Keeping your car's interior sparkling doesn't have to be a chore! You can easily whip up effective cleaners using simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
These DIY solutions will leave your car looking and smelling fresh, making every drive more enjoyable.
Get ready to discover how to tackle dashboards, upholstery, and more with these handy homemade recipes..
1. Vinegar, Dish Soap & Baby Oil Dashboard Cleaner
Give your car's dashboard a brilliant shine with this easy-to-make cleaner.
It combines the streak-free power of vinegar with the grime-lifting ability of dish soap, while baby oil adds a beautiful, glossy finish.
This solution not only cleans hard and plastic surfaces but can also help neutralize lingering odors, leaving your car's interior feeling refreshed and looking like new..
Key Ingredients:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Baby oil
Benefits:
- Streak-free shine
- Removes grease and grime
- Adds gloss
Pro Tip: This mixture is also great for removing stickers from car bumpers or windows. Just spray, let it sit, and then peel or scrape it off.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Dish Soap & Baby Oil Dashboard Cleaner
2. Rubbing Alcohol & Club Soda Upholstery Cleaner
Tackle stubborn stains and refresh your car's upholstery with this powerful DIY cleaner.
The combination of rubbing alcohol and club soda works wonders on fabric and even leather, lifting away grime and leaving surfaces looking clean.
A touch of eucalyptus essential oil adds a pleasant, invigorating scent, making your car's interior feel like a breath of fresh air..
Key Ingredients:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Club soda
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Benefits:
- Removes stains
- Freshens upholstery
- Safe for fabric and leather
Pro Tip: Always test this cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't affect the fabric's color.
Get the Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol & Club Soda Upholstery Cleaner
3. Alcohol & Essential Oil Disinfecting Wipes
Keep your car's surfaces hygienically clean with these easy homemade disinfecting wipes.
Made with a high alcohol content and a blend of cleansing essential oils like clove, lemon, and eucalyptus, these wipes effectively kill germs and leave a pleasant scent.
They're perfect for quickly wiping down high-touch areas like the steering wheel, door handles, and buttons..
Key Ingredients:
- Alcohol (rubbing alcohol or vodka)
- Essential oils (Thieves blend, Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary)
- Filtered water
Benefits:
- Disinfects surfaces
- Kills germs
- Refreshing scent
Pro Tip: These wipes are reusable! Simply toss them in the wash with your regular laundry after use.
Get the Recipe: Alcohol & Essential Oil Disinfecting Wipes
4. Dish Soap, Borax & Boiling Water Upholstery Cleaner
Revitalize your car's upholstery with this simple yet effective homemade cleaner.
The powerful combination of dish soap and Borax tackles tough stains and grime, while boiling water helps to lift dirt from deep within the fabric.
It's a fantastic way to get your car seats looking and feeling like new again without harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Dish soap
- Borax
- Boiling water
Benefits:
- Removes stubborn stains
- Cleans deep grime
- Restores fabric
Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and white vinegar, apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum it up before using this cleaner.
Get the Recipe: Dish Soap, Borax & Boiling Water Upholstery Cleaner
5. Mineral Oil, Vinegar & Essential Oil Car Cleaning Spray
Achieve a sparkling clean and fresh-smelling interior with this homemade car cleaning spray.
It uses mineral oil to condition and add shine to hard surfaces, while vinegar helps cut through dirt and grime.
A few drops of essential oils like Melaleuca and Eucalyptus leave a delightful, clean aroma, making your car feel brand new..
Key Ingredients:
- Warm distilled water
- Mineral oil
- Distilled white vinegar
- Melaleuca essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Benefits:
- Adds shine
- Cleans dirt and grime
- Leaves a fresh scent
Pro Tip: Shake well before each use, and spray onto a microfiber cloth before wiping down surfaces for the best results.
Get the Recipe: Mineral Oil, Vinegar & Essential Oil Car Cleaning Spray
6. Water, Vinegar & Dish Soap All-Purpose Interior Cleaner
Keep your car's interior looking pristine with this versatile all-purpose cleaner.
A simple blend of water, vinegar, and mild dish soap effectively tackles dirt, dust, and minor stains on various surfaces.
