Summer Interior Maintenance: The Definitive Weekly Routine

Never clean a hot interior. If the car has been sitting in the sun, open all doors and the tailgate for at least 10 minutes. Cleaning chemicals can flash (evaporate too quickly) on hot surfaces, leading to permanent staining or 'tiger stripes' on plastic trim. Ideally, work in a shaded garage or under a carport during the cooler morning hours.

Remove all personal items, floor mats, and child seats. Shake out floor mats away from the vehicle to prevent dust from re-entering the cabin. Inspect the 'rubbish' for any organic matter—food crumbs or damp clothes—which can rapidly develop mould in the humid Australian summer heat.

Perform a visual inspection using a high-lumen torch. Look specifically at the dashboard-to-windshield join and the seat rails. In Australia, red dust often accumulates here. If the dust load is heavy, use compressed air or a 'sidebar' blower to dislodge particles before applying any liquid cleaners.

If using a concentrated cleaner like P&S Xpress, dilute it 1:1 with distilled water in a dedicated spray bottle. This ratio is effective for weekly maintenance without being overly aggressive. Label your bottles clearly to avoid cross-contamination with exterior chemicals.

Begin with a thorough vacuum starting from the top (headliner and parcel shelf) and working down. Use the crevice tool to reach deep into seat folds where sand and salt accumulate. Pay special attention to the area around the accelerator pedal, as this is a high-impact zone for dirt. Spend at least 15 minutes on this phase to ensure all abrasive grit is removed.

While vacuuming, use your detailing brush in your other hand to agitate air vents, speaker grilles, and window switches. The vacuum nozzle should be held 2-3cm away from the brush to catch the airborne dust instantly. This prevents red dust from settling back onto the surfaces you just cleaned.

Spray your pH-neutral cleaner onto a microfibre towel, NOT directly onto the dash. This prevents 'overspray' from landing on the inside of the windscreen. Wipe the dashboard, centre console, and door cards using light pressure. The cleaner will lift oils from skin contact and light dust that the vacuum missed.

The steering wheel is the most contaminated surface in the car. Use a fresh microfibre and cleaner to wipe the entire circumference, including the rear of the spokes. In summer, sweat and sunscreen transfer heavily here; if left, the oils will break down the leather or vinyl finish, causing it to peel.

Infotainment screens and gloss black plastics are extremely prone to scratching. Use a dedicated, clean, high-pile microfibre dampened slightly with distilled water. Avoid chemicals here unless they are specifically 'screen safe'. Wipe in one direction only to minimise swirl marks.

Inspect seats for any new stains. For fabric, use a dedicated upholstery cleaner and a soft brush to agitate. For leather, use a foaming leather cleaner. Work in small sections (30cm x 30cm) and wipe away the foam immediately with a damp cloth to prevent the dirt from redepositing into the pores.

Often overlooked, the door jambs collect significant road grime and salt spray. Use a damp 'utility' microfibre to wipe the metal sills and the rubber weatherstripping. Keeping these seals clean prevents them from sticking to the door frame in extreme heat and ensures a proper airtight seal against dust.

In summer, 'outgassing' creates a hazy film on the inside of the glass. Use a dedicated glass cleaner (ammonia-free if you have window tint) and the 'two-towel' method: one towel to spread the cleaner and scrub, the second dry towel to buff to a streak-free finish. Ensure you reach the very bottom of the rake of the windscreen.

Apply a UV protectant (like 303) to all vinyl and plastic surfaces. Apply to an applicator pad first, spread evenly, and let it sit for 2-5 minutes. Then, buff completely dry with a clean microfibre. The surface should look matte/satin, not greasy. This layer is your primary defence against the Australian sun.

Once the carpet is dry, replace the cleaned floor mats. Ensure they are properly clipped into their retention points for safety. If using rubber mats, ensure they are 100% dry to prevent moisture from being trapped against the carpet, which can lead to musty smells in the humidity.

Instead of heavy perfumes, use an odour neutraliser if necessary. If the car has a 'summer' smell, check the cabin air filter (usually behind the glovebox). In Australia, these often clog with pollen and dust every 6 months and should be inspected as part of a thorough monthly routine.