Bringing a Thrashed Interior Back to Life

Before you even touch a liquid cleaner, get a stiff nylon brush and go to town on the carpets while vacuuming. This is the only way to get that deep-seated Aussie red dust out. I learned this the hard way when I wet-vac'd a LandCruiser too early and basically turned the floor into a mud pit. Brush first, suck second, then think about chemicals.

If the car smells like stale darts or wet dog, don't just hang a 'New Car' tree from the mirror. Use an Enzyme cleaner like P&S Carpet Bomber or Bowden's Own Fabra Cadabra. These actually eat the organic matter causing the stench. For really bad cases, I reckon hiring an ozone machine for an arvo is the only way to go, but make sure you air it out properly before jumping back in.

Please, for the love of god, stay away from those greasy, high-shine silicone sprays from the supermarket. They look cheap and actually attract more dust. I always use something like Aerospace 303 or Meguiar's Natural Shine. It gives you that factory matte look and, more importantly, has proper UV blockers. Our sun will crack a dashboard faster than you can say 'no dramas' if you don't protect it.

A cheap handheld steamer is your best mate for a used car. It kills bacteria in the vents and melts away sticky gunk in cup holders that's probably been there since the Sydney Olympics. I once spent two hours scrubbing a spilled iced coffee in a Camry until I brought the steamer out, it disappeared in thirty seconds. Just be careful around old headliners so the glue doesn't fail and start sagging.