It's a budget-friendly and gentle option for maintaining a clean and pleasant driving environment..
Key Ingredients:
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
Benefits:
- Versatile for multiple surfaces
- Removes dirt and grime
- Gentle yet effective
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a little baking soda onto stubborn stains before spraying this cleaner for extra cleaning power.
Get the Recipe: Water, Vinegar & Dish Soap All-Purpose Interior Cleaner
7. Baby Oil, Vinegar & Dish Soap "Armor All" Type Spray
Get that coveted 'new car' look and feel with this homemade cleaning spray.
It combines baby oil for a beautiful shine and conditioning effect with vinegar to cut through grime and dish soap to lift away dirt.
This DIY solution is perfect for making plastic, faux leather, and vinyl surfaces gleam, leaving your car's interior looking its best..
Key Ingredients:
- Warm distilled water
- Baby oil
- White vinegar
- Dawn dish soap
- Essential oils
Benefits:
- Leaves surfaces gleaming
- Conditions and shines
- Cuts through grime
Pro Tip: For best results, spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly onto screens to avoid any damage.
Get the Recipe: Baby Oil, Vinegar & Dish Soap "Armor All" Type Spray
8. Vinegar & Olive Oil Leather Seat Cleaner
Keep your leather car seats supple and clean with this simple, nourishing DIY cleaner.
The gentle cleaning power of vinegar combined with the conditioning properties of olive oil lifts away dirt and dust while protecting the leather.
A touch of lemon essential oil adds a fresh, subtle scent for a truly luxurious clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
- Lemon essential oil
Benefits:
- Cleans and conditions leather
- Removes dust and dirt
- Leaves a soft finish
Pro Tip: Always test this cleaner on a small, hidden area of the leather first to ensure colorfastness.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar & Olive Oil Leather Seat Cleaner
9. Car Interior Cleaner with Club Soda, Dish Soap, and Vinegar
This simple DIY cleaner is a powerhouse for tackling car upholstery and carpet stains.
The club soda helps lift grime, while the blue Dawn dish soap loosens and cleans tough messes.
A touch of vinegar works to neutralize odors, leaving your car's interior fresh and clean.
It's an easy and effective way to get that 'detailing shop' look without the high cost..
Key Ingredients:
- Club Soda
- Blue Dawn Dish Soap
- White Vinegar
Benefits:
- Removes Stains
- Neutralizes Odors
- Budget-Friendly
Pro Tip: Adjust the ratios of club soda, dish soap, and vinegar based on the type of mess you're dealing with. For stubborn stains, you might want to use a bit more dish soap.
Get the Recipe: Car Interior Cleaner with Club Soda, Dish Soap, and Vinegar
10. Homemade Car Carpet Cleaner with Grated Soap, Borax, and Lavender Oil
This DIY car carpet cleaner is fantastic for banishing dirt and stains from your car's floor mats and carpeting.
Made with simple ingredients like grated soap and Borax, it creates a foamy solution that scrubs away grime.
A few drops of lavender essential oil leave a pleasant, fresh scent, making your car feel revitalized and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Grated Soap
- Borax
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Boiling Water
Benefits:
- Tackles Tough Stains
- Freshens Carpets
- Natural Ingredients
Pro Tip: This recipe also doubles as a natural carpet deodorizer. For a quick refresh, sprinkle the baking soda mixture and vacuum it up.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Car Carpet Cleaner with Grated Soap, Borax, and Lavender Oil
11. Car Interior Cleaning Wipes with Almond Oil, Vinegar, and Water
Forget expensive store-bought wipes! These DIY car interior cleaning wipes are a breeze to make and incredibly effective.
Infused with almond oil for a bit of conditioning, vinegar to clean, and water to dilute, they're perfect for dusting and wiping away minor spills.
They leave your car's surfaces smooth, clean, and even safe for leather..
Key Ingredients:
- Almond Oil
- Vinegar
- Distilled Water
- Thick Paper Towels
Benefits:
- Repels Dust
- Easy to Use
- Gentle on Surfaces
Pro Tip: Add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil to the solution for a refreshing scent that can also help repel dust.
