If you take pride in your car, a great selection of car interior detailing tools is just what you need. Investing in these items and equipment will help you transform your ride with minimal effort. Although there may be an initial outlay, the benefits mean you get your money’s worth. For example, your car will always look great. You are also protecting your investment. And you create a healthier space for you and your passengers.

However, it is only worth buying car interior detailing tools if you are serious about using them. First, do you have time for ongoing car care? Second, do you have room to store auto detailing tools? Third, do you know how to use them? If you are unsure, you can always leave the cleaning to the experts. DetailXPerts can help. See our Eco Car Wash Benefit Guide.

10 Must-Have Car Interior Detailing Tools

Confident in your auto detailing skills? If you are, great! There is a wide range of car detailing equipment available. But which ones give your car the treatment it deserves? Read on to find out.

1. Car Vacuum Cleaner

A car vacuum cleaner is one of the car interior detailing tools you can’t do without. It is the quickest and most efficient way to remove dust, dirt, hair, and other contaminants from your car interior. Look for models that include a range of attachments, too. These will help you access and clean confined spaces. The best car vacuum cleaners range from professional-grade cleaning models to cordless handheld vacuums.

Tip: You also have the option of a wet-dry vacuum. The wet feature removes stains and liquids from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. For more tips, see How to Vacuum Your Car.

2. Steam Cleaner 

Research has shown that a car interior is often dirtier than the average toilet. The inside of your car can become a hotbed for germs if you don’t clean and sanitize it regularly. Crumbs and spillages on carpets, seats, and upholstery are prime spots for germs to thrive. Therefore, your list of must-have car interior detailing tools should include a steam cleaner.

The science behind steam cleaning is simple but effective. The high temperature of steam safely sanitizes surfaces, killing up to 99% of harmful germs and bacteria. However, if you don’t want to invest in this equipment at home or you simply don’t have room to store it at home, then seek out car detailing that comes to you. For example, DetailXPerts uses the latest steam technology to guarantee a superior clean.

Tip: Steam also removes odors from your car interior. This makes it ideal if you don’t want to spend additional money on an ozone generator, a specialist machine used to remove indoor air contaminants.

3. Auto Detailing Brush Set

Add a detailing brush set to your toolkit. The right car wash brush will speed up your car detailing process. For example, brushes with rubber bristles are ideal when you need to remove pet hair from your car’s interior.

For more stubborn areas of dirt on mats and carpets, choose a specialized brush with stiff nylon bristles. This type of brush agitates stubborn dirt trapped in the grooves on mats. It is also suitable for cleaning car pedals that often collect mud and dirt from shoes.

Tip: Be careful which type of brush you use on leather upholstery. Choose a high-quality brush with durable, soft bristles specifically designed for this material. Also, check out our video on Steam Cleaning Leather Seats.

4. Interior Detailing Air Gun

We know dust and dirt can get everywhere in the car. For example, seat runners, dashboard, air vents, and seams in upholstery easily attract dirt. That’s why an auto detailing air gun comes in useful. This powerful piece of equipment effortlessly blows debris and moisture from those awkward, hard-to-reach places. It is easy to use and a great time saver.

5. Microfiber Cloths

Add microfiber cloths to your list of must-have car interior detailing tools. The cloths allow you to dry surfaces faster and more effectively without scratching surfaces. There is a range of microfiber cloths to use on your car interior, so look for the different designs.

For example, micro-chenille is best for the dashboard and console. General-purpose microfiber cloths are recommended for wiping plastics, painted surfaces, glass, and leather. You can use waffle weave to get streak-free windows.

Tip: Wash your microfiber cloths separately from other items to prevent them from picking up lint. Use a gentle detergent to keep the cloths in good condition. And avoid using a fabric softener because it can affect the absorbency of the cloths.

6. Auto Detailing Supplies

A variety of auto detailing supplies will help you clean and polish the inside of your car. For example:

• All-purpose cleaner to brighten and condition all your car interior surfaces
• Glass cleaner, specially created to wash your car’s windows without streaking
• Mat cleaner to remove stubborn dirt
• Sanitizing spray

Tip: When using store-bought products, keep car doors and windows open while you work to allow plenty of ventilation. Some fumes can be unpleasant in a closed environment.

7. Auto Detailing Cleaning Gel

You can use a cleaning gel for those hard-to-reach areas. All you have to do is press the gel on the areas you want to clean – AC vents, cup holders, or small crevices. You’ll see all the dust and dirt sticking to the gel as you remove it. Easy does it!

Tip: Do not wash your cleaning gel. Instead, reuse it until the color goes dark. Remember, the gel has multiple uses around the home, too. For example, it is ideal for cleaning computer keyboards, TV remotes, and cell phones.

8. Multi-Purpose Scrub Pad

Useful car interior detailing tools include a multi-purpose scrub pad with a coarse and smooth side. It is just the thing for cleaning a range of surfaces, such as interior plastic, vinyl, and upholstery. The hooked nylon bristles on one side are great for scrubbing stubborn stains. Just put a small amount of cleaner onto the pad and gently scrub the area you wish to clean. Rinse with warm water. Then use the smooth microfiber side to wipe away any residue.

Tip: Buy a dirt trap bucket insert if you are working with a scrub pad and a bucket of water. This handy insert traps dirt at the bottom of the bucket, filtering fresh water to the top.

9. Stain Remover

Stubborn marks on car carpets and upholstery often need more than a rub with soap and water. Therefore, specific shop-bought cleaners for tackling tough stains and watermarks are a good idea. Alternatively, you can use homemade remedies using everyday items from your store cupboard. For example, distilled white vinegar is a great car carpet stain remover. Or make a baking soda paste to remove mold from carpets.

Tip: If stain remover doesn’t work, then why not contact DetailXPerts to try our eco steam specialities. Steam is great for breaking down dirt and removing stains.

10. Organizer for Car Interior Detailing Tools

One last thing, it is worth buying a detailing bag or trolley to store your car interior detailing tools, such as bottles, brushes, cloths, and pads. It keeps everything neat and tidy. For example, a specially designed detailing bag has individual sections, zip pockets, and bottle slots to hold your items securely. Practical and portable, it ensures everything is at hand when you need it.

Tip: Now you have the tools and storage, check out our comprehensive guide on Everything You Need to Know About Car Interior Detailing.

Conclusion

These recommended car interior detailing tools are great if you are passionate about car care. They are time-saving and effective, restoring the showroom shine to your car interior. However, you need space to store these items. You also need time to use them.

If you prefer, you can leave the job to the experts! Set up an appointment with DetailXPerts to have your car interior cleaned and sanitized. We use the latest tools and steam technology to guarantee the best results.

Download our Eco Car Wash Benefit Guide to learn more about our mindful mobile cleaning. We use cutting-edge green technology to restore your car to its best. And our sustainable practices help protect the planet, too.

Also, please take a moment to sign up for our monthly newsletter. It has all the latest news and tips on car care, discounts and special offers, and information if you are interested in owning a DetailXPerts franchise.

This article was updated in December 2022 for comprehensiveness.