Interior cleaning is an essential part of car care that can be easily overlooked. Great cleaners not only keep the interior of your car presentable but also improve its health and prevent further damage over time. That’s why our expert review team has rounded up the five best car interior cleaners to help keep you feeling fresh as you drive.
In this article:
- 5 Best Car Interior Cleaners
- #1 Best Overall: Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner And Protectant
- #2 Best Value: 303 Interior Cleaner
- #3 Best Leather Cleaner: Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit
- #4 Best Cleaning Wipes: Armor All Car Cleaning And Leather Wipes
- #5 Best Shine: Meguiar Ultimate Protectant
- Best Car Interior Cleaners Buyers Guide
- Our Review Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best Car Interior Cleaners
#1 Best Overall: Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner And Protectant
We picked Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant for our Best Overall pick because of its toughness on grime with an added layer of lasting protection. Its formula packs a punch against stubborn stains without damaging your car’s interior.
In addition to its power, this cleaner leaves your car smelling fantastic.
Key Features
- Comes in a 16.0-oz spray bottle, 0.5-gallon, or 1.0-gallon jug
- Can be bought as part of an interior cleaner kit
- Gentle formula
- UV protection
- Safe for nearly all interior surfaces
- Tropical smell
Our Experience
We gave the Chemical Guys Total Cleaner and Protectant 4.9 out of 5 stars. Our review team found this all-purpose cleaner to be highly effective on stains without damaging the interior of our test car, and it left a noticeable gleam with an inviting fruity aroma. We recommend the Total Cleaner for anyone who wants to give their car upholstery a spick-and-span clean.
- Application: Chemical Guys isn’t kidding with the title “Total Cleaner.” We were able to spray this on nearly all interior surfaces without damaging them. The formula’s watery texture caused it to drip more than expected, so users should be wary of over-spraying.
- Scent: We liked the Total Cleaner’s flowery aroma, which lingered long after we finished cleaning. It had no hint of any chemical smells.
- Dust and Stain Removal: No remnants of dust remained after a once-over with the Total Cleaner and a microfiber towel. Stains took little effort to tackle, too.
- UV Protection: The Total Cleaner’s streak-free finish left a nice UV protection layer over all cleaned sections of the car.
| Overall Rating | 4.9 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Application | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Scent | 5 out of 5 |
| Dust and Stain Removal | 5 out of 5 |
| UV Protection | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Out of over 23,000 reviews, Amazon customers have rated Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant 4.6 out of 5 stars. While 78 percent of these reviews were 5 out of 5 stars, there are some negative reviews. These reviews argue that the Total Cleaner is not suitable for all surface types as advertised.
Apart from these negative reviews, other customers praise the Total Cleaner’s versatility and usefulness on hard stains and scratches.
What Is It Good For?
We recommend the Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant for anyone who wants a versatile and affordable interior cleaner.
#2 Best Value: 303 Interior Cleaner
Car interior cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive. While the 303 Interior Cleaner is tough on ground-in stains, it’s light on surfaces for a smooth finish.
Key Features
- Comes in a 16.0-oz spray bottle
- Safe on car electronics
- Multi-surface
- UV protection
- Two-year shelf life
Our Experience
We gave the 303 Interior Cleaner 4.9 out of 5 stars. Its dust-eliminating capabilities and streak-free shine are great for the bargain price.
- Application: We found the spray on the 303 to have a wide reach, so only a few sprays were required to cover an entire door interior. It spread just as easily as expected due to its liquid texture.
- Scent: While most interior cleaning products have some sort of smell, the 303 amazingly didn’t. We were unable to pick up a new scent after application.
- Dust and Stain Removal: 303 was tough on stains and cut through grime without any trouble. It also left a gleaming shine as a protective dust barrier.
- UV Protection: Although it’s great at eliminating dirt and grime, 303 does not offer a strong UV barrier.
| Overall Rating | 4.9 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Application | 5 out of 5 |
| Scent | 5 out of 5 |
| Dust and Stain Removal | 5 out of 5 |
| UV Protection | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Over 1,100 Amazon customers rated the 303 Interior Cleaner at 4.7 out of 5 stars. Around 79 percent of these customers gave 5-star reviews, with positive comments praising how well the cleaner works on difficult upholstery stains.
