Comprehensive 4x4 Interior Recovery and Dust Decontamination

Remove every item from the vehicle, including floor mats, seat covers, dash mats, and contents of the glovebox and centre console. In Australia, red dust hides behind these covers, creating friction points that wear through factory upholstery. Emptying the cabin allows for a 100% surface area assessment.

Examine surfaces for UV damage (whitening of plastics), salt crusting near door sills, and biological contaminants like squashed insects or bird droppings near the door jambs. Note any electronic switches that feel 'gritty'—these require targeted compressed air later.

Mix your pH-neutral cleaner in dedicated spray bottles using demineralised water if you live in a hard-water area (common in regional Australia). A 1:10 ratio is standard for 2026-gen interior plastics. Set up a 'clean zone' table for removed items like floor mats.

Ensure the vehicle is parked in a fully shaded area with all doors open. In 40°C heat, cleaning chemicals will flash (dry) too quickly on surfaces, leading to chemical staining. If working outdoors, use a gazebo or carport to keep the interior surfaces cool to the touch.

Before applying any liquids, use a HEPA vacuum and a stiff brush to agitate carpets. For red dust, use a 'slapping' motion on the seats while vacuuming to pull dust from the foam core. If you wet red dust before removing it, you create a permanent dye/mud that is nearly impossible to extract.

Use compressed air at 80 PSI to blow out air conditioning vents, seat rails, and the crevices between the dashboard and windscreen. Follow the air stream immediately with the vacuum nozzle to capture the airborne particles before they resettle.

The headliner is often overlooked but traps significant dust and smoke. Lightly mist a microfibre with a 1:20 dilution of cleaner and wipe in one direction. Do not oversaturate, as Australian heat can weaken the adhesive, leading to a sagging headliner.

Spray your pH-neutral cleaner onto a detailing brush, not the surface. Work in small 20x20cm sections, using circular motions to lift dust from the grain of the plastic. This prevents the chemical from running down into sensitive electronics or stereo units.

For window switches and 4WD selectors that feel crunchy, use a dry, soft-bristled brush and vacuum. If sticky, use a 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) on a cotton bud. Avoid water-based cleaners here to prevent short circuits in the complex CAN bus systems of modern 4x4s.

Australian dust settles heavily on rubber door seals. Clean these with a damp cloth and a mild APC. If salt exposure is suspected, use a specific salt-neutralising wash. Dry thoroughly and apply a rubber protectant to prevent the seals from 'baking' and sticking in summer heat.

If seats are stained, apply a fabric cleaner and agitate. Use a dedicated carpet extractor or a wet/dry vac to pull the moisture out. Ensure the vehicle is left in a ventilated area to dry; trapped moisture in a 40°C car will lead to rapid mould growth within 12 hours.

For leather-trimmed 4x4s (like high-spec Hilux or Ranger models), the Australian sun strips natural oils. Apply a dedicated leather cleaner, then follow with a lanolin-based conditioner. Let it dwell for 15 minutes before buffing off the excess to ensure a non-greasy finish.

Clean interior glass using a two-towel method: one towel for the glass cleaner (IPA-based) and a second dry towel to buff. Ensure you clean the very top edge of the windows by winding them down slightly, as salt and dust accumulate here and scratch the tint.

After a dusty trip, your cabin air filter (usually behind the glovebox) will be clogged. Replace this with a HEPA or carbon-activated filter. Running the AC with a clogged filter strains the blower motor and circulates fine dust back into your clean cabin.

Apply a high-quality UV blocking protectant to all vinyl and plastic surfaces. Use a microfibre applicator to ensure even coverage. This acts as 'sunscreen' for your dash, preventing the cracking and warping common in Northern Territory and Queensland conditions.

Pressure wash rubber mats outside the vehicle using a degreaser. For carpet mats, use the same 'slap and vacuum' method used on the interior carpets. Only return them to the vehicle once 100% dry to prevent 'musty car' syndrome.