What Do Car Dealers Use to Clean the Interior?

When you walk into a dealership and sit inside a used car, chances are it looks spotless, smells fresh, and feels like new. But how do car dealerships achieve that level of cleanliness? Unlike the typical DIY car cleaning, professional detailers at dealerships use specialized tools, products, and techniques to ensure every car looks and feels as good as new.

If you’ve ever wondered what car dealers use to clean the interior, here’s a breakdown of their best-kept secrets.

1. Professional-Grade Vacuum Systems

A basic vacuum won't cut it for dealership detailing. Car dealers use high-powered, commercial-grade vacuum systems with various attachments to reach deep into crevices, under seats, and into tight spaces where dirt accumulates. These vacuums have stronger suction than home-use models, making them more effective at removing embedded dirt and dust.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want dealership-level cleaning at home, use a wet/dry shop vac with a crevice tool.

2. Steam Cleaners for Deep Cleaning

One of the most powerful tools in a dealership’s cleaning arsenal is a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is used on carpets, upholstery, and even dashboards to loosen grime, kill bacteria, and remove odors—all without harsh chemicals.

Why dealerships love steam cleaning:
✅ Eliminates stains and odors naturally
✅ Kills bacteria, mold, and allergens
✅ Safe for most surfaces

3. pH-Balanced Interior Cleaners

Car dealerships don’t use the same all-purpose cleaners you find at the grocery store. Instead, they use pH-balanced cleaners that are formulated specifically for auto interiors. These cleaners effectively remove dirt and grime while protecting delicate surfaces like leather, vinyl, and plastic.

Common types of dealership-grade cleaners:

• All-Purpose Interior Cleaner – Used for dashboards, door panels, and center consoles

• Leather Conditioner & Cleaner – Protects and nourishes leather seats

• Fabric & Upholstery Cleaner – Lifts stains from cloth seats and carpets

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid household cleaners like bleach or ammonia-based products, as they can damage your car’s interior.

4. Specialized Brushes & Tools for Hard-to-Reach Areas

Detailing at a dealership isn’t just about spraying and wiping. They use a variety of specialized brushes and tools to get into every nook and cranny.

Tools used by car dealers for deep cleaning:

🔹 Detailing Brushes – Used to remove dust and grime from vents, buttons, and seams
🔹 Soft-Bristle Brushes – Ideal for scrubbing leather and fabric without damage
🔹 Compressed Air Guns – Blows dust and debris out of tight spaces like cup holders

💡 Pro Tip: A paintbrush or makeup brush can work as an alternative for dusting your dashboard and vents at home.

5. Odor Eliminators & Air Fresheners

Ever notice how dealership cars have that signature "new car" smell? Car dealers use professional-grade odor eliminators instead of just masking smells with air fresheners.

🚗 What dealers use for odor removal:

• Ozone Generators – Remove deep-set odors like smoke and mildew

• Enzyme-Based Odor Eliminators – Break down organic odors from spills and pet accidents

• Fabric Refreshers – Lightly misted onto seats and carpets for a clean scent

💡 Pro Tip: If your car has persistent odors, a DIY baking soda treatment (sprinkle, let sit, then vacuum) can help absorb smells.

6. Glass & Screen Cleaners for a Streak-Free Finish

A smudged windshield or touchscreen can ruin an otherwise spotless car. Car dealers use ammonia-free glass cleaners to avoid damage to tinted windows and infotainment screens.

✅ Best dealership-grade cleaners for glass & screens:

• Foaming Glass Cleaner – Streak-free and safe for tinted windows

• Microfiber Towels – Prevent lint and streaks

• Screen-Safe Electronics Cleaner – Prevents smudges on touchscreens

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using paper towels on screens or glass—they can leave streaks and lint behind.

7. Leather Conditioners & Protectants

For vehicles with leather interiors, dealerships use high-quality leather conditioners to keep seats soft and prevent cracking. Some even use UV protectants to prevent sun damage on dashboards and seats.

Dealership's secret for perfect leather seats?
✔ Clean with a pH-balanced leather cleaner
✔ Apply leather conditioner to keep it supple
✔ Use UV protection to prevent fading

💡 Pro Tip: If your leather seats look dry, apply a small amount of coconut oil as a temporary fix.

8. Carpet Extractors for Deep Stain Removal

A vacuum alone isn’t enough for heavily stained carpets. Dealerships use hot water carpet extractors, which work like a commercial-grade carpet cleaner for cars. These machines inject a cleaning solution deep into the carpet fibers, then extract the dirt and liquid.

💡 Pro Tip: For stubborn carpet stains, mix white vinegar, water, and a drop of dish soap, then scrub with a brush before blotting dry.

Final Thoughts

Car dealerships invest in professional tools, high-quality cleaners, and expert techniques to keep vehicles looking brand new. If you want dealership-level results at home, consider using steam cleaners, pH-balanced cleaners, and professional detailing brushes.