Your car’s interior is the place where you spend the most amount of time. So, naturally, you want it to be welcoming. And, of course, clean. But you cannot just grab any random cleaner from the store.
It needs to be suited for cars and also safe to use. So, we rounded up the ten best car vinyl cleaners. These will give your car’s interior the shine your car deserves. So, let’s get started. Those who are short on time can read our top 4 picks.
Best Cleaner for Car Vinyl Interior – Our Top Picks!
Here is a quick summary of our top 4 picks. We picked each one out based on their standout features and things we thought were impressive.
Editor’s Choice: CAR GUYS Detailing Super Cleaner
“Overall fantastic performance and versatility. It works on different surfaces and gets rid of dirt and grime with ease.”
Best for Professional Body Shops: Meguiar’s M3916 Mirror Glaze
“The body shop formula makes this one great for professional body shops. You do not want to ruin your customer’s car interior.”
Best for Quick Cleaning: Malco Clean & Shine Interior Car Cleaner
“Have 15 minutes to spare? Then the Malco Clean & Shine Interior Car Cleaner is a perfect choice. It cleans fast and thoroughly.”
Best for Ease of Use: CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer
“Convenient spray bottle and overall great for interior and exterior use. This one gets the job done with the most ease.”
10 Best Cleaners for Car Vinyl Interior Review
A quick Google search for car vinyl cleaners will yield many results. All these options might seem a bit overwhelming. But you do not have to check out all of them. We have rounded up the ten best ones in the market you can buy right now. So, let’s get started.
1. CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer
Bright Side
- Stellar performance
- Easy to apply
- Works on both the interior and exterior
- Rejuvenates interior
- Good customer service
- Does not buckle under the rain
Not So Good Side
- Can attract a bit of dust
Car guys, a plastic restorer is your go-to if you want one to rule them all. The Plastic Restorer cleaner from the guys over at Car Guys is special. It hits all the checkboxes of a good cleaner. Also, it is easy to use as well. But can also do the job of a professional car interior cleaner.
The first thing you will love about it is its longevity. You will get lasting results with this one. Once applied, the Car Guys Plastic restorer will seal and protect the surface. That means you get a pristine-looking interior shine for months.
It does bring your interior back to life. Plus, you do not need to worry about the weather either. This restorer will handily survive the rain. Now, you might be wondering how rain will get in my interior.
Well, guess what? This cleaner works for both the interior and exterior of your car. You get two for one here. It is easily one of the best car interior cleaner sprays.
Say goodbye to oily messes ruining your car’s vibe. This dries completely and works just as advertised. This is not something we can say for a lot of cleaners on the market. The brand is a trusted name in the industry. So, you get good customer service as well.
Remarkable Product Features:
Awesome Customer Service: If you really want to, you can make a good cleaner. But not all of them provide good customer service. Car Guys is a well-reputed brand name. And you will love their customer service.
Long Lasting Results: This is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of cleaner. Once you clean with this cleaner, you do not have to worry about it for months to come.
Good for Both Interior and Exterior Use: Versatility is the name of the game here. You can use this cleaner both on the interior and exterior.
2. CAR GUYS Detailing Super Cleaner
Bright Side
- Works on different surfaces
- Great for car interior
- Does not damage
- Advanced cleaning formula
Not So Good Side
- Not effective on glass
The first thing it says on the Amazon product page is the hype is real. Call us old-fashioned, but we do not give in to the hype. We want performance overall. And thankfully, our second product from Car Guys does not disappoint.
It uses advanced nanotechnology to clean even the most stubborn mess and grime. The way it does it is quite impressive. Not to get too scientific. But the advanced formula kind of lifts the dirt off the surface. And that leaves you with a nice shine.
Of course, a clean surface too! You can use it on any part of your car’s interior. Be it rubber, vinyl, plastic, leather, and more. However, there is one downside. It does not work all that well on glass and screens. So, that is a bit of a bummer.
You can use it to clean upholstery, though. It makes a few points back with that. If you are looking for a reliable and effective cleaner with not too much fuss, get this one.
