Deep Extraction and Removal of Red Dust from Vehicle Interiors

Park the vehicle in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid working in direct sun where interior temperatures exceed 40°C. High heat causes cleaning chemicals to flash (evaporate) too quickly, leading to chemical staining and ineffective cleaning. Open all doors to allow cross-ventilation, especially if using compressed air.

Remove all floor mats, seat covers, and personal items. If possible, unbolt the front seats (ensure battery is disconnected if seats have airbags) to access the 'dust traps' in the centre console crevices. This is where 60% of red dust accumulates over time.

Before applying any liquids, use a soft-bristled brush to 'flick' surfaces. If a cloud of dust appears, you must perform an extensive dry-vacuuming phase. Adding liquid to heavy red dust creates a 'mud' that is significantly harder to remove from fabric pores.

Mix your APC (All Purpose Cleaner) in a foaming pump sprayer. A 1:10 ratio of cleaner to demineralised water is standard. Using demineralised water prevents water spotting in high-calcium areas (common in bore-water regions of the NT and WA).

Starting from the headliner and working down, use compressed air (set to 60-90 PSI) to blow dust out of seams, stitching, and vents. Focus on the 'B' pillars and seatbelt retractors. Use a vacuum nozzle simultaneously to catch the airborne particles before they settle elsewhere.

Vacuum every square centimetre of the carpet and upholstery using a crevice tool. Spend at least 20 minutes on this phase. Use a 'thumping' motion with your hand on the seats to vibrate deep-seated dust to the surface while vacuuming.

Remove the old cabin filter. With the engine running and AC on full blast (recirculation OFF), spray a dedicated HVAC disinfectant foam into the intake vents. This neutralises the 'dusty' smell trapped in the evaporator core. Install the new filter only after the entire interior is clean.

The headliner is delicate. Do not saturate it, or the adhesive will fail. Lightly mist a microfibre towel with cleaner and wipe in one direction. Red dust often settles here due to static electricity; a dry 'magic eraser' used very lightly can also pull dust from fabric headliners.

Apply foaming cleaner to a detailing brush, not the surface. Work the foam into textured plastics and vinyl in circular motions. The foam suspends the red particles, preventing them from being pushed deeper into the grain. Wipe away immediately with a clean, damp microfibre.

Use cotton buds or a small brush to clean window switches, steering wheel buttons, and gear shift gaiters. Red dust is notorious for causing 'crunchy' button tactile feedback. A toothpick can be used to gently scrape dust from tight plastic seams.

Spray a generous amount of cleaner on the carpets. Use the white (soft) drill brush on a low speed setting (approx. 400 RPM) to lift the red dust from the base of the carpet pile. The centrifugal force will bring the dirt to the surface for extraction.

Using a dedicated carpet extractor (like a Bissell SpotClean or professional Mytee), rinse the carpets with plain warm water (max 50°C). Continue extracting until the recovery water runs clear rather than orange/red. This is the only way to ensure the 'red' doesn't return as it dries.

For leather seats, use a dedicated leather brush and a pH-neutral leather cleaner. Red dust acts as an abrasive that wears down the clear coat of the leather. Agitate gently until the lather turns orange, then wipe with a white towel to verify soil removal.

Red dust creates a hazy film on the inside of the glass. Use a dedicated glass cleaner (ammonia-free) and two towels. The first towel removes the film; the second towel buffs to a streak-free finish. Pay close attention to the corners where the dash meets the windscreen.

Once dry, apply a non-greasy interior protectant with UV blockers (e.g., Aerospace 303). This fills the 'pores' of the plastic, making future dust easier to wipe away. Avoid silicone-based 'shiny' dressings as they actually attract and bond to red dust.

Use a high-powered LED inspection light to check for remaining orange stains in crevices. If the 'dusty' smell persists, run an Ozone generator for 30 minutes (ensure the vehicle is unoccupied and aired out thoroughly afterward).