any trouble. It also left a gleaming shine as a protective dust barrier.
UV Protection: Although it’s great at eliminating dirt and grime, 303 does not offer a strong UV barrier.
Around 79 percent of these customers gave the 303 Interior Cleaner 5.0-star reviews, with positive comments praising how well the cleaner works on difficult upholstery stains. Some negative reviews were centered around residue that the 303 left behind on their dashboards after cleaning.
For anyone who wants a solid interior clean on a budget, check out the 303 Total Interior Cleaner. It packs a bang for your buck that most competitors can’t match.
This Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit blew us away. With no smell nor streaks, it was very easy to apply and let dry. We highly recommend this kit for anyone who wants to go the extra step to keep their leather seats looking new.
You can see how the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit performed in each category below:
We had a good experience working with this Chemical Guys product, as we typically do with products from the recognizable brand. The leather conditioner gives a semi-wet look for a thorough finish.
Application: Instructions for use were very clear on both products. Each one rubbed smoothly into our leather seats without streaking or clotting. Both the cleaner and conditioner require a microfiber towel or applicator pad to rub into leather, which unfortunately must be bought separately.
Scent: Chemical Guys advertises these products as odorless for good reason. Neither the cleaner nor the conditioner left a scent.
Dust and Stain Removal: The cleaner was able to handle light stains but had a tough time with older ones, and dust was no problem.
UV Protection: Although the cleaner adds a layer of UV protection, we recommend using the conditioner on top of the cleaner for the best results. The conditioner gives a semi-wet look, too, that’s more aesthetically pleasing than the cleaner alone.
Amazon customers far and wide praise this Chemical Guys Leather Kit. Many of the top reviews swear by the kit’s versatility for more than just cars. One customer even claimed to have used the kit on her leather sofa. The few negative reviews insist that the kit left their leather seats sticky and smelling awful.
We highly recommend the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit for rookie and professional car detailers alike. Its only flaw is that it can’t be used all over your car.
If you don’t want the hassle of using a microfiber towel, cleaning wipes are your next best option. Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes are one of our favorite products from testing for their cleaning abilities with little extra work.
You can see how the Armor All Car Cleaning And Leather Wipes performed in each category below:
We gave the Armor All Interior Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes 4.8 out of 5.0 stars. Fun and easy to use, the cleaning wipes make interior detailing feel like less of a chore. The leather wipes did leave some very slight evidence of streaks in our test vehicle.
Application: Because the wipes are pre-soaked in a cleaning solution, application is very simple. All we had to do was wipe and watch grime disappear. Also, the wipes’ thin texture made them perfect for reaching into tight crevices where microfiber cloths struggled. We especially liked these wipes for use on door panels and the dashboard.
Scent: Much like a Clorox® wipe, the Armor All wipes had a bleach-heavy smell.
Dust and Stain Removal: The Armor All wipes were able to remove dirt and stains with no problem. We especially liked that we could see what was being picked up by the wipes as they soiled with use.
UV Protection: These wipes provide UV protection against cracking and fading, but the residual layer they left was barely noticeable.
A total of 75 percent of reviewers left a 5.0-star rating on these Armor All wipes. Positive reviews commended the wipes’ multi-surface power, however, some of the most-liked reviews were negative. Customers complained that the wipes left streaks on their interiors, especially the ones designed for leather. Other customers claimed that their seats were discolored after using Armor All wipes.
Armor All Car Cleaning wipes are a multi-purpose tool for anyone who needs a quick touch-up to their car’s interior. The leather wipes, on the other hand, are best suited for light use on leather surfaces.
If you want a center console that practically glows, we recommend using Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant for your next interior cleaning. It performs spectacularly well on hard surfaces and leaves a visible sheen so you know your car is protected.
You can see how the Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant performed in each category below:
We gave the Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant spray 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. It has superb UV protection and glossy finish that we love, yet is not suitable for all surfaces and can stain if not handled with care.
Application: The Meguiar’s created no mess nor fuss during the application process. It had a thicker texture than the other spray-on formulas we tested, making it more difficult to spread. One thing we noticed was the residue it left, which clearly indicated where the Meguiar’s had been applied and where it hadn’t.
Scent: The Meguiar’s had a relatively light smell of chemical cleaners, but nothing that was too overpowering.
Dust and Stain Removal: Dust was no problem for the Meguiar’s while ground-in stains took some extra effort to remove.
UV Protection: We found the Meguiar’s to have the best UV protection of the products we tested. The clear coat finish shows where extra protection is necessary, too.
Despite around 77 percent of these ratings being 5.0 stars, many of the top-liked reviews express disappointment with the Meguiar’s. Top comments cite a greasy finish and wax-like touch.
Satisfied customers, meanwhile, applaud how well the Meguiar’s works on rubber surfaces, particularly tires.
Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant provides high-quality interior cleaning and UV protection that lasts well between washes. This spray-on is suited for those who want their dashboards to shine bright and stay protected.
We’ve interviewed several professional detailers to get an idea of the most useful products and techniques for at-home detailers. Interior cleaning is one of the easier and valuable detailing tasks anyone can perform on their own vehicle.
Many gentle soaps should work well for interior detailing, but before making a purchase, consider the following factors:
Car interior cleaners that work well should not leave blotches, stains, residues, or streaks after application. Many interior cleaners require a clean cloth for application, so having one on hand is very important.
It is also important to note that different cleaners may only work well for certain surfaces. A glass cleaner may be suitable for your seats, but an upholstery cleaner can just as easily leave streaks on your windows. Always check what surfaces an interior cleaner is designed for before purchasing.
Cleaners with an overpowering smell can lead to headaches, so always choose one with a scent you enjoy.
Dry cloths alone merely spread dust rather than picking it up, and stains are visually unappealing. This is why a proper interior cleaner should be able to pick up dust while also being tough on stains. The right cleaner will also help prevent future dust and stain buildup.
Over time, UV rays can cause vinyl, leather, plastic, and rubber surfaces to crack and fade. This damage can be permanent if left untreated, so interior cleaners must supply UV protection to prevent it.
A car’s interior is a difficult thing to keep clean. With kids, pets, or a dirty job, the next devastating interior mess is always nearby. For the best overall interior cleaning, look no further than the Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner. For leather interiors, the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit is a winner. And for a great value, check out the 303 Interior Cleaner for that perfect shine.
The first step to improving your car’s appearance is to invest in interior cleaners. You could also wash your car for a better appeal or even invest in products such as air fresheners or steering wheel covers.
Many car interior cleaners require a detailing brush or applicator pad to be manually rubbed in. One of the best all-around items to use is a microfiber towel.
A simple and effective way to keep your car interior protected is to park it in covered places. This prevents UV rays from causing damage to your car’s interior.
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
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