Remarkable Product Features:
Safe clean: This cleaner does not use any harsh chemicals. That means you do not need to worry about damaging anything.
Works on different surfaces: Apart from glass and screens, you can use this cleaner on all kinds of surfaces. Which gives it a lot of versatility.
Easy to use: The spray bottle design makes it super easy to use as well.
3. Meguiar’s M3916 Mirror Glaze
Bright Side
- Body shop safe
- Does not leave any residue
- Handles stubborn grime
- Works on different surfaces
- Gives a fresh and bright look
Not So Good Side
- Not effective against mildew
Let’s be honest here; from the looks of it, this one does not look all that good. It comes in a beige bottle. But the moment you start using it, you will be surprised. It performs like a champ. This one will easily remove any kind of dirt and grime and gives your metal surfaces a nice shine.
You will be able to bring your interior’s shine back. Plus, it works perfectly on surfaces that are made from vinyl plastics, rubber, and urethane. In fact, you can use it on boats, luggage, plastic doors, and even furniture.
Now that is what we call versatility. One concern that some may have is how safe it is to use. You might think it uses harsh chemicals since it can clean so many surfaces. You have nothing to worry about on that front.
This cleaner is perfectly safe to use and uses a body shop formula. So, all your surfaces will not only look super clean, but they will not get damaged either.
Have plastic molding residue? Guess what? It easily cleans those away in a jiffy. It will give the interior of your car a protective coat too!
Remarkable Product Features:
Cleans Stubborn Dirt: It is super effective when it comes to cleaning dirt and grime inside your car.
Safe to Use: Do not worry about any damage. Rather Meguiar’s M3916 gives a shine to your car’s interior. One you will be proud to show off.
Does Not Leave Any Residue: One of the most annoying things is dealing with leftover residue. This cleaner gets in deep and wipes all molding residue leaving your car looking brand new. And it is body shop safe too!
4. 303 Interior Cleaner
Bright Side
- Electronics safe
- Streak-free
- Great for all kinds of surfaces
- Works for cars and also home
Not So Good Side
- Cleaning directions need to be followed properly
A car’s interior is full of electronics. Looking for something safe for electronics? Then 303 has you covered. This cleaner is completely electronically safe. You can use it inside your car to clean the dirt and grime and not have to worry about ruining any functionality.
The last thing you want is to clean your car’s interior and see that some of the electronics have kicked the bucket.
How about after you clean your car, you take the cleaner home? Yes, you read that right. This cleaner can handily get the job done inside your house as well. It cleans all kinds of materials, like rubber, leather, metal, and all vinyl.
And it even cleans the screen. So, you will have a clean laptop or TV. Since it is streak-free, you do not need to worry about any distracting lines after cleaning. This will be super helpful when cleaning surfaces like your car windows and screens.
The streak-free clean gives a super squeaky-clean finish. Just make sure you use it properly. Shake it well and use a microfiber cloth to clean it.
Remarkable Product Features:
Steak Free: Cleaning streaks are quite annoying to deal with. This cleaner does not leave any streaks that ruin the aesthetic.
Safe for Electronics: You can use it inside your car, knowing that no electronic component will be harmed.
Easy to Use Spray Bottle: It comes in a convenient little spray bottle. So, it is pretty easy to spray on and get cleaned.
5. Meguiar’s G14716 Ultimate Protectant
Bright Side
- UV protection
- Dries fast
- Works on different surfaces
- Long-lasting shine
Not So Good Side
- Lacks a bit of cleaning strength
Another trooper of a cleaner from the guy’s over at Meguiar. The G14716 comes in a premium-looking package. But how does it perform? Fortunately, it performs great. Exactly what we would expect from the brand.
This one delivers the best shine. So, if you want your car’s interior to look super bright and fresh, pick this one up. You will not be disappointed. We love how the shine does not fade within a couple of days too.
You can apply this cleaner and be sure that it will hold up for weeks. And that itself tells you about the quality of the cleaner.
