How to vacuum your car

Why keeping your car interior clean matters 

Regular cleaning of the inside of your car helps maintain your vehicle’s value and creates a healthier space for you and your passengers. 

Your car interior collects dirt fast, especially if you have pets and young children. A dirty car isn’t just unsightly. It can also become a breeding ground for allergens, bacteria and unwanted odours.

Tools to clean your car interior

Cleaning your car interior at home is easier than you might think. Your Dyson vacuum cleaner is perfect for cleaning up everything from crumbs and dust to dirt and sand. 

• A powerful cordless vacuum cleaner. 

• Precision vacuum cleaner accessories. 

• Cleaning wipes or a microfibre cloth and some gentle cleaning solution.

The best Dyson vacuum for cleaning your car

Lightweight, cordless vacuum cleaners are best for cleaning car interiors. Dyson cordless vacuums are suitable for car cleaning, with a simple conversion to a handheld device.  

For dedicated car cleaning, the Dyson Car+Boat is our engineered solution, specifically designed to tackle vehicle interiors. The most powerful handheld vacuum is made for deep cleaning on the go. The crevice tool reaches into awkward spaces between car seats. 

With the right vacuum cleaner attachments for your car, you can clean the inside of your vehicle effortlessly: 

• Mini soft dusting brush: With soft nylon bristles to clean delicate fabrics, seats and upholstery. 

• Combination tool: Two tools in one for quick switching between cleaning and dusting.  

• Hair screw tool: Ideal for pet owners, preventing hair from getting trapped in the brush head. 

• Crevice tool: Engineered for precise cleaning around tricky edges and narrow spaces. 

• Awkward gap tool: For reaching awkward areas. 

• Low-reach adaptor: Bends to allow comfortable access to low spaces.  

Your step-by-step car cleaning guide 

With the right routine, keeping the inside of your car clean is easy. Once you have cleaning supplies, a handheld vacuum and car vacuum attachments handy, you're ready to go: 

1. Clear out the car 

Before vacuuming, remove all items from your car. Check under the seats, inside pockets and in the glove compartment. Set aside the items you want to keep and dispose of any rubbish.  

2. Clean floor mats first 

Remove the floor mats from your car and shake them out to remove loose dust and dirt. Vacuum both sides of the floor mats thoroughly and use a soap and water solution for any tougher stains or to achieve a deeper clean. 

3. Vacuum the footwells 

Cleaning your car thoroughly includes vacuuming the footwells. Move the car seats forward and back to access every corner, using your Dyson combination tool and a low-reach adaptor to get into awkward spaces. 

4. Clean the seats 

Use the combination tool to clean your car seats, switching to the extra-soft brush to protect leather surfaces. The stiff nylon bristles remove dust and grime from more robust upholstery.  

5. Clear the dashboard and fittings 

The soft dusting brush attachment is suitable for cleaning dashboards, controls and air vents. The nozzle directly collects dust and debris, preventing it from being released back into the car. 

6. Reach awkward spaces and side compartments

For awkward gaps and side compartments, switch your Dyson vacuum to the crevice tool. Use boost mode to catch every crumb and target any remaining stains with a damp microfibre cloth and a mild cleaning solution. 

7. Remember to clean the boot

Use the combination tool or the hair screw tool to clean the inside of your car boot, especially if you travel with pets. After completing your thorough clean, return all floor mats and essential items to their proper places. 

8. Enjoy your clean car 

For ongoing car maintenance, consider keeping a compact vacuum cleaner in your boot for quick spot cleaning when needed. The Dyson in-car charger connects to your car’s power outlet so that your vacuum is always charged and ready when you need it. For a finishing touch, a subtle car fragrance attached to your air vents can help maintain a fresh scent between cleans. 

Transform your driving experience with a properly cleaned car 

A thoroughly clean car delivers benefits beyond appearance – it creates a healthier driving environment, helps maintain your vehicle’s value and makes every journey a more enjoyable experience. With these Dyson-recommended techniques and tools, you can achieve professional results in no time.