Get the Recipe: Car Interior Cleaning Wipes with Almond Oil, Vinegar, and Water
12. Fabric Car Seat Stain Remover with Laundry Detergent, Baking Soda, and Water
For those stubborn stains on your fabric car seats, this homemade recipe is a lifesaver.
Combining laundry detergent powder and baking soda with warm water creates a powerful cleaning foam.
It gently lifts stains by working from the edges inward, preventing them from spreading, and leaves your car seats looking remarkably clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Laundry Detergent Powder
- Baking Soda
- Warm Water
Benefits:
- Effective on Stubborn Stains
- Prevents Spreading
- Restores Fabric Appearance
Pro Tip: Always vacuum your seats thoroughly before applying any cleaning mixture to remove loose dirt and debris, preventing mud formation.
Get the Recipe: Fabric Car Seat Stain Remover with Laundry Detergent, Baking Soda, and Water
13. Car Upholstery Cleaner with OxiClean and Water
OxiClean isn't just for laundry! This versatile cleaner is excellent for deep cleaning your car's upholstery and even floor mats.
When mixed with hot water, it creates a potent solution that lifts tough stains and dirt with minimal scrubbing.
It leaves your car seats incredibly clean and fresh, ready for your next adventure..
Key Ingredients:
- OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover
- Hot Water
Benefits:
- Powerful Stain Removal
- Versatile Use
- Leaves No Odor
Pro Tip: For best results and to prevent residue, use a carpet cleaner machine to rinse the upholstery and suction up the cleaning solution.
Get the Recipe: Car Upholstery Cleaner with OxiClean and Water
14. Shaving Cream Trick for Stained Fabric Car Seats
Here's a surprising yet effective trick for stained fabric car seats: shaving cream! This common bathroom item works wonders to lift general dirt and stubborn stains.
Apply it to the fabric, let it sit, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
It's a gentle, inexpensive method that leaves your car seats looking fresh and smelling great..
Key Ingredients:
- Shaving Cream
- Soft-Bristled Brush
- Damp Microfiber Cloth
Benefits:
- Effective Stain Removal
- Gentle on Fabric
- Inexpensive Solution
Pro Tip: Always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying shaving cream to your entire car seat to ensure the fabric color doesn't change.
Get the Recipe: Shaving Cream Trick for Stained Fabric Car Seats
15. DIY Car Upholstery Cleaner with Hydrogen Peroxide, Dawn, and Vinegar
This powerful DIY cleaner is a must-try for refreshing your car's fabric seats and floor mats.
Combining hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap, and white vinegar, it tackles stubborn stains and even helps neutralize odors.
Just a quick spray and scrub can make your interior look brand new, all while using budget-friendly pantry staples..
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Dawn Dish Soap
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Water
Benefits:
- Stain Removal
- Odor Neutralization
- Cost-Effective Cleaning
Pro Tip: Always test this cleaner on a small, hidden area of your upholstery first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration.
Get the Recipe: DIY Car Upholstery Cleaner with Hydrogen Peroxide, Dawn, and Vinegar
16. Streak-Free Windshield Cleaner with Vinegar and Dish Soap
Achieve crystal-clear visibility with this simple DIY windshield cleaner.
A blend of vinegar and a touch of dish soap cuts through road grime, fingerprints, and streaks, leaving your glass spotless.
It's a fantastic way to ensure safe driving and a cleaner-looking car with minimal effort and common household ingredients..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Distilled Water
- Liquid Dishwashing Soap
Benefits:
- Streak-Free Shine
- Improved Visibility
- Removes Grime
Pro Tip: For warmer climates, this mixture can also be used as a windshield washer fluid in your car's reservoir. In colder weather, consider adding rubbing alcohol to prevent freezing.
Get the Recipe: Streak-Free Windshield Cleaner with Vinegar and Dish Soap
17. Gentle Car Seat Cleaner with Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Soap
Revitalize your car's cloth seats with this gentle yet effective homemade cleaner.
The combination of baking soda, vinegar, and liquid soap works wonders to lift dirt and stains without being harsh on the fabric.
It's a budget-friendly solution for making your car's interior feel fresh and clean again..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Liquid Soap
- Water
Benefits:
- Stain Removal
- Odor Absorption
- Gentle on Fabric
Pro Tip: Always test the mixture on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't affect the color of your car seats.
