What Is Interior Valeting and Why Do You Need It?

A UK driver will spend an average of 4 years behind the wheel of a car in their lifetime. As such, some car owners are fastidious when it comes to their car’s appearance and make sure to valet their car weekly or every fortnight. But few rarely remember to clean the interior at the same time.

Caring for a car’s interior is just as important as the exterior. Surface cleaning alone may not be enough. This is why it’s advised to get a vehicle detailed two to three times a year to keep it looking its best.

Let’s have a look at why it’s just as important to clean the inside of a car as the outside.

Interior Car Valeting: Definition

As its name implies, it is the process of cleaning the inner parts of a vehicle, such as the leather, plastics, vinyl, natural fibres, and carbon fibre plastics. Different methods are used to clean the inside of the car’s cabinet—vacuuming, steam-cleaning, etc. A full interior valet also includes services like vacuuming, shampooing, and conditioning the leather.

Interior car detailing may use gas duster to clean hard-to-reach areas. Door jambs and every section of the centre console and around the buttons and controls are cleaned. A potent cleaning solution is sprayed around the car to have it look like new again.

The car detailing prices can vary based on several factors. These include the condition of the car, the time spent cleaning the vehicle, the car’s size, and even the detailer’s level of experience.

Car Detailing Services

Car valeting regularly protects the interior of the car and keeps it looking newer for longer. As mentioned above, cleaning inside surfaces isn’t always enough. A car interior detailing is imperative to really restore the car’s brand-new appearance.

Skilled detailers have the equipment and experience to make a car’s interior look as though it has just arrived from the manufacturer. In this section, we’ll go over the standard process involved in interior car detailing.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming is the first step of interior detailing. The seats, headliners, rear cargo space, shelf, and trunk are vacuumed first. An air compressor is used for the areas that can’t be reached using a vacuum.

Brushing and steam cleaning

This step involves cleaning mats and carpets. To remove any stains and blemishes on the mat, detailed scrubbing is performed. A steam cleaner is used to effectively remove all the stains and blemishes accumulated over time. The carpets are then left to dry completely to prevent moisture and mould growth.

Glass cleaning

Interior car valeting also involves the use of glass cleaner to clean the glass. This is to ensure that the driver’s view remains clean. The glass cleaner also helps the glass stay sparkling.

Leather cleaning

This step involves cleaning all the car’s leather parts with a leather soap, leather cleaner, and saddle soap. To remove the excess soap from the soapy areas, a damp cloth is used.

Sometimes, cleaning becomes a challenge as the leather is too dry. As such, a conditioner customised for leather is applied to make cleaning more efficient.

Re-vacuuming

This step is as important as vacuuming. It involves the removal of any dirt left on the interior by running the vacuum or compressor again.

Wiping

A clean cloth soaked in water mixed with cleaning detergent is used to wipe the dashboards and windows.

Perfuming

This is usually the end of the process. It is done in order to leave the vehicle’s interior with a good scent.

Benefits

Seats, consoles, and other features can wear down almost as quickly as other vital parts of the vehicle if they are not cared for. This would decrease the overall value of the car.

So, let’s explore the benefits of keeping your car’s interior clean.

Prevent wear and tear

Inner surfaces could develop excess wear and tear when you neglect to clean the inside of your vehicle. Dust, dirt, and spilled particles can accumulate on your car’s surfaces, causing the upholstery and other interior parts to wear away. You need to clean your car regularly to keep the inner space in good shape for as long as possible.

Increase road safety

Your ability to see your surroundings while driving will be affected if the windows, windshield, and side mirrors are covered with debris. Cleaning the exterior of these surfaces is crucial for road visibility and your overall road safety.

Protect upholstery

Does your car have window tinting? If not, sun damage can be a problem. In the summer, the ultraviolet rays are even more intense and can easily damage the interior fabrics over time. Car cleaning is also paramount in the winter as salt and water erosion can make a mess.

Eliminate odour

Professional valets also tackle unpleasant smells. They extract dirt and grime and apply an odour eliminator to get rid of odour. While air freshener can mask odours, the odour eliminator that valets use can totally get rid of the bad smell to make your daily drives comfortable.

Your Trusted Mobile Detailer

Let Andy’s Car Valeting bring the life back into your vehicle. We provide mobile car valeting services so you don’t have to come to us. Our team will come directly to you, whether you need to detail the interior or exterior of your car. Call us for professional interior car valeting today!