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Interior · 5 of 10

Interior Detail

Top to bottom, dry work before wet work.

About 45–60 minutes

What you’ll need

  • Vacuum with crevice and brush tools
  • Air gun (Tornador)
  • All-purpose cleaner (F35)
  • Soft interior brushes, vent brush
  • Microfiber towels
  • Vinyl and plastic dressing (M2) and a foam applicator
  • Glass cleaner
  • Extractor or steamer if there are stains (see Stains on Fabric)
  • Safety glasses and 5-mil nitrile gloves

Before you start

  • Inspect and photograph stains, tears and damage before you begin.
  • Customer belongings: never throw anything away. Bag loose items and leave the bag in the vehicle.
  • Airbag covers (steering wheel, dash, seat sides, pillars): wipe only, never soak or pry.
  • Screens and electronics: spray on the towel, never on the screen or buttons.

Cleaning steps

  1. Remove mats and trash. Set mats aside to clean separately.
  2. Blow out vents, seams, cup holders, door pockets and seat tracks — top down — with the air gun.
  3. Vacuum seats, carpet and trunk. Slide the seats all the way forward, then all the way back, to get underneath.
  4. Wipe hard surfaces with all-purpose cleaner (F35) on a towel or brush: dash, console, door panels, steering wheel, cup holders.
  5. Brush the vents and button areas.
  6. Clean the mats: rubber — scrub with all-purpose cleaner (F35) and rinse; carpet — vacuum, then spot clean.
  7. Clean the glass and mirrors last.

Dressing steps

  1. Vinyl and plastic dressing (M2) on the applicator, then wipe dash and door plastics.
  2. Buff off extra. Satin, never greasy or shiny.
  3. Never dress the steering wheel, pedals, shifter or floor mats. Slippery = unsafe.
  4. Reinstall mats dry, and lock the driver’s mat onto its clips so it can’t slide under the pedals.

Quality check

  • No dust in vents, seams or cup holders
  • Glass and screens streak-free
  • Carpet dry, nothing under the seats
  • Service vehicle? Put the seat and mirrors back where the customer had them