How to Deep Clean Door Panels and Interior Trim

Don't even think about doing this in the direct Feb sun. If the panels are hot to the touch, your cleaner will flash dry and leave spots. Chuck the car in the garage or under a carport first.

Clear out the old maccas receipts, loose change, and that half-empty bottle of water that's been there since Christmas. You need a clear run at the whole panel.

Run the vacuum over the map pockets and the speaker grilles. Getting the loose dust out now stops you from just moving mud around later.

Always find a hidden bit at the bottom of the door to test your cleaner. Some older cars have cheap dyes that can bleed. Better safe than sorry, mate.

Don't spray the door directly! If you spray the panel, the liquid can run down into the window switches or behind the trim. Spray your tool instead (trust me on this one).

Start at the top where the window meets the trim. Work in small circular motions. You'll see the suds start to lift the oils from where people rest their arms.

If you've got those white marks from zinc or sunscreen, use an interior scrub pad with a bit more pressure. Sunscreen is a nightmare to get off once the sun bakes it in, so take your time here.

Use a dry-ish soft brush for the window buttons. You don't want liquid seeping into the electronics. I once saw a customer fry a master switch assembly on a Range Rover because they went nuts with a spray bottle. Expensive mistake.

Use a dry detailing brush to flick out the dust. If it's really stuck, a tiny bit of APC on the brush tips does the trick. Don't soak 'em or you'll ruin the speaker paper behind the plastic.

This is where the boot scuffs live. If the APC doesn't work, this is where you can carefully 'give it a crack' with a Magic Eraser. Use very light pressure, those things are basically sandpaper.

Take a clean, damp microfibre and wipe away all the dirty suds. Follow up immediately with a fresh, dry microfibre to buff it dry.

Open the door wide and wipe down the painted metal parts and the rubber seals. This is where that red dust loves to hide.

Apply your protectant to an applicator pad first, then wipe it over the plastic and vinyl. It'll give it a nice even finish and stop the sun from cracking the dash and doors over time.

Give everything one last wipe with a dry cloth to make sure there's no greasy residue left. You want a matte or satin finish, not a slippery mess.

Leave the doors open for 10 minutes in the garage to make sure everything is 100% dry before you go for a drive.