Start with the floor mats
Remove all mats and scrub rubber liners with an all-purpose cleaner. Carpeted mats need vacuuming, a vinegar spray for salt lines, scrubbing and extraction.
Vacuum sand and salt
Winter traction sand and rock salt grind into carpet. Use a stiff brush to loosen debris before vacuuming under seats, along seat rails and in door pockets.
Clean hard surfaces and glass
Months of defroster use leave a haze on the inside of the windshield. Clean glass with an ammonia-free cleaner and two towels — one to clean, one to buff.
Freshen the air
Replace the cabin air filter, which often traps leaves and moisture, and run the AC to dry the system.