No one is out there cleaning their car just to keep it inside the garage. You want to drive your freshly cleaned car. And when the sun’s rays blast inside, the UV protection will kick in. The UV clear coat technology will protect the interior from the harsh sun rays.
Clean-up is easy too. And it will dry up pretty quickly. You do not need to deal with any kind of oily or greasy mess after using this cleaner. It will also tackle rain and washes like a champ. It does lack a bit of cleaning strength, though. You might need to use some elbow grease.
Remarkable Product Features:
Works on Different Surfaces: We loved how this cleaner works regardless of the surface. You can clean rubber, plastic, and vinyl with it.
Protects Against the Sun: The Sun’s UV rays can do a number on your car’s interior if you do not take care of it. This one help protect your car interior against harsh UV light.
Dries Fast: You do not have to wait an eternity after using it. It dries off super quickly and does not leave any greasy mess.
6. ArmorAll Fabric and Carpet Cleaner for Cars
Bright Side
- Great for car interior
- Cleans the toughest of stains
- Works on upholstery
- For professional and home use
Not So Good Side
- Need to keep the container safe
If the previous one lacked some cleaning strength, then this one has plenty of it. It can breeze through the toughest stains like no one’s business, which makes it super effective. And we also loved how gentle it is too.
It is safe to use on vinyl and your car’s interior as well. However, we find it to be best for your car’s carpets and fabric surfaces. One thing is for sure. You will have the cleanest upholstery around.
Using it for your car’s interior is perfectly fine as long as you do it right. The deep cleaning strength combined with the powerful oxygen action gives you a great shine. And you can get grime and marks made from cola, mud, ink, and more.
It will take care of grease, dirt, and oil as well. And can we just say we love the packaging of this thing? The bright orange makes it look industrial. And you can use it for professional and personal car cleaning.
Remarkable Product Features:
Removes residue: It takes care of all kinds of residue and leaves a truly clean surface. Do not worry about oils and grime ever again.
Works on tires too: After you are done making your interior awesome, you can give your tires a quick clean.
Removes tough stains: The strong cleaning formula is perfect for cleaning tires as well.
7. Carfidant Ultimate Leather Cleaner
Bright Side
- Works great on leather
- Compatible with different leather types
- Does not leave any scent
- Can be used for professional and home cleaning
- Restores leather
Not So Good Side
- Spray attachments are sold separately
Do you know how some products just look premium? That is exactly what we have here. A quick glance will tell you this cleaner means business. This one is your ultimate leather and vinyl cleaner.
If you own a luxury car with a premium leather interior, then you can use this cleaner with ease. It will take care of all your cleaning needs and give your interior a bright and magnificent shine. Hold up. That is not all.
It even restores leather. Yes, that is right. There are a lot of tricks up its sleeve. It is made from premium chemicals. So, not only does it give you a fantastic clean, but it is also safe to use. You can use it on white leather with peace of mind.
And as a cherry on top, it is fragrant-free! Keep the original scent in your car with this cleaner. It is powerful enough for professional use but gives you the ease of use as well.
Remarkable Product Features:
No scent: An alien scent inside your car can be quite distracting. Thankfully, this cleaner does not have any scent. No dyes either.
Great for leather: You will love the shine you get with this on any kind of leather.
Effective cleaning: The safe yet powerful chemicals it uses gives you superb cleaning performance. Let the cleaner do all the hard work.
8. KevianClean Interior Defense
Bright Side
- Eco friendly
- Works on leather and different surfaces
- Provides UV protection
- Perfect for car interior cleaning
Not So Good Side
- Might leave some minor streaks
A super premium cleaner that gets the job done. It comes with a premium and classy-looking bottle. Do not get fooled, though. The performance is just as classy as well. We loved the Carnauba-enriched UV protection. It will keep your car’s interior safe from harsh sunlight.
You can get grease and dirt out of your dashboard with ease. It gives dashboards a natural-looking shine and removes stubborn dirt and grime. Not only that. This cleaner works great on leather as well. So, your seats can look brand new.
