How often do you clean the inside of your car? This is one chore that drops off the radar. We'll show you how to clean the crevices in a car.
How To Clean Crevices in a Car
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Those crevices between the front seats and the center console are like black holes. Loose change, pet hair and even runaway French fries can be lurking down there. Trying to get all of that out can be fantastically annoying.
“Getting into the crevices is the essence of detailing,” says pro detailer Joey Sanchez. “It’s about taking the time and effort to perfect the details that most people cleaning their car would pass over. And trust us, the difference it makes is huge.”
Providing you have the right tools, like soft detailing brushes, compressed air, cleaning gel and patience, it is a task that’s doable at home.
“My customers often send me photos after a DIY session,” says pro detailer Parham Koukia. “They’re always proud of how clean they got those hidden spots.”
Here’s how to do a pro job of cleaning the crevices in your vehicle at home.
Start by Grabbing the Big Stuff
Your car does a lot for you. It takes you to and from work, helps you bring home groceries, transports your family safely and much more. And it gets dirty doing all of that, so it needs to be cleaned regularly.
While some parts are easy to clean, it can be tricky to reach the small nooks and crannies. We’ve gathered some suggestions for how to clean those pesky crevices in a car.
Start by grabbing any big items within easy reach. This way you can see just how dirty the actual crevices are, and you’ll have an idea of how long the rest of the cleaning process will take. Plus, shop vacuums and putty won’t work on the big stuff
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Shop Vacuum for Big Crevices
The crevices between the front seats and the center console are a trap for crumbs, electronics, trash and other items. A shop vacuum is an excellent tool to tackle these areas. Once you’ve gathered any missing toys or electronics, grab your shop vac and get to work cleaning out that dirt.
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Car Putty to Clean Small Crevices
Putty works great for getting into the crevices on your dashboard. It can grab dust and other small debris from those seams that a vacuum would be hard-pressed to reach. Simply run it along sections of your dashboard, a little at a time. You can also use putty in the cupholders or any other tight areas the shop vac can’t reach.
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Prevent Buildup with a Car Trash Can
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While it’s not always possible to prevent all the dirt, having a trash can in your car to corral garbage and crumbs will make your life a little easier.
Show your little ones how to clean up after themselves so snack remnants don’t find a home underneath the seats. With your crevices handled, keeping the interior of your car clean will be much easier.
FAQs
How can I avoid damaging the car’s interior when cleaning crevices?
Use soft, non-abrasive brushes, like those made from boar’s hair, or microfiber towels, paired with pH-balanced interior cleaners.
“Also, don’t spray cleaner directly into seams or near electronics,” says Koukia. “Spray it on the brush or towel first. I’ve seen too many people overdo it and end up with water damage or scratched trim.”
Sanchez also warns to avoid digging into seams with sharp objects. “Delicate areas like trim, vents and leather stitching need a gentle touch to stay looking their best,” he says.
How often should I detail my car?
Every three to six months for a full interior detail, depending on your lifestyle and how much you use your car.
“If you’ve got pets, kids or eat in the car often, three months is ideal,” says Koukia. “If it’s just your commuter, you can stretch it out, but still keep up with vacuuming and proper maintenance in between full details.”
About the Experts
- Parham Koukia is lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. He has spent more than a decade mastering the art of car detailing, after turning his passion for automobiles into his profession.
- Joey Sanchez is associate manager at the Chemical Guys online auto detailing supply retailer, and gives expert advice and hands-on tutorials through the brand’s popular social media channels and viral videos.
