Keeping the exterior and interior of your car clean will keep the selling price high and can make you proud. The car has an interior and exterior made of plastic. To clean a plastic interior, start by vacuuming and using a soft cloth and a plastic-safe cleaning product. When cleaning exterior plastic, wash the car first before using a product called a degreaser. Always end a cleaning session by rubbing the car's protector with it.
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Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Plastic Interior
Step 1. Vacuum the interior
Before starting, suck up the trash from the car. Cleaning products can only work efficiently if the car interior has been vacuumed beforehand. Use a soft brush head on the vacuum cleaner nozzle to avoid scratching the car.
- Remove the carpet from the car and shake it before starting to vacuum.
- Carefully vacuum the knobs or vents of the car. This area can be easily damaged.
Step 2. Remove the dust from the plastic
Use a soft damp cloth (water only) or a soft dust mop (available at an automotive store) to remove the dust. A small soft-bristled brush can also be used to remove dust from recesses, such as around the clutch and handbrake, radio controls and other tight spaces full of dust deposits.
- You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small brush to clean crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- If you are using a wet cloth, dry the plastic with a soft, dry cloth.
Step 3. Remove the stain
If your plastic is stained, apply a minimal amount of mild soap, laundry detergent, or car plastic cleaner to a damp cloth. Never apply cleaning solution directly to plastic. Wipe the area clean. Continue with a clean, dry washcloth.
- Always test it on an inconspicuous area of plastic before using it all over the car's plastic.
- If you are using a commercial plastic cleaner, follow the directions for use on the package.
- Turn the cloth over to a clean area if it looks like it's starting to get dirty. Do not let the dirt on the cloth back to the plastic.
Step 4. Use a protector
After the plastic is cleaned, proceed with the protector. Visit an automotive or automotive parts store at a hardware store to find a plastic protectant. Protectants should only be used on clean surfaces. Do not allow this product to lock in dirt or oil.
Again, never spray the product on plastic. Always use a clean, soft cloth or foam pad
Step 5. Apply car polish
To add shine to the plastic, use a plastic polish or an oil such as olive oil or linseed oil (boiled). Apply oil or polish to wipe off any excess product.
- You can buy boiled linseed oil from a hardware or paint store.
- There is also an all-in-one product (all in one) that functions as a polish and a protector at the same time. This product is practical and reduces the number of products that must be purchased.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for the Plastic Exterior
Step 1. Wash the car
Wet the car for 5 minutes first to get rid of stubborn stains. Drop a few drops of a mild liquid soap (such as Ivory soap) into a bucket of water and use a sponge or car wash mitt to clean the car. Work in sections and rinse with clean water. Start at the top of the car and work your way down. If all the cars have been cleaned, rinse again with water.
- Clean the car in a shady area to prevent the car from overheating. If the surface of the car is too warm, the soap can dry out and the car will have to be washed several times.
- Dry the car with a clean, dry, soft towel, or drive the car around the neighborhood for a bit.
Step 2. Use a degreaser
After the car is washed, spray a little degreaser on a towel and wipe it on the plastic area of the car. Wipe the car with medium pressure. If there are deposits in the area, scrub them with a brush. Be careful not to scratch the paint.
- Purchase a mild car-safe degreaser. Visit an automotive or automotive parts store at a hardware store.
- The degreaser will also remove deposits from other products on the car.
Step 3. Restore the dull plastic
Many cars today have black plastic trim. This trim can dull over time. Use a restorer product to deeply clean the plastic and restore its color. Dab a coin-sized lump of product on a soft towel and apply to the plastic area with moderate pressure.
- This product will remove blemishes and enhance color.
- Some products worth trying include Poorboy's Trim Restorer, TUF SHINE Black Restore Kit, or Black WOW, or Mother's Back-to-Black cream.
- Always read the instructions for use on the packaging before applying the product to the car.
Step 4. Apply the protector
A good protector will protect the exterior plastic from UV (ultra violet) rays and keep the trim looking new. Spray the protectant on a soft, clean towel, then wipe the car back and forth. Leave the protector on for a few minutes to dry.
- These protectors can often be used on a variety of surfaces, such as plastic, vinyl, and rubber.
- Always apply a degreaser to the surface before applying the protectant.
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Car Clean
Step 1. Clean the car regularly
Clean the car interior once a month, and the car exterior twice a month. If you have a regular cleaning schedule, the job shouldn't last long. If you can't clean your car often, at least try to clean it at regular intervals.
- You may need to clean your car more often if you live near the beach, the roads are salty in winter, or live in a forest area with gummy trees.
- Remove and shake the carpet once a week.
Step 2. Take out the trash every day
Your car is not a trash can. Throw away cardboard cups, plastic wrap, or any trash in the car. It is better to have a plastic trash bag in the car. You can dispose of these bags at the end of the day when they are full of trash.
Step 3. Read the user manual
Before cleaning the car interior. Car materials can be sensitive to certain cleaners or the manufacturer may recommend certain cleaning products. Always test the product in an inconspicuous place before applying it to all interior plastics.
