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Perfect the Inside of your Interior

With the exterior washed and dried, it’s the perfect moment to refresh the cabin.

Smart drying — quick wins

You’ve washed and dried the outside; this is the ideal time to refresh the inside. Trapped water in mirrors, trims and door seals can drip onto clean fabrics, so a few smart drying moves now will make your interior clean faster and the finish noticeably better.

  • Park in shade or indoors so products don’t flash-dry.

  • Open doors and boot; wipe door jambs, sills and rubber seals to stop moisture transferring to upholstery.

  • Flick out water from mirrors/handles and wipe any fresh drips.

  • Remove floor mats and let them dry separately.

  • If it feels humid, run A/C on fresh air with windows slightly cracked for 2–3 minutes to de-mist.

New Car Paint Protection

Step 1 - Prep & Declutter

Remove loose items from door bins, consoles and seat pockets. Slide seats fully forward/back to expose rails and carpet edges. Remove child seats (if fitted) and set aside.

Step 2 - Pre - Vacuum (Top-Bottom)

Start with a light vacuum of seats, carpets and mats. Use a soft brush attachment for stitching and seams, then a crevice tool for seat rails and between cushions. Lifting loose grit first prevents “muddying” once moisture is introduced.

New Car Paint Protection

Step 3 - Dust & Crevice Clean

Use soft detailing brushes (and compressed air if available) to whisk dust from vents, buttons, seat rails, window switches and logos. Brush debris onto the floor so your next vacuum pass collects it.

Step 4 - Stain Pre-Treat

Spot-treat spills (coffee, food, makeup, light grease) with a fabric-safe cleaner or enzyme pre-spray. Blot, don’t rub. Give dwell time per label to loosen stains before extraction.

New Car Paint Protection

Step 5 - Fabric Seats, Carpets & Mats (Shampoo + Extraction)

Lightly mist cleaner onto fabrics (avoid soaking). Agitate with a medium brush in small sections. Follow with hot-water extraction (wet-vac) to lift embedded grime. Repeat on stubborn areas. Stand mats on edge to dry. (Use minimumal moisture and gentle dabbing only - avoid saturation)

Step 6 - Leather Clean & Condition

Apply a pH-balanced leather cleaner with a soft brush or applicator. Wipe away residue with a clean microfibre. Finish with a quality conditioner for a supple, satin (not shiny) feel. Avoid heavy dressings on perforated leather.

New Car Paint Protection

Step 7 - Plastics, Vinyl & Hard Surfaces

Clean with an interior-safe APC or dedicated plastic cleaner. Use steam sparingly where appropriate. Finish with a low-sheen UV protectant to reduce fading and sticky build-up.
Safety note: leave steering wheel, gear knob and pedals clean and dry—no slippery dressings.

Step 8 - Vents, Belts & High-Touch Areas

Re-brush vents and wipe with a lightly damp microfibre. Extend seat belts fully; spot-clean with a mild solution, then allow to dry before retracting fully.

New Car Paint Protection

Step 9 - Interior Glass

pray your glass cleaner onto the cloth (not directly on screens) and wipe in overlapping passes. Flip to a dry side for a final buff to prevent haze.

Step 10 - Finishing Touches & Drying

Reinstall clean, dry mats. One final vacuum to tidy any dislodged debris. Neutral deodoriser if desired (skip heavy perfumes). Run A/C for 3–5 minutes on fresh air to speed drying. Leave windows slightly cracked if safe to do so.

How long should I allow for an interior clean?

A careful DIY clean is typically 1.5–3 hours depending on size and condition. Professional shampoo/extraction can add time for drying.

How do I speed up drying after shampooing?

Keep application light, extract thoroughly, then run A/C on fresh air with moderate temperature and high fan speed. Good airflow is key.

Will every stain come out?

Many food/drink stains lift well. Dyes, inks and old set-in marks may not fully remove. Pre-treat early and avoid heat setting.

Is steam safe inside?

Used sparingly, yes—great for plastics and some fabrics. Avoid direct steam on leather, touchscreens and delicate headliners.

Can I clean child seats?

Yes—wipe shells and straps with a mild cleaner. Do not submerge straps or use harsh chemicals that could compromise strength. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

What about pet hair and odours?

Use a rubber pet brush or pumice-style stone to lift hair before vacuuming. For odours, enzyme cleaners work best; severe cases may need ozone treatment and a cabin filter replacement.

How often should I detail the interior?

Every 3–6 months for daily drivers. Family vehicles, rideshare or pet transport may benefit from more frequent care.

Can I use household glass cleaner on screens?

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners. Use screen-safe products or a slightly damp microfibre and follow with a dry buff.

Do you remove seats to clean?

We typically don’t due to airbags and wiring. With pro tools we can reach effectively under and around without removal.

When to call a pro

Mould, flood damage, strong smoke smells, vomit/pet accidents that have soaked into foam, or sensitive materials (Alcantara, suede) are best handled with professional tools and sanitisers.

Recommended Products

Fireball Snow Foam

Fireball Snow Foam is a thick, pH-neutral pre-wash foam designed to safely lift away heavy dirt, grime, and contaminants before hand washing. By using Snow Foam first, you reduce the risk of swirls and scratches, ensuring a safer, more thorough clean—even reaching areas that traditional washing can’t. Its highly concentrated formula offers excellent value, with a dilution ratio of 1:30 to 1:60, making it more efficient than many competitors. Safe for all surfaces and coatings, it can be applied with a foam lance, pump sprayer, or spray bottle. For best results, apply to a dry, cool surface in the shade, let it dwell for up to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly from bottom to top.

Size 500ml - $39.95

Drying Towel

The Rockcar Performer Drying Towel is an ultra-absorbent, scratch-free drying towel designed for efficient and safe drying. Made from premium Korean twisted loop microfibre (1100GSM), it maximises water absorption while being gentle on paint, reducing the risk of swirls or scratches. Its perfect size (92cm x 64cm) allows you to dry up to two cars without becoming too heavy when soaked. Featuring a tagless, hemmed-edge design, this two-sided, dual-colour towel ensures a smooth, streak-free finish. Ideal for those looking for a high-quality, long-lasting drying towel at a great price.

Qty: 1 x 92cm x 64cm Towel - $64.99

OUR SERVICES

Book an Interior Detail

Want us to handle it end-to-end—wet-vac extraction, leather care, odour neutralising and optional fabric/leather protection?

Book now for mobile service across Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and wider Waikato, or visit us at 2/142 Riverlea Road, Riverlea, Hamilton 3216.