Some negative reviews were centered around residue that the 303 left behind on their dashboards after cleaning.
What Is It Good For?
For anyone who wants a solid interior clean on a budget, check out the 303 Total Interior Cleaner. It packs a bang for your buck that most competitors can’t match.
#3 Best Leather Cleaner: Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit
This Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner Kit blew us away. With no smell nor streaks, it was very easy to apply and let dry. We highly recommend this kit for anyone who wants to go the extra step to keep their leather seats looking new.
Key Features
- Includes a 16.0-oz spray bottle of leather cleaner and a 16.0-oz pour bottle of conditioner
Odorless - pH balanced
- UV protection
- Can be used on any leather surface (shoes, chairs, etc.)
Our Experience
We had a good experience working with this Chemical Guys product, as we typically do with products from the recognizable brand. The leather conditioner gives a semi-wet look for a thorough finish.
- Application: Instructions for use were very clear on both products. Each one rubbed smoothly into our leather seats without streaking or clotting. Both the cleaner and conditioner require a microfiber towel or applicator pad to rub into leather, which unfortunately must be bought separately.
- Scent: Chemical Guys advertises these products as odorless for good reason. Neither the cleaner nor conditioner left a scent.
- Dust and Stain Removal: The cleaner was able to handle light stains but had a tough time with older ones, and dust was no problem.
- UV Protection: Although the cleaner adds a layer of UV protection, we recommend using the conditioner on top of the cleaner for the best results. The conditioner gives a semi-wet look, too, that’s more aesthetically pleasing than the cleaner alone.
| Overall Rating | 4.9 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Application | 5 out of 5 |
| Scent | 5 out of 5 |
| Dust and Stain Removal | 4.5 out of 5 |
| UV Protection | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon customers far and wide praise this Chemical Guys Leather Kit, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from almost 29,000 reviews. Many of the top reviews swear by the kit’s versatility for more than just cars. One customer even claimed to have used the kit on her leather sofa.
The few negative reviews insist that the kit left their leather seats sticky and smelling awful.
What Is It Good For?
We highly recommend the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner Kit for rookie and professional car detailers alike. Its only flaw is that it can’t be used all over your car.
#4 Best Cleaning Wipes: Armor All Car Cleaning And Leather Wipes
If you don’t want the hassle of using a microfiber towel, cleaning wipes are your next best option. Armor All Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes are one of our favorite products from testing for their cleaning abilities with little extra work.
Key Features
- Double pack of interior cleaning and leather cleaning wipes
- Cleaning wipes safe on all surfaces
- Leather wipes clean and protect leather
- Lint-free
Our Experience
We gave the Armor All Interior Car Cleaning and Leather Wipes 4.8 out of 5 stars. Fun and easy to use, the cleaning wipes make interior detailing feel like less of a chore. The leather wipes did leave some very slight evidence of streaks in our test vehicle.
- Application: Because the wipes are pre-soaked in a cleaning solution, application is very simple. All we had to do was wipe and watch grime disappear. Also, the wipes’ thin texture made them perfect for reaching into tight crevices where microfiber cloths struggled. We especially liked these wipes for use on door panels and the dashboard.
- Scent: Much like a Clorox® wipe, the Armor All wipes had a bleach-heavy smell.
- Dust and Stain Removal: The Armor All wipes were able to remove dirt and stains with no problem. We especially liked that we could see what was being picked up by the wipes as they soiled over use.
- UV Protection: These wipes provide UV protection against cracking and fading, but the residual layer they left was barely noticeable.
| Overall Rating | 4.8 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Application | 5 out of 5 |
| Scent | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Dust and Stain Removal | 5 out of 5 |
| UV Protection | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Although these wipes had an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 9,000 Amazon customers, some of the most-liked reviews were negative. Customers complained that the wipes left streaks on their interiors, especially the ones designed for leather. Other customers claimed that their seats were discolored after using Armor All wipes.
Despite these harsh critiques, 75 percent of customers left a 5-star rating on these Armor All wipes. Positive reviews commended the wipes’ multi-surface power.
What Is It Good For?
