To clean car trim, you typically follow different steps for exterior and interior surfaces, focusing on cleaning and protecting the material.
Keeping your vehicle's trim clean is important for maintaining its appearance and preventing damage from environmental factors, such as UV Rays from the sun (Reference 8).
Exterior trim, often made of plastic, rubber, or vinyl, is exposed to the elements and requires regular cleaning and protection.
Here are the common steps:
- Wash: Start by applying a mixture of car soap and water via wash mitt (Reference 1) to the trim. Gently agitate the surface to loosen dirt and grime.
- Rinse: Rinse with water (Reference 2) thoroughly to remove all soap and lifted contaminants.
- Dry: Dry with a microfiber towel (Reference 3) immediately after rinsing to avoid water spots, especially on textured trim.
- Protect & Detail: After the trim is clean and dry, apply a trim detailing product (Reference 4). These products help restore color, add a layer of protection against UV damage (Reference 8), and provide a clean finish.
Cleaning Interior Car Trim
Interior trim surfaces, typically plastic or vinyl dashboards, door panels, and consoles, primarily collect dust and fingerprints.
Follow these steps for a clean interior:
- Initial Debris Removal: Remove large debris by hand or vacuum (Reference 5) from crevices and around the trim pieces before wiping.
- Dust: Dust the plastic trim with a damp microfiber cloth (Reference 6). This effectively picks up dust particles without scratching the surface. Ensure the cloth is damp, not wet.
- Detail & Finish: Finish with an interior detailer (Reference 7). Spray the detailer onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down the trim. This cleans light grime, adds protection, and leaves a uniform finish.
Why Protection Matters: Combatting UV Rays
Whether exterior or interior, car trim is constantly exposed to sunlight. UV Rays from the sun (Reference 8) can cause plastic and vinyl to fade, crack, and deteriorate over time. Using dedicated trim products during the cleaning process provides a protective barrier that helps extend the life and appearance of your trim.
Quick Guide: Trim Cleaning Steps
Here's a simple breakdown of the process for both areas:
| Area | Basic Cleaning Method | Finishing/Protection Step |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Wash with soap/water, Rinse, Dry | Apply Trim Detailing Product |
| Interior | Remove debris, Dust with damp cloth | Apply Interior Detailer |
Regular cleaning and protection will keep your car's trim looking its best and help prevent long-term damage from the sun and other environmental factors.
