How to Detail Your Interior Like a Pro and Protect it from the Aussie Sun

Chuck everything out. I mean everything. Empty the glovebox, the centre console, and the door pockets. If you find a Maccas chip from 2022, toss it. It's much easier to clean when you aren't moving rubbish around.

Take the floor mats out and give them a good shake away from the car. If they're rubber, hose them down now so they have time to dry in the sun while you work on the rest.

If you're working in a garage, roll them down a bit to get some airflow. Chemicals can get a bit pongy in a closed cabin on a hot arvo.

Start with a thorough vacuum. Use the brush attachment for the dash and the crevice tool for the gaps between the seats. I learned this the hard way: if you wet the carpet before vacuuming the sand out, you'll just make mud that never comes out.

Use a soft brush to agitate dust in the vents and buttons while holding the vacuum nozzle nearby. This stops the dust just settling somewhere else.

Spray your APC onto a microfibre towel (not directly on the dash!) and wipe down all plastic surfaces. This removes the oils from your skin and that sticky film that builds up over time.

This is usually the filthiest part of the car. Use a dedicated interior scrub pad and a bit of cleaner. You'll be shocked at how much 'grey' comes off a black leather wheel.

If you've got leather, apply your cleaner and agitate with a soft brush. Wipe it off immediately with a clean damp cloth. Don't let the cleaner dry on the seat or it'll leave a mark.

Don't forget the bits you only see when the door is open. Use a bit of APC and an old rag to get the grease and road grime out of the hinges and sills.

Now the important bit. Apply your UV protectant (like 303) to the dash and door tops. Wipe it on, let it sit for a minute, then buff it dry with a fresh microfibre. It should look factory-satin, not shiny like a cheap kebab.

Apply your leather conditioner. This keeps the hide supple so it doesn't crack when the car's sitting in the sun at the airport or the beach.

Clean the inside of the windscreen last. Use two towels, one for the initial wipe with product, and a dry one to buff out the streaks. Pro tip: wipe the inside vertically and the outside horizontally so you know which side the streaks are on.

Put your clean, dry mats back in and give the cabin one last quick vacuum to pick up any bits you knocked down during the process.