How to Clean and Protect Your Interior Door Panels

Empty out those map pockets. You'll probably find a couple of old servo receipts, maybe a half-eaten pack of Mentos, and a lot of dust. Give it a quick vacuum while you're at it.

Don't do this in the direct midday sun. The chemicals will dry too fast on the plastic and leave streaks. Find some shade or wait until the arvo.

I learned this the hard way on a high-end Euro car once. Test your APC on a hidden spot down low to make sure it doesn't stain or lift the dye from the material.

Before you spray anything wet, use your soft brush and vacuum to get the loose dust out. If you spray liquid onto red dust, you just make mud, and that's a nightmare to get out of the grain.

Start at the top of the door near the window and work your way down. This way, any drips won't ruin sections you've already cleaned.

Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the door. It can get behind switches or soak into speaker foams. Spray your brush or microfibre first, then agitate.

Use your brush in circular motions. Most modern door cards have a faux-leather texture. You need to work the cleaner into those valleys to lift the skin oils and dirt.

Be gentle around window switches. Use a slightly damp (not dripping) brush. If you get too much liquid in there, you might find your windows having a mind of their own the next day.

The bottom of the door gets hammered by boots. This is where you can use a bit more elbow grease. If there are scuffs, a damp magic eraser works wonders, but keep it away from any 'soft touch' plastics or leather.

Use a clean, dry microfibre to wipe away the suspended dirt. Don't let the cleaner air dry, or you'll just be moving the dirt around.

Don't forget the edge of the door and the rubber seals. Give them a wipe with a damp cloth to remove any salt buildup or old grease.

Close the door and look at it from a different angle with a torch. You'll usually spot a smudge you missed near the handle.