Cleaning the interior of your car is just as important as keeping the exterior looking pristine. Over time, dirt, dust, and grime can build up on surfaces, making your car look and feel less inviting. That's why having a reliable car interior cleaner is essential for maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of your vehicle.
With so many car interior cleaners on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why Car and Driver has done the hard work for you, testing and evaluating a variety of car interior cleaners to determine which ones are the best for 2024. We've considered factors such as effectiveness, ease of use, scent, and value for money to bring you a comprehensive list of the top car interior cleaners available.
Whether you're dealing with tough stains, odors, or just want to give your car's interior a refresh, our tested and proven recommendations will help you make an informed decision on the best car interior cleaner for your needs.
1. Meguiar's G9719 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Meguiar's G9719 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a top performer when it comes to lifting tough stains and grime from your car's carpet and upholstery. Its professional-strength formula is designed to penetrate deep into the fibers, effectively removing stubborn stains and odors. The cleaner also leaves behind a fresh scent, leaving your car smelling clean and inviting. With its easy-to-use spray bottle, applying the cleaner is a breeze, making it a convenient choice for quick touch-ups or thorough cleaning sessions.
Price: $12.99
2. Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet & Mats Cleaner
Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet & Mats Cleaner is another excellent option for tackling dirty and stained carpets and mats. Its powerful formula works to lift and remove deep-seated dirt and grime, restoring the look and feel of your interior surfaces. The cleaner also features an odor-eliminating technology that helps neutralize unwanted smells, leaving your car smelling fresh and clean. With its ergonomic spray bottle, applying the cleaner is effortless and mess-free, making it a practical choice for regular maintenance.
Price: $9.99
3. Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer
For those looking for a versatile cleaner that can be used on a variety of interior surfaces, Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer is an ideal choice. This all-in-one interior cleaner is designed to safely clean and protect surfaces such as plastic, vinyl, leather, and rubber. Its gentle formula effectively removes dust, fingerprints, and light dirt, leaving surfaces with a natural, non-greasy finish. The quick detailer is perfect for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your car's interior between deep cleaning sessions.
Price: $11.99
4. Armor All Original Protectant
When it comes to protecting and rejuvenating a wide range of interior surfaces, Armor All Original Protectant is a go-to option. This multipurpose cleaner and protectant is formulated to enhance the appearance of plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces, leaving a rich, satin finish. In addition to its cleaning and protective properties, this versatile product also helps prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration caused by UV rays, making it a valuable tool for maintaining the longevity of your interior surfaces.
Price: $7.99
5. CarGuys Super Cleaner
CarGuys Super Cleaner is a premium all-purpose cleaner that delivers exceptional cleaning performance on a variety of interior surfaces. Whether you're dealing with upholstery, leather, vinyl, or plastic, this cleaner is designed to tackle tough stains, dirt, and grime with ease. Its powerful formula is also safe for use on sensitive surfaces, making it a versatile solution for comprehensive interior cleaning. The cleaner's effortless application and impressive results make it a popular choice for car enthusiasts who demand top-quality results.
Price: $16.99
6. Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner
Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner is a high-quality option for those looking to maintain the cleanliness and condition of their car's interior. The cleaner's gentle formula effectively removes dirt, dust, and stains from surfaces such as leather, vinyl, and plastic, restoring their original appearance. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for use on a wide range of interior components, from seats and door panels to dashboard and trim. The cleaner also leaves behind a pleasant scent, leaving your car with a fresh, clean aroma after each use.
Price: $14.99
7. 303 Aerospace Protectant
303 Aerospace Protectant is a reliable choice for protecting and rejuvenating a variety of interior surfaces, particularly those exposed to sunlight and UV rays. Its advanced formula is designed to prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration on surfaces such as vinyl, rubber, and plastic, making it an essential product for maintaining the long-term appearance and condition of your car's interior. Additionally, the protectant leaves a non-greasy, matte finish, providing a natural and clean look without attracting dust and dirt.
Price: $17.99
8. Adams Interior Detailer
Adams Interior Detailer offers a convenient solution for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your car's interior surfaces. Its versatile formula allows for safe and effective cleaning of components such as leather, plastic, vinyl, and rubber, removing dust, fingerprints, and light dirt without leaving behind streaks or residue. The detailer also provides UV protection, helping to prevent sun damage and maintain the original look of your interior surfaces.
Price: $19.99
9. Sonax Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner
For those dealing with stubborn stains and odors on their car's upholstery and carpet, Sonax Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner is a powerful and effective solution. Its deep-cleaning formula is designed to lift and remove tough stains and odors, leaving surfaces looking and smelling fresh. The cleaner's foaming action penetrates deep into the fibers, ensuring thorough cleaning and rejuvenation of your car's interior. Its professional-grade performance makes it a top pick for those seeking reliable and impressive results.
Price: $15.99
10. Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner
Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner is a premium option for maintaining the cleanliness and condition of a variety of interior surfaces. Its gentle formula effectively removes dirt, dust, and stains from surfaces such as leather, vinyl, and plastic, restoring their original appearance. The cleaner's versatile nature makes it suitable for use on a wide range of interior components, from seats and door panels to dashboard and trim. The cleaner also leaves behind a pleasant scent, leaving your car with a fresh, clean aroma after each use.
Price: $14.99
When it comes to selecting a car interior cleaner, there are several factors to consider, including the type of surfaces you need to clean, the level of dirt and stains, and any specific concerns such as UV protection or odor elimination. By choosing a cleaner that meets your specific needs, you can ensure that your car's interior remains clean, fresh, and inviting for you and your passengers.
Car and Driver's comprehensive testing and evaluation of the top car interior cleaners for 2024 provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for a powerful carpet cleaner, a versatile all-in-one interior detailer, or a protective solution for your interior surfaces, our tried and tested recommendations cover a wide range of needs and preferences.
By investing in a high-quality car interior cleaner, you can maintain the pristine appearance of your vehicle's interior, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for years to come. With the right cleaner at your disposal, you can effortlessly remove dirt, stains, and odors, leaving your car looking and feeling like new.