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Summer is the perfect time for road trips, beach outings and outdoor adventures.
All the fun can leave behind stubborn stains, unpleasant odors and allergens from spilled drinks, food crumbs and damp clothing. Without a deep clean, these smells and particles remain in your car’s interior—triggering allergies, irritating your lungs and encouraging mold growth.
Over time, the buildup can also cause permanent damage to your cabin and affect resale value.
“After a summer road trip, don’t let sand, food crumbs and spills sit in your car,” said Larry Kosilla of Ammo Auto Care. “The longer they stay, the deeper they work into carpets and vents—inviting odors, allergens and stains that are tough to remove.
“A quick and thorough clean will save you headaches and money down the road.”
Larry Kosilla’s love for cars started as a teen washing cars in his neighborhood. After earning an economics degree, he continued his passion for auto detailing and turned it into a thriving business.
Kosilla shares his tips for deep-cleaning your vehicle after summer travels.
Step 1: Remove Debris and Clutter
Begin by removing everything from the car including trash, floor mats and personal items. A clutter-free workspace speeds up the cleaning process and ensures nothing gets in your way.
Kosilla recommends using a heavy-duty shop vacuum with a crevice tool to pick up debris and reach tight spots like between the console or along upholstery seams.
For Kosilla, “If you can’t physically reach the dirt, you’re just rearranging the mess.”
Step 2: Attack the Stains
Target the stains with a cleaning solution that removes dirt and grime from car seats and carpets without damaging fabric. Apply the cleaner, scrub gently with a soft brush and dab with a microfiber towel.
For leather seats, Kosilla suggests a cleaner that’s gentle on leather seats, but tough enough to remove dirt, sweat and body oils.
For stubborn stains, Kosilla recommends letting the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to break down dirt at a molecular level. He also suggests working in small sections to avoid over wetting which can lead to mold or mildew growth.
“Drying the treated areas thoroughly with a fan or open-air ventilation prevents moisture from remaining in the interior,” Kosilla said.
Step 3: Eliminate Odor Source
Check for the source of the odors between seats, under car mats and in every corner. Use a natural odor remover or an enzyme spray that breaks down odors at their source. This is a better choice than air fresheners or scented sprays that only mask bad smells and not remove them.
Leave the odor fighting cleaner for 10-15 minutes. Follow up with a deep hot air or steam treatment to sanitize and eliminate the bacteria.
For persistent odors, Kosilla suggests placing natural deodorizers like activated charcoal or baking soda in the interior for days.
Step 4: Defend Against Mold and Mildew
Mold thrives in dark and damp places. If you notice any mold growth, Kosilla warns that you should wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from harmful spores.
For hard surfaces, spot test a small area with white vinegar and water to make sure the mixture kills mold effectively without damaging your car’s interior.
Don’t ignore the mold because it increases health risks and also significantly reduces your vehicle’s resale value.
To remove musty AC smells where mold can continue to grow, Kosilla recommends this process.
Turn off your car, switch off the AC but leave the fan running for a few minutes to clear moisture from the vents.
Turn on the car’s interior fan on the lowest setting and open the windows.
Use a disinfectant spray for the air intake box.
Ask your service advisor to change the air filter if smell persists.
Step 5: Protect and Maintain
Once your interior is clean and odor-free, apply a fabric guard to seats and carpets. It helps repel spills and prevent odors from penetrating.
For leather seats, use a quality conditioner that keeps them crack-free and resistant to pesky smells. Clean your windows and windshield inside and out with a streak-free cleaner to maintain clear visibility and keep the interior bright.
Larry Kosilla offers these additional tips for a clean and odor-free vehicle interior.
Before using cleaning liquids, blow out dirt from seams, vents and carpets. This prevents the dirt from getting damp which causes odors.
Opt for soft brushes. Stiff bristles damage fibers and cause stains to reappear once dry.
Use a steam or wet-dry vacuum to lift dirt and odors from carpets and mats.
Apply a light coat of interior conditioner to leather and vinyl surfaces. This protects the material and maintains a clean scent.
Clean door jambs and headliners. They are hiding places for dirt and odors. Regularly clean these areas for a consistently clean and odor-free interior.
Avoid excessive use of water when cleaning the inside of your vehicle. Otherwise, you may be contributing to mold and mildew growth.
Keep vents and the AC clean. Blow out dust and debris from vents to prevent stale smells from circulating.
“Every time you skip cleaning the interior, you’re letting dirt and grime get a head start on an unhealthy cabin. Kosilla said. “Stay ahead and your car will be ready for fall adventures.”
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