How to Keep Your Car Interior Clean in Winter

Winters in Denver are full of snowy forecasts and icy road conditions, and all of that added stress can be rough on your vehicle. Learning how to keep your car interior clean in winter can help protect your car all season long. Plus, the added peace of mind will make your Colorado morning commutes even better. Find out how to keep your car clean in the winter with service tips from Fisher Auto.

How to Protect Your Interior Surfaces

Whether you have leather or cloth seating, a little TLC can go a long way toward maintaining your cabin.

Here are a few pointers on how to keep your car clean in the winter:

• Interior Carpet: If your interior carpet gets wet and muddy, wait until it dries completely to scrub away the dirt. Then use carpet cleaner to tidy the area and reduce odors. You can also invest in a rubber liners and carpet covers for added protection.
• Leather Seats: Leather upholstery can dry and crack in the cold winter air, so be sure to condition your leather surfaces to restore proper moisture levels. You can check our parts department for conditioning balms and wipes made just for cars.
• Glass: As you navigate Colorado, condensation can build and distort your vision. Keep a demister pad in the glovebox to absorb the moisture in the air, along with a pack of glass wipes for emergency cleaning. Be sure to clean your glass regularly to prevent streaks and smears.
• Plastic: Plastic trim and panels can be treated with a car interior cleaner. Pay attention to the door sills in particular, since muddy shoes can leave marks after each drive.

How to Clean Car Mats

Between the road salt and the moisture from snow and ice, you might be surprised how quickly your mats get dirty in an average week. We recommend switching to a set of rubber mats to make cleanup easier. Rubber mats are waterproof and dirt resistant, which means you can wash them more often – and more thoroughly – than carpet mats. Not sure how to clean your car mats?

Here is a basic overview of what to do:

• Pull up your mats and shake them outside the car.
• Lay the mats flat and vacuum on both sides. Use a shop-vac if they are wet.
• If you have rubber mats, use a hose to blast away debris. For more intensive cleaning, grab a brush and use a bucket of warm water and dish soap to get in the nooks and crannies.
• If you have carpet mats, treat stains with commercial cleaner or a mix of soap and water. Treat any odors with baking soda. Sprinkle on the mats, let sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum.
• Let your mats dry completely before returning to your car in order to prevent mildew and mold.

Visit Fisher Auto for Your Automotive Needs

Whether you need to pick up some upholstery cleaner from our parts department or schedule a detailing with our service center, the team at Fisher Auto will ensure that your car is in top shape all year long. Contact us to learn more about your options, and stop by Boulder for more assistance!