Armor All Car Cleaning wipes are a multi-purpose tool for anyone who needs a quick touch-up to their car’s interior. The leather wipes, on the other hand, are best suited for light use on leather surfaces.
#5 Best Shine: Meguiar Ultimate Protectant
If you want a center console that practically glows, we recommend using Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant for your next interior cleaning. It performs spectacularly well on hard surfaces and leaves a visible sheen so you know your car is protected.
Key Features
- Comes in a 15.0-oz spray bottle
- Safe on vinyl, rubber, and plastic
- UV protection
- Water-resistant
Our Experience
We gave the Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant spray 4.4 out of 5 stars. It has superb UV protection and glossy finish that we love, yet is not suitable for all surfaces and can stain if not handled with care.
- Application: The Meguiar’s created no mess nor fuss during the application process. It had a thicker texture than the other spray-on formulas we tested, making it more difficult to spread. One thing we noticed was the residue it left, which clearly indicated where the Meguiar’s had been applied and where it hadn’t.
- Scent: The Meguiar’s had a relatively light smell of chemical cleaners, but nothing that was too overpowering.
- Dust and Stain Removal: Dust was no problem for the Meguiar’s while ground-in stains took some extra effort to remove.
- UV Protection: We found the Meguiar’s to have the best UV protection of the products we tested. The clear coat finish shows where extra protection is necessary, too.
| Overall Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Application | 4 out of 5 |
| Scent | 4 out of 5 |
| Dust and Stain Removal | 4.5 out of 5 |
| UV Protection | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Customer reviews on Amazon rate the Meguiar’s at 4.6 out of 5 stars. Despite around 77 percent of these ratings being 5 stars, many of the top-liked reviews express disappointment with the Meguiar’s. Top comments cite a greasy finish and wax-like touch.
Satisfied customers, meanwhile, applaud how well the Meguiar’s works on rubber surfaces, particularly tires.
What Is It Good For?
Meguiar’s Ultimate Protectant provides high quality interior cleaning and UV protection that lasts well between washes. This spray-on is suited for those who want their dashboards to shine bright and stay protected.
Best Car Interior Cleaners Buyers Guide
Before purchasing any car interior cleaners, consider the following factors:
Application
Car interior cleaners that work well should not leave blotches, stains, residues, or streaks after application. Many interior cleaners require a clean cloth for application, so having one on hand is very important.
It is also important to note that different cleaners may only work well for certain surfaces. A glass cleaner may be suitable for your seats, but an upholstery cleaner can just as easily leave streaks on your windows. Always check what surfaces an interior cleaner is designed for before purchasing.
Scent
Cleaners with an overpowering smell can lead to headaches, so always choose one with a scent you enjoy.
Dust And Stain Removal
Dry cloths alone merely spread dust rather than picking it up, and stains are visually unappealing. This is why a proper interior cleaner should be able to pick up dust while also being tough on stains. The right cleaner will also help prevent future dust and stain buildup.
UV Protection
Over time, UV rays can cause vinyl, leather, plastic, and rubber surfaces to crack and fade. This damage can be permanent if left untreated, so interior cleaners must supply UV protection to prevent it.
Our Review Standards
The best car interior cleaners we tested for this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.
Our team ordered the five car interior cleaners that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a car, taking note of how easily the product could be applied, what kind of scent it produced, how well it handled dust and stains, and its level of UV protection. Each interior cleaner was given a rating out of 5 stars based on this criteria.
Best Car Interior Cleaners Testing Process
We used a 2003 Ford Focus with weeks of interior wear-and-tear to test the car interior cleaners for this review. Each cleaner was used on various surfaces within the car with a microfiber towel with the exception of the Armor All wipes. Results were calculated based on how well each cleaner performed according to the criteria listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my car interior look better?
The first step to improving your car’s appearance is to invest in interior cleaners. You could also wash your car for a better appeal or even invest in products such as air fresheners or steering wheel covers.
How do I apply interior cleaners?
Many car interior cleaners require a detailing brush or applicator pad to be manually rubbed in. One of the best all-around items to use is a microfiber towel.
How can I protect my car interior without cleaning?
A simple and effective way to keep your car interior protected is to park it in covered places. This prevents UV rays from causing damage to your car’s interior.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