Get the Recipe: Gentle Car Seat Cleaner with Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Soap
18. All-Purpose Interior Cleaner with Simple Green
For a quick and easy refresh of your car's interior, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a reliable choice.
It effectively tackles dirt, grime, and stains on car carpets without harsh chemicals, leaving your car smelling clean and fresh.
It's a biodegradable option that's safe for your family and your vehicle..
Key Ingredients:
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Benefits:
- Multi-Surface Cleaning
- Biodegradable
- Effective Stain Remover
Pro Tip: This cleaner can also be used in a carpet cleaning machine for a deeper clean of heavily soiled areas.
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Interior Cleaner with Simple Green
19. DIY Car Carpet Cleaner with Grated Soap and Borax
Bring your car's carpets back to life with this easy DIY cleaner! Made with simple ingredients like grated soap and Borax, it effectively lifts dirt and stains, leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh.
It's a fantastic way to tackle winter salt stains and general grime, making your car's interior feel brand new..
Key Ingredients:
- Grated Soap
- Borax
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Boiling Water
Benefits:
- Removes Dirt and Stains
- Deodorizes Carpets
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil can give your DIY carpet cleaner a lovely, subtle scent.
Get the Recipe: DIY Car Carpet Cleaner with Grated Soap and Borax
20. Natural Car Seat Cleaner with Vinegar and Water
Freshen up your car's cloth seats with this simple, natural cleaner.
Combining vinegar and water creates a gentle yet effective solution to lift dirt and grime, leaving your seats looking revitalized.
It’s a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to keep your car’s interior looking its best..
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Water
- Microfiber Cloths
Benefits:
- Cleans Cloth Seats Naturally
- Removes Grime
- Budget-Friendly
Pro Tip: For tougher stains on cloth seats, let the vinegar solution sit for about 5 minutes before gently scrubbing.
Get the Recipe: Natural Car Seat Cleaner with Vinegar and Water
21. Streak-Free Windshield Cleaner with Vinegar and Dish Soap
Achieve crystal-clear visibility with this homemade windshield cleaner! A simple mix of white vinegar, dish soap, and warm water cuts through haze and smudges, leaving your car's interior glass spotless.
It’s an easy and effective way to ensure a safe and pleasant drive..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Warm Water
- Microfiber Cloths
Benefits:
- Crystal Clear Visibility
- Streak-Free Shine
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: Always clean your car windows in a shaded area to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly and causing streaks.
Get the Recipe: Streak-Free Windshield Cleaner with Vinegar and Dish Soap
22. Magic Eraser for Crystal Clear Interior Windows
Discover the surprising power of a Magic Eraser for cleaning your car's interior windows! This simple tool, when used with water, effectively lifts away hazy residue and stubborn smudges, leaving your glass looking brilliantly clear.
It's a quick and easy way to improve visibility and the overall look of your car's interior..
Key Ingredients:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Water
- Microfiber Towels
Benefits:
- Removes Haze and Smudges
- Crystal Clear View
- Surprisingly Effective
Pro Tip: Always be gentle when using a Magic Eraser on car windows; excessive pressure is unnecessary and could potentially damage delicate surfaces.
Get the Recipe: Magic Eraser for Crystal Clear Interior Windows
23. Household Products for Cleaning Leather and Vinyl Car Seats
Give your leather and vinyl car seats a refreshing clean using common household items! Toothpaste and rubbing alcohol can work wonders on stubborn grime, restoring that smooth, like-new feel.
It's a practical approach to maintaining the luxurious look and feel of your car's interior surfaces..
Key Ingredients:
- Toothpaste
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Cleans Leather and Vinyl
- Restores Surfaces
- Uses Everyday Items
Pro Tip: For a conditioning effect on leather seats, try a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, followed by a clean water wipe.
Get the Recipe: Household Products for Cleaning Leather and Vinyl Car Seats
24. DIY Upholstery Cleaner with Club Soda and Vinegar
Tackle tough stains on your car's upholstery with this effective DIY spray! A simple blend of club soda, dish soap, and vinegar works hard to lift grime and leave your car's interior fabrics looking their best.
