Maintaining the inside and outside of your car well will help it retain its resale price so you can wear it with pride. Your car has plastic on both the inside and the outside. To clean the one inside, start by vacuuming, then use a soft cloth and a special plastic cleaner. On the other hand, to clean the exterior, you must first wash your car and then apply a degreaser. You can always end your cleansing sessions with some kind of protector.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Plastic Inside the Car
Step 1. Vacuum the interior of the car
Before you start, vacuum your car to remove all the dirt. Your cleaning products will work much better if you vacuum before you start. Using an attachment with a soft brush on the vacuum nozzle will help prevent scratches.
- Remove rugs from the floor and shake them out before you start vacuuming.
- Be very careful with the knobs and vents. These areas can be damaged very easily.
Step 2. Shake off the plastic
Use a soft, damp cloth (water only) or a dust mop (you can buy this in the auto section of any grocery or discount store) to remove the dust. A small, soft-bristled brush will work well to remove dust from some crevices like those around the gear stick, parking brake, radio buttons, and other tight spaces where dust could collect.
- You can also use a soft bristle brush and cotton swabs to clean cracks and hard-to-reach areas.
- If you used a damp cloth, then you will need to wipe the plastic with a dry, soft cloth.
Step 3. Treat stains
If the plastic is stained, apply a very small amount of mild soap, laundry detergent, or auto plastic cleaner to a damp cloth. Don't apply the cleaning solution directly to the plastic. Rub the area until it is clean. Then wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
- You should always do a small test in an area that is not so noticeable before applying the product on the plastic of your car.
- If you are using a commercial plastic cleaner, follow the directions on the packaging.
- When the part of the cloth you are using starts to get dirty, turn it over and use a clean part. You don't want to scatter dirt in the car again.
Step 4. Apply a protector
Once you've cleaned the plastic, apply a protector. Visit an auto supply store or go to the auto section of a retail store to purchase a plastic protector. You should only apply protector to clean surfaces. The idea is not to make dirt or grime stick.
Remember that you should not apply any aerosol product directly on the plastic. You should always use a clean, soft cloth or foam pad to apply the product
Step 5. Use a polish
To give the plastic a bit of shine, you can use plastic polish or some type of oil, such as olive oil or cooked linseed oil. Dab some oil or polish on a soft cloth, then rub it on the plastic. Afterward, use a clean, soft cloth to remove any excess product.
- You can buy boiled linseed oil at a hardware or paint store.
- There are also multifunction products that act as a polish and protector. This is very convenient and reduces the amount of products you have to buy.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for the Plastic on the Outside of the Car
Step 1. Wash your car
Soak the car with just water for five minutes to remove stubborn dirt. Put a few drops of mild liquid soap in a bucket of water and use a sponge or special wash mitt to clean your car. Wash the car in sections and rinse only with water. Start at the top and work your way down. Once you're done cleaning, rinse again with water.
- Clean your car in a shady area to prevent it from getting too hot. If the surface is too hot, the soap could dry out and you will have to wash it several times.
- Dry your car with a clean, soft, dry towel or take a ride around the block in the car.
Step 2. Apply a degreaser
Once you've finished washing your car, spray a light degreaser on a towel and apply it to the plastic areas of the car. Clean the car using a medium pressure level. If the area has accumulated dirt, scrub it with a brush. Be very careful not to scratch the paint.
- Buy a light degreaser that is safe for cars. Go to a local auto supply store or visit the auto section of a large-scale retail store like Walmart or Target.
- This product will also remove any build-up from other products that you have applied.
Step 3. Restore the opaque plastic
Many cars today have black plastic rims. These edges can start to look dull and worn. Using a restorative product will provide a deep clean and will restore some color. Apply a couple of small drops of the solution to a soft towel and rub it over the plastic areas with just a little pressure.
- These products will remove stains and enhance color.
- Some good quality products you could try are Poorboy Brand Edge Restorer, TUF SHINE Black Plastic Restoration Kit, Black WOW, or Mother's Black to Black Cream.
- You should always read the instructions before using any product in your car.
Step 4. Apply a protector
This product will protect the outer plastic from UV rays and make the edges look like new. Spray the protector on a clean, soft towel and rub it over your car using a back and forth motion. It will take only a few minutes for the protector to dry.
- These protectors can often be used on a variety of surfaces, such as plastic, vinyl, and rubber.
- You should always degrease the surface before applying the protector.
Method 3 of 3: Keep Your Car Clean
Step 1. Clean your car regularly
Clean the interior of your car once a month and the exterior twice a month. If you have a regular cleaning schedule, cleaning sessions won't be as long. If you can't clean your car that often, you should at least try to clean it at regular intervals.
- You may need to clean your car more often if you live near the coast, drive on salted roads in winter, or live in a wooded area where the roads are littered with tree sap.
- Take out and shake the carpets in your car once a week.
Step 2. Take out the trash every day
Your car is not a garbage bag. Get rid of empty cups, plastic wrap, or any other trash residue every day. Having garbage bags in your car could help you with trash collection. Then you can dump the bag at the end of the day.
Step 3. Read the owner's manual
Before doing any cleaning on the inside of your car, read your owner's manual. The materials in your car may be sensitive to certain cleaning products, or the manufacturer may recommend specific cleaning products. You should always test cleaning products on a less noticeable area before applying them all over the inside.