Preserving Your Car’s Upholstery And Interior – Our Top Tips

January 16th, 2023 by

A car's front interior

A vehicle’s upholstery and interior are often forgotten components during maintenance. However, they require just as much attention and care to ensure a long life. Here are some of our top tips for preserving your car’s upholstery and interior:

1. Block Away Sunlight

During winter, you won’t worry much about the sun’s harsh rays, but as spring and summer arrive, you should take steps to ensure that your upholstery doesn’t fade or become brittle. Investing in a good quality window tint can help reduce the amount of sunlight entering your car and protect your interior from UV damage.

2. Open Your Windows

Even if you have tinted windows, it’s a good idea to open them occasionally and let some fresh air circulate. Of course, you need to do this when your car is parked under a shade. This is particularly helpful to leather upholstery which can easily become sticky and smelly when not aired out regularly. Without airflow, leather also fades more quickly.

3. Invest in Cotton-Based Clothes to Wipe Down Surfaces

Using a cotton-based cloth such as terry cloth is the most gentle material you can use on your upholstery. It won’t scratch or snag the fabric and is great for removing dust, dirt, and fingerprints. To really clean things up, use a mild cleaner specifically designed for car interiors. When you spill something on the seats, instead of quickly going for a paper towel or napkin, you’re better off using your old cotton t-shirts or cotton-based cloth.

4. Use Protective Leather Conditioners

Leather is a great material because of its durability and timeless look. But it’s also prone to drying out and cracking if not maintained properly. That’s why you should use a quality leather conditioner every few months to nourish the hides, protect them from the elements, and keep them looking new. Leather conditioners will help prevent stains and dirt buildup, and make your leather easier to clean in the future.

5. Use Food in Your Car That’s Easy to Clean

No matter how careful you are, food and drinks will be spilled in your car from time to time. To keep things a bit easier on yourself, try to eat foods that are easy to clean such as crackers or chips instead of something like soup or noodles which can be more difficult to remove. Sticky candy, yogurt, applesauce, and other such foods should be avoided completely.

6. Invest in Quality Rubber Floors Mats

Rubber floor mats are essential for keeping dirt and mud out of your car, and they can be easily removed and cleaned. Consider investing in a few sets of quality rubber floor mats that you can switch out regularly to keep things looking pristine. This will help to keep your car’s interior clean and free from dirt, mud, and other messes. This could cost you about $50.

7. Seat Covers Will Come in Handy

Seat covers are a great way to protect your car’s upholstery from spills, stains, and wear-and-tear. They come in a variety of styles and materials, so it won’t be difficult to find an option that will fit your particular make and model. Choose a set of seat covers that can be easily washed and that will last for a long time. These may set you back a bit more than a set of floor mats, but they’ll be well worth it in the long run.

8. Vacuum Regularly

It may seem like an obvious tip, but vacuuming regularly is one of the best ways to keep your car’s interior looking fresh and clean. You can purchase an attachment specifically designed for cars that will help you reach hard-to-reach areas like the crevices between the seats. Vacuuming and using a lint roller is also a great way to keep pet hair from accumulating in your vehicle.

9. Freshen Up With Air Freshener

A car air freshener can help make the inside of your car smell clean and fresh, while also helping to mask any lingering odors. You can find a variety of scents available, ranging from light floral fragrances to more powerful citrus or pine scents. Just be sure not to overdo it – you don’t want to make your car smell too overpowering!

Final Thought on Preserving Your Upholstery and Interior

Taking the time to properly maintain and clean your vehicle’s interior will help ensure its longevity. Regular cleaning and vacuuming, as well as using the right products to protect your upholstery, will all make a difference when it comes to preserving your car’s interior in the long run.

Are you looking for a dream car or service center? Look no further than Eastern Shore Hyundai. We provide a variety of services from detailing to interior repairs and more. Contact us today for more information!