The best way to detail car interior is determined by clean and sanitized results. But there are other factors to think about, too. For instance, some methods might be better for the environment. And which approach is the most efficient use of your time? A lot of effort goes into car interior detailing. So that’s why it is important to know the best way to do it.
If you’re interested in car care that guarantees the best results, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide:
Why Steam Cleaning Is the Best Way to Detail Car Interior
We’ve been cleaning cars for 20+ years. And during this time, steam cleaning has never let us down. But if you’re not familiar with the superpowers of steam, it can be hard to make a judgement call.
So, let’s compare different methods to confirm the best way to detail car interior. Also, we’ll look at factors that give our car interior detailing service the wow factor.
Basic Detailing
This method typically includes vacuuming seats, carpets, and floor mats, wiping surfaces, and cleaning the windows. These actions alone will make your car look instantly better by removing all the dust and dirt. However, basic detailing isn’t enough to get rid of stains, bacteria, and odors.
If your vehicle is very dirty, you can steam clean car interior. Doing it this way will transform it. This is because pressurized steam is super-effective at removing stains. Hot vapor penetrates porous surfaces, such as upholstery more effectively than other cleaning methods.
The combination of heat, moisture, and pressure agitates and lifts stains from car seats and carpets without damaging delicate fabrics. Read more detailing tips on how to remove stains from car seats.
Traditional Shampoo and Wash
Shampooing your car interior upholstery makes everything look and smell better. And it gives your interior a deeper clean than basic detailing. Moreover, if you use the best car interior detailing products you’ll see high-quality results. But, again, this method is not enough to sanitize your car space.
Additionally, shampooing your car interior involves using water. And a shampoo solution can leave seats and carpets pretty wet. Furthermore, if you don’t dry the area properly, trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth inside your car.
In contrast, steam cleaning uses very little water and doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals. Also, steam evaporates quickly, leaving behind minimal moisture and residue.
Waterless Wash Products
Instead of using regular soap or shampoo and water, you can detail your car interior using waterless wash products. These sprays and wipes claim to clean, polish, and protect surfaces.
For example, car seats cleaning with waterless wash products can be effective. However, the results depend on the level of dirt in your car. And the amount of effort you are prepared to put in.
Waterless wash products work best for light to moderate dirt and dust. If your car’s interior is heavily soiled or has stubborn stains and odors, this type of product is not as effective as steam cleaning. And bear in mind, some of the waterless products don’t smell great. In contrast, steam cleaning is odorless. If you want to give this method a go, see our tips on how to steam clean car seats.
Traditional Cleaning Products
Some traditional cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Steam cleaning doesn’t require the use of such chemicals, so it helps protect the environment and promotes better air quality.
In fact, steam cleaning offers allergen reduction benefits. Steam cleaning’s high temperature helps kill dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens that might be present in a car’s interior. This creates a much cleaner and healthier environment for you and your passengers.
Disinfectants to Clean Car Interior
You can use a disinfectant to kill bacteria, viruses, and harmful pathogens. But always use a product approved for auto detailing. Otherwise, you’ll end up with toxic fumes inside your car.
The best way to detail car interior is to combine steam cleaning with organic products. For example, our trained detailers use EPA-certified disinfectants and steam for complete sanitization. Learn how to disinfect car interior with our step-by-step guide.
Does Steam Kill Bacteria?
The best way to detail car interior is to ensure it is free from germs and bacteria. Does steam kill bacteria? Yes, it does, thanks to its high temperature. I.e., the heat from steam breaks down the cellular structure of bacteria and effectively kills it.
E.coli and Staphylococcus are common microorganisms that can end up inside your vehicle. For instance, your handbrake, dashboard, seats, and carpets are hotspots for bacterial contamination. And the main culprits are food particles, drink spills, and pet mess left a while.
This video features microbiologists examining bacterial contamination in people’s cars:
Furthermore, because your car interior is an enclosed space, germs can spread easily between passengers, making them feel unwell. That’s why steam car sanitization is important.
Also, if you are buying a second-hand car, steam cleaning the interior can give you peace of mind. Older cars tend to have more bacteria than newer vehicles. Eliminating bacteria and killing viruses with steam guarantees a healthy, hygienic driving experience for everyone.
Value vs Cost
The best way to detail car interior isn’t necessarily the most expensive option, or the cheapest. Research how much does interior car detailing cost. You’ll notice that steam cleaning with organic products can be more expensive. Generally, green auto detailing services can cost 10% to 20% more than traditional methods.
However, consider value versus cost. For instance, steam cleaning is good value because it does such a brilliant job at detailing your car interior. Therefore, you’re unlikely to need to schedule detailing appointments as frequently, saving you money in the long run.
Steam Cleaning Saves Time
We don’t measure the best way to detail a car interior by how long it takes. For instance, you could spend hours scrubbing away at your car upholstery, but it wouldn’t necessarily guarantee the best results.
In contrast, steam cleaning is a quick and efficient way to clean inside your car. Steam’s high temperature and pressure effectively breaks down dirt and stains, requiring less scrubbing. Also, steam gets into crevices, seams, and tight spaces that might be challenging to clean with traditional methods. This can save time and effort by effectively cleaning these hard-to-reach areas.
Our experienced technicians use the best car interior detailing tools and know how to expertly handle a steam cleaner. And the interior will dry quickly. You’ll have your car back in no time.
Alternatively, you could do the job yourself and use a steam cleaner for cars, providing you know what you’re doing.
Learning how to detail a car interior properly guarantees a more efficient use of your time.
Best Way to Detail Car Interior: Environmentally Friendly Methods
The best way to detail car interior also happens to be the most responsible way to clean it. For example, if you steam clean your car, you are doing your bit for the environment.
Our steam cleaning methods use much less water compared to traditional methods that involve soaking and then rinsing carpets and seats. Also, steam produces minimal wastewater.
Additionally, steam cleaning typically requires little to no chemical cleaning agents. The high temperature of steam effectively sanitizes fabrics and surfaces, reducing the need for harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, steam is the best way to detail car interior for several reasons. For one, it is eco-friendly – you don’t need a lot of water and it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Secondly, it cleans and sanitizes, killing harmful bacteria and germs.
Steam also reaches the most inaccessible areas of a vehicle. Finally, since steam dries quickly and thoroughly, you won’t have to worry about damp upholstery and carpets that may harbor other types of microorganisms or mold.
For more information about green car care, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide:
