Car Interior Cleaning – DIY or Hire Professional Services?

It’s an age-old question: whether you should DIY your car interior cleaning or get a professional to do the job. Most people spend a large portion of their day in their car, either commuting, running errands, or on road trips. If you’ve just got a new car, you’ll soon find out that the new car smell doesn’t last forever. On the other hand, if you own an older vehicle or used car, you may be looking to get that new car smell back.

Let's look at how DIY and professional approaches in car interior cleaning differ in process, results and costs to help you decide which is the best option for you.

What Is Car Interior Cleaning Or Interior Detailing?

When it comes to car washing versus detailing, the difference comes down to the details, as the name suggests. The same holds true between car interior cleaning and interior detailing and it can have a huge effect, especially if your car has light colour interiors. While cleaning your car’s interiors can be as simple as vacuuming and wiping it down, interior detailing goes further: 

• Cleaning all fabric, leather, plastic and glass surfaces thoroughly
• Vacuuming of seats, carpets, boot and hard-to-reach areas
• Steam cleaning or shampooing of upholstery and carpets
• Conditioning or protecting leather surfaces
• Cleaning air vents
• Removing stains and odours
• Applying protectants to prevent UV damage
• Polishing piano black trim to remove fine scratches

What Is The DIY Car Interior Cleaning Process?

If you decide to DIY your car interior cleaning or interior detailing, you must first decide how much time you’re willing to dedicate to the job. Ultimately, the amount of time you put into it will decide how close to a professional job the result is. Budget between 1-3 hours, depending on how thorough you are. After all, getting that new car smell back doesn’t come easy. This is what the DIY car interior cleaning process looks like: 

Step 1: Get the right supplies - Microfibres, vacuum cleaner, mild interior cleaner, upholstery cleaner, leather cleaner and conditioner, soft brushes, plastic trim restorer and protectant

Step 2: Preparation - Start by removing trash, small personal items and the floor mats.

Step 3: Vacuum Cleaning - A thorough vacuum cleaning helps remove loose particles and dust before wet cleaning. Use vacuum attachments to get under seats and in crevices, including the boot. 

Step 4: Upholstery Cleaning - Apply upholstery shampoo or leather cleaner with a soft brush to remove mild stains. Wipe off with a damp microfibre to remove all traces of the soap and dirt.

Step 5: Surface Cleaning - Wipe down all hard surfaces with an interior cleaner spray and microfibre. Use separate microfibres for glass surfaces to minimise streaking. You can use cotton buds to get into crevices for a perfect finish. 

Step 6: Protection - Apply plastic trim restorer/protectants to safeguard against UV damage and bleaching of interior plastics. If you have leather upholstery, don’t skip leather conditioner as it can really prolong the life of your leather. 

What Are The Differences Between DIY And Professional Car Interior Detailing? 

A professional car detailing shop largely follows the same approach when it comes to car interior cleaning or detailing. The main differences aren’t just in the detailing equipment and products, but in the trained eye that spots things you might miss and the practiced hand that knows how to address them safely.

Assessment - A professional will assess your car's specific needs and potential problem areas to help you set your expectations regarding the final outcome.

Advanced equipment - Steam cleaners, vacuum extractors/wet vacuum cleaners and air blowout tools can clean better than most DIY equipment. 

Professional-grade products - Heavy-duty cleaners, extra-long-lasting protectants are usually available only to professional car detailing shops.

Detail-oriented - Professional shops follow a checklist and will clean places most DIY’ers may forget, like under the dashboard and in the seat rails, for super clean interiors. 

Cost Comparison: DIY Car Interior Cleaning VS Professional Detailing

For some people, the ultimate deciding factor between DIY or professional car interior cleaning will come down to cost. Most owners of a budget car wouldn’t want to spend a lot on its upkeep. A basic DIY car interior cleaning job can be done on a minimal budget, while a more thorough job will require some investment. 

The key point to remember is that the investment in supplies and tools will enable you to clean your car interiors several times in the future with minimal subsequent cost. Several brands such as ShineXPro, Vista and WaveX are decent alternatives to more premium brands such as 3M, Turtle Wax and Meguiars, making car detailing more accessible. 

DIY Costs - Expect to spend between ₹2,000-5,000 for tools and supplies. Also consider the time required, between 1-3 hours. 

• Interior cleaner spray: ₹400-800
• Vacuum cleaner: ₹1,500-3,000
• Brushes: ₹200-400
• Plastic protectant: ₹200-800
• Leather conditioner: ₹500-1,000

Professional Costs - Expect to spend between ₹300-4,500 per visit, depending on the service provider, car size and extent of services required. Depending on your location and use, expect to need a professional car interior cleaning every year at the least. 

• Hatchback interior detail: ₹300-2,500
• Sedan interior detail: ₹350-3,500
• SUV interior detailing packages: ₹500-4,500

Results: DIY Car Interior Cleaning VS Professional Detailing

It can be quite surprising how well a DIY car interior cleaning job can turn out when approached with an eye for detail. That said, most DIY interior cleaning can’t compare to a professional detailing service in terms of the final outcome. That said, either is an important yet often overlooked part of routine car maintenance that shouldn’t be ignored.  

DIY Results - DIY detailing can result in a clean and fresh-smelling interior. Some stubborn stains and odours may not be removed without professional-grade tools and products. 

Professional Results - Professional detailing will come closest to restoring that new car smell, with super clean interiors, well-protected surfaces and zero odours. There’s a better chance of a professional taking care of all the small details a DIY’er may miss. 

When to DIY VS When To Go To a Professional Detailer 

If the idea of both DIY car interior cleaning and professional interior detailing appeals to you, you’re not alone. Several people make use of a hybrid approach to keep their car interiors in top shape while balancing their budget. 

When to DIY

• Regular maintenance cleaning 
• Minor dirt or stains 
• Budget constraints 
• Spot cleanups or after long road trips 
• You enjoy cleaning your car

When to Visit the Professionals

• Annual deep cleaning
• Stubborn stains or odours 
• Before selling your car 
• Lack of time or space

Conclusion

Whether you choose to DIY your car interior cleaning or seek professional car interior detailing, the end result is a car that’s cleaner and healthier to drive in. Interior cleaning or detailing is an important step in removing bacteria, allergens and in preventing mold growth in monsoons. 

A regularly maintained car interior will also help your car retain its resale value over time. Regular DIY cleaning and protection of interior surfaces will reduce the wear and tear your car’s interior sees. It will also reduce the chances of any permanent damage. On the other hand, a professional interior detailing will neutralise years of odours and stains and help you get a better price when you choose to sell your old car. 

Anyway you look at it, car interior cleaning will improve your driving experience and that of your passengers. That itself is worth any investment, whether you want to sell your car, or just want to enjoy it for years to come.