When it comes to choosing car interior cleaning products, more and more people are searching for options that promise not just a sparkling clean but also a healthy environment inside their vehicle. Maintaining a clean car interior is crucial, not only for the sake of appearance but also for the health and well-being of you and your passengers.
In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in awareness regarding the potential hazards posed by toxic chemicals found in many commercial cleaning products. This awareness has sparked a growing interest in DIY and eco-friendly solutions that are just as effective at cleaning but without the harmful side effects.
At BLISS Car Wash, we’ve always been passionate evangelists of using planet-friendly processes and products and this article is an extension of this philosophy. Let us explore the best car interior cleaning products for 2024 – not some big brands, but products that you can easily make at home and use with confidence.
The Problem with Commercial Car Interior Cleaners
Commercial car interior cleaning products are designed to cut through the toughest grime, but this efficiency comes at a cost. These products often contain chemicals that can be harmful to both human and animal health, as well as the environment.
Common Chemicals and Their Risks
- Ammonia
- Human/Animal Health: Exposure can lead to coughing, nose, and throat irritation. In more severe cases, it can cause respiratory distress.
- Environmental Harm: Ammonia can contribute to water pollution, leading to harmful effects on aquatic organisms.
- Phthalates
- Human/Animal Health: Known to affect hormonal balance, phthalates can lead to reproductive health issues and developmental problems in children and animals.
- Environmental Harm: They persist in the environment, disrupting the endocrine systems of wildlife and affecting biodiversity.
- Chlorine
- Human/Animal Health: Chlorine gas exposure can cause breathing difficulties, chest pains, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can be particularly harmful in enclosed spaces like car interiors.
- Environmental Harm: When released into water bodies, chlorine reacts with other minerals and organic matter to form toxic compounds, adversely affecting aquatic life.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Human/Animal Health: VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and even damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system over prolonged exposure.
- Environmental Harm: VOCs contribute to air pollution and the formation of ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, posing risks to outdoor air quality and vegetation.
This growing understanding of the health and environmental risks associated with commercial car interior cleaners is driving the demand for safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Safe and Effective Ingredients for DIY Cleaners
Turning to nature offers us a bounty of ingredients that are not only safe and effective for cleaning your car’s interior but are also kind to the planet. Some natural ingredients that are not only safe but also powerful cleaners, include:
- Vinegar: A natural disinfectant, vinegar effortlessly cuts through grease and grime on windows and hard surfaces, leaving them sparkling without streaks.
- Baking Soda: Known for its deodorizing properties, baking soda lifts stubborn stains from upholstery and carpets, and neutralizes odors, keeping your car’s interior fresh.
- Essential Oils: Apart from imparting a pleasant aroma, essential oils like lemon, lavender, and tea tree have antibacterial properties, making them perfect for sanitizing surfaces.
DIY Car Interior Cleaning Recipes
Embrace the power of DIY with these simple, eco-friendly recipes for a spotless and fresh-smelling car interior. Each recipe is designed to be easy to make and use, with ingredients that are safe for you and the environment.
Dashboard and Hard Surfaces Cleaner
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 2 cups of water
- 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lemon for its cleansing properties and fresh scent)
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down dashboard and other hard surfaces.
Upholstery and Carpet Stain Remover
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- Warm water
- Instructions: Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of warm water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Once dry, vacuum up the baking soda. For tougher stains, gently scrub with a brush before vacuuming.
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of olive (or linseed) oil
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- Instructions: Combine olive oil and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray onto a soft cloth and gently rub into the leather in a circular motion. Wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
Window and Glass Cleaner
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
- 1/3 cup of white vinegar
- Distilled water to fill a 1-liter spray bottle
- Instructions: Add the alcohol and vinegar to the spray bottle, then fill to the top with distilled water. Shake well. Spray onto windows and wipe away with a clean, lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine.
Air Freshener
- Ingredients:
- A small jar with a lid
- Baking soda
- 10-15 drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender, mint, or eucalyptus)
- Instructions: Fill the jar halfway with baking soda and add your chosen essential oils. Mix well. Poke holes in the lid and place the jar in a cup holder or under a seat for a continuous fresh scent.
These DIY recipes offer a natural, cost-effective way to keep your car’s interior clean and fresh. Not only do they avoid the health and environmental issues associated with commercial cleaners, but they also leave your car smelling great naturally.
Drive Towards a Greener Tomorrow with BLISS
These car interior cleaning products not only allows us to take control of the healthiness and cleanliness of our vehicle’s interior but also enables us to make a positive impact on the environment. By choosing ingredients that are safe, natural, and effective, we take a significant step towards protecting our health and preserving our planet.
BLISS Car Wash is California’s most popular eco-friendly express car wash that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. Utilizing eco-friendly cleaning products and advanced water treatment and reclamation processes, BLISS ensures that every car wash saves water—a precious resource. By choosing BLISS Car Wash, you’re not just getting a spotless vehicle; you’re contributing to a healthier planet.
Let’s make a conscious choice for our cars and our world. Gift your car the BLISS Experience today, and drive towards a greener, cleaner tomorrow.
For a limited time, we are offering our Unlimited Membership for just $10 for the first month. You can also choose from our meticulously crafted wash packages and visit any of our multiple locations to experience top-notch car care experience.