When it comes to car detailing, most people focus on the obvious: vacuuming the seats, wiping down the dash, and giving the carpets a quick once-over. But what about the hidden grime? The dirt, dust, and gunk hiding in tight spaces can take your vehicle from clean to pristine—if you know where to look.
In this blog, we're diving into some of the most commonly overlooked areas of your vehicle's interior and sharing tips and tools to get them clean, the right way.
1. Air Vents
Why They Matter: Air vents can collect dust, pollen, and bacteria that blow straight into your face every time you turn on the AC or heat.
How to Clean: Use a soft detailing brush or a dedicated vent cleaning tool with a few sprays of Citra-Kleen All-Purpose Cleaner. Gently brush inside the slats while holding a vacuum nozzle nearby to catch loosened debris. Finish with a light mist of Matte-Mist to condition the plastic, reduce static cling, and provide UV protection.
2. Cupholders
Why They Matter: Cupholders are magnets for sticky spills, crumbs, and condensation rings that when left un-checked or in this case un-cleaned, can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
How to Clean: Remove rubber inserts (if any) and soak them in warm soapy water. Spray the cupholder area with an all purpose cleaner like Citra-Kleen, let it dwell for 30 seconds, and agitate with a small round brush or foam swab to get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe clean with a microfiber towel.
(Tip: for stubborn or thick sticky messes and you don't have access to a hot steamer you can use a microfiber towel soaked in piping hot water and let it sit in the cup holder. The heat will help loosen any sticky residue.)
3. Seat Cracks & Crevices
Why They Matter: These tight spaces are where dropped food, loose change, and pet hair go to disappear. Over time, they build up odor and debris.
How to Clean: Use a crevice tool such as a Lilly Brush or an attachment on your vacuum to dislodge debris. If you have access to an air compressor a variable output air tool such as the Vortex Tornador or the Ultra Air Blaster by The Rag Co. to blast away the stuck debris and hair from those tight to reach crevices. For stubborn grime, spray a small amount of Interior Cleaner onto a detail brush, agitate, and wipe. Use a plastic or rubber-tipped tool wrapped in microfiber to get deep into the seams.
4. Steering Wheel Buttons & Shift Boot
Why They Matter: These high-touch areas accumulate oils, makeup, and bacteria from your hands and skin contact daily.
How to Clean: Lightly spray an Interior Cleaner onto a microfiber applicator or soft brush. Gently clean around buttons, creases, and folds. Avoid over-saturating electronics. Then wipe clean with your microfiber towel. Compressed air can also work to help dislodge small particles that can embed into the button housing.
5. Door Handles & Seatbelt Buckles
Why They Matter: These areas are also high touched areas, every time you enter or exit the vehicle and are often missed during basic cleaning.
How to Clean: Spray an all purpose cleaner like Citra-Kleen onto a microfiber towel and thoroughly wipe down handles, door grab pockets, and seatbelt buckles. Use a detail brush for tight edges.
Pro Tip: Keep a "Quick-Clean Kit" in your trunk
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Citra-Kleen APC (in a spray bottle)
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Detail brush or interior brush set
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Microfiber towels
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Small vacuum or cordless detail vac
With just a few tools and the right products from Pal Automotive Specialties, even the smallest crevices can shine like the rest of your ride.
Final Thoughts Next time you're detailing, don't just stop at what you can see. Take a few extra minutes to hit those hidden areas and watch your interior transform. Want the tools we mentioned? Check out the full interior care lineup on palautomotive.com.
Related Products:
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Citra-Kleen All-Purpose Cleaner
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Shine-EZE Plastic Conditioner
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Xpress Interior Cleaner
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Interior Detail Brushes
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Microfiber 5-pack
- Matte Mist interior UV protectant
Stay tuned for more pro detailing hacks from the team at Pal Automotive Specialties!