How to Keep Your Interior Looking Brand New

Your Subaru is more than just a car; it's an extension of your personality and a space where you spend a significant amount of time. Keeping your Subaru's interior looking brand new enhances your driving experience and helps maintain the vehicle's value. This guide will share practical tips and tricks to ensure your Subaru interior stays pristine.

Regular Cleaning Routine

The first step to maintaining a fresh Subaru interior is establishing a regular cleaning routine. Here’s a simple weekly routine to follow:

1. Vacuum Thoroughly: Start by vacuuming the car seats, floor mats, and carpets to remove dirt, dust, and crumbs. Use a crevice tool to reach tight spots between seats and other hard-to-reach areas.
2. Dust and Wipe Surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth to dust the dashboard, console, and other surfaces. Follow up with a damp cloth to wipe down these areas, removing any remaining dirt and grime.
3. Clean the Windows: Use a streak-free glass cleaner to clean the interior windows. This not only improves visibility but also enhances the overall look of your car.

Deep Cleaning

While regular cleaning keeps your Subaru interior looking good, a monthly deep clean ensures it stays brand new.

1. Shampoo the Carpets and Upholstery: Use a carpet shampoo or upholstery cleaner to deep clean the seats and carpets. For best results, use a vacuum to remove any loose dirt before applying the cleaner. After shampooing, let the surfaces dry completely to prevent mold and mildew.
2. Condition Leather Seats: If your Subaru has leather seats, condition them with a high-quality leather conditioner. This helps keep the leather soft, prevents cracking, and maintains its appearance.
3. Detail the Dashboard and Trim: Use an interior detailer specifically designed for car interiors to clean and protect the dashboard and trim. This type of product often contains UV protectants to prevent fading and cracking.

Best Qualities in Car Interior Cleaners

Choosing the best interior cleaning products is crucial to achieving a spotless finish. Here are some key qualities to look for:

1. Versatility: Look for a cleaner that works on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, vinyl, leather, and glass. This makes it easier to clean your car’s interior with one product.
2. Protective Properties: A good cleaner should also protect surfaces from UV damage and aging, helping to keep your interior looking new for longer.
3. Non-Greasy Finish: Opt for cleaners that leave a non-greasy, matte finish to avoid attracting dust and fingerprints after cleaning.
4. Pleasant Scent: Choose a cleaner with a fresh, pleasant scent that eliminates odors and leaves your car smelling great.

Tips for Specific Areas

Certain areas of your Subaru interior require special attention to keep them looking new:

1. Floor Mats: Remove and clean your floor mats regularly. For rubber mats, a simple hose-down will do. For carpeted mats, vacuum and then use a carpet cleaner.
2. Cup Holders: These can get dirty quickly. Use a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in a cleaner to wipe out crumbs and spills.
3. Air Vents: Dust and dirt can accumulate in air vents. Use a soft brush or canned air to clean them out.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is key to maintaining a brand-new Subaru interior. Here are some tips to help you keep it clean:

1. Use Seat Covers: Seat covers protect the upholstery from spills, stains, and wear. Choose covers that are easy to remove and wash.
2. Use Sun Shades: Protect your dashboard and seats from UV damage by using sun shades when your car is parked in direct sunlight.
3. Avoid Eating Inside: Try to avoid eating in your car to prevent spills and crumbs. If you need to eat, it is recommended to utilize a small trash bag to gather wrappers and any other waste.
4. Immediate Spill Cleanup: Address spills immediately to prevent stains and odors. You should keep a small cleaning kit and clean cloth in your car for quick clean-ups and managing spills.

Maintaining a Subaru interior that looks brand new requires a combination of regular cleaning, deep cleaning, and preventive measures.

By following these tips and using the best car interior cleaner products, you can enjoy a pristine, inviting car interior every time you drive. At Hawk Subaru, we’re committed to helping you keep your vehicle in top condition, inside and out. Check out our parts department for the latest accessories and products that can help keep your car as clean as possible.