It's a must-try for keeping your car fresh and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Club Soda
- Liquid Dish Soap
- Vinegar
Benefits:
- Removes Tough Stains
- Freshens Upholstery
- Easy DIY Recipe
Pro Tip: After spraying and scrubbing, use a steam cleaner or shop vac with warm water to rinse the upholstery effectively.
Get the Recipe: DIY Upholstery Cleaner with Club Soda and Vinegar
25. Revitalizing Leather Seats with Vinegar and Olive Oil
Keep your leather car seats looking supple and luxurious with this simple cleaning and conditioning method.
A gentle solution of vinegar and distilled water cleans effectively, while a touch of olive oil adds essential moisture, preventing dryness and cracking.
It’s a nurturing approach to preserving your car's premium interior..
Key Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Distilled Water
- Olive Oil
Benefits:
- Cleans and Conditions Leather
- Prevents Cracking
- Maintains Suppleness
Pro Tip: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot of the leather first to ensure compatibility.
Get the Recipe: Revitalizing Leather Seats with Vinegar and Olive Oil
26. Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner
This simple DIY cleaner uses just two common household items to tackle tough upholstery stains.
It's great for lifting dirt and grime, helping to restore the look of your car's seats and carpets.
Just a light spray and gentle scrub can make a big difference..
Key Ingredients:
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Benefits:
- Stain Removal
- Upholstery Refresh
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: Always test this cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your upholstery first to ensure color fastness.
Get the Recipe: Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner
27. Baking Soda & Vinegar Car Interior Cleaner
For a naturally clean car interior, try this effective duo! Baking soda is a fantastic deodorizer, while vinegar works as a powerful cleaning agent.
Together, they can help lift dirt, eliminate odors, and leave your car's surfaces feeling fresh and clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Microfiber Cloths
Benefits:
- Deodorizing
- Natural Cleaning
- Refreshing Scent
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming to absorb stubborn odors.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda & Vinegar Car Interior Cleaner
28. Homemade Car Carpet Cleaner with Borax & Soap
Keep your car carpets looking and smelling their best with this simple homemade solution.
Combining hot water, borax, and grated soap creates a gentle yet effective cleaner that helps lift stains and refresh the fabric.
A touch of lavender essential oil leaves a lovely, subtle scent..
Key Ingredients:
- Hot water
- Borax
- Grated soap
- Lavender essential oil
Benefits:
- Stain removal
- Odor elimination
- Fresh scent
Pro Tip: Ensure good air circulation by leaving car windows down while the carpet dries to prevent any dampness or mold.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Car Carpet Cleaner with Borax & Soap
29. Vinegar, Dish Soap & Hot Water Fabric Seat Cleaner
This powerful yet gentle blend of white vinegar, dish soap, and hot water is perfect for cleaning fabric car seats.
It effectively tackles surface dirt and breaks down grime, leaving your seats clean and refreshed.
Adding essential oils can also introduce a pleasant, custom scent..
Key Ingredients:
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Hot water
- Essential oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Deep cleaning
- Odor neutralization
- Refreshing scent
Pro Tip: Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil can help mask the vinegar smell and leave a pleasant aroma.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar, Dish Soap & Hot Water Fabric Seat Cleaner
30. Vinegar & Dish Soap Headliner Cleaner
Gently clean your car's headliner without causing damage.
This mixture of water, white vinegar, and dish soap, applied with a soft cloth, helps lift dirt and grime from the delicate headliner material.
It's a simple way to refresh the car's ceiling and remove light stains..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
Benefits:
- Gentle cleaning
- Stain removal
- Odor freshening
Pro Tip: Always dab gently and avoid soaking the headliner, as excess moisture can cause sagging.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar & Dish Soap Headliner Cleaner
31. Vinegar & Baking Soda Upholstery Paste
For a deep clean of your car's upholstery, this paste of vinegar and baking soda is a winner.
It works into the fabric to lift hidden dirt and combat unpleasant odors, leaving your seats feeling fresh and renewed.
It’s a powerful natural combination for a spotless interior..
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
Benefits:
- Deep upholstery cleaning
- Odor elimination
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: After applying the paste and scrubbing, use a damp cloth to rinse out any residue and then allow the seats to air dry.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar & Baking Soda Upholstery Paste