It works on other surfaces too! You can use it to clean vinyl, trim, and also the plastics. Plus, it is eco-friendly as well. So, that gives it some bonus points. And you do not have to worry about ruining your car’s interior.
The safe formula uses natural and bio-based ingredients. It is gentle but super effective. All in all, this one is a trooper. And a great choice.
Remarkable Product Features:
UV protection: While UV rays will hit the exterior of your car more, the interior is not completely safe either. Well, now it is, thanks to this cleaner and UV protection.
Versatile: It works well for plastic, vinyl, dashboard, and leather surfaces.
Gets rid of stubborn grime: Say goodbye to grime and nastiness. The gentle and bio-based formula takes care of the most stubborn grime.
9. Malco 125922 Clean & Shine Interior Car Cleaner
Bright Side
- Satin finish eliminates distractions
- Works on different surfaces
- Quick action
- Comes in a spray bottle
Not So Good Side
- Needs to be stored properly
We can summarize this one with a single sentence. An all-purpose cleaner for vinyl, leather, and plastic. And boy, does it do a good job of that. You will love a couple of things about it. First, just how easy it is to work with.
Secondly, you will love how quickly it works. Have minutes to clean your car’s interior. You are in luck. That is all it needs. We loved the final finish as well. It leaves a great shine and cleans all kinds of dirt and grime.
This cleaner will leave a nice satin finish. Be careful, though. You might lose hours of your day staring at how clean and shiny your car’s interior looks after using it. It does make your dashboard super reflective.
How does that help? It does not reflect sunlight. That is how. So, you will not be distracted when driving. We do not know about you. But that is a super cool feature for us.
Remarkable Product Features:
Works on different surfaces: It works great on surfaces like leather, vinyl, and also plastic. That makes it very versatile.
Quick action: Cleaning takes only 15 minutes which will save you a lot of time.
Satin finish after cleaning: It gives a great satin finish that eliminates distracting reflections.
10. Auto Magic Vinyl/Leather Cleaner
Bright Side
- VOC compliant
- Works great for car vinyl interiors
- Superb cleaning performance
- Works on different surfaces
- Great for ATVs, boats, and more
Not So Good Side
- Does not come in a spray bottle
This one might look like a homemade car interior cleaner. But it gets the job done. And does it very well too. You will not find any fancy packaging here. It is more of all work and no flash kind of deal.
This cleaner works great on all kinds of stubborn grime and stains. You will be able to clean vinyl and leather with ease with this one. Did we mention it works on leather as well? Because it does.
Not only that. This cleaner works fantastic on upholstery too! And Auto Magic is a recognized name. So, you do not need to worry about any kind of damage to your car’s interior as well. The vinyl will stay pristine.
One minor downside is it does not come with any kind of spray bottle. But you can buy a generic spray bottle from any hardware store.
Remarkable Product Features:
Safe formula: The VOC-compliant formula is safe to use and will not damage your interior.
Professional grade cleaning: It gets rid of any grime and messes with ease. Which is perfect for professional-grade use and personal use.
Easy to apply: No special tips and tricks are required for using it. It is specially designed for automotive cleaning. Just apply and get cleaned.
Things to Look for When Buying a Car Vinyl Interior Cleaner
All of the products we mentioned in this review are fantastic and of high quality. You will be fine just picking one and calling it a day. However, if you want to make a more informed decision, knowing what features to look for is important.
That way, you will know exactly which one works for you. And at the end of the day, that is the goal. Get one that works for your needs. Here are the factors to keep in mind when buying professional car interior cleaning products or for personal use.
Ease of use
Try to pick one that is easy to use. You do not want to use a cleaner that takes ages to dry or requires some kind of special application. Car vinyl interior cleaners will make things easier for you.
So, ease of use is very important. You should look for things like convenient spray bottles, quick dry time, and things like that. It will save you time and effort.
Cleaning performance
Ease of use should not come at the cost of actual cleaning performance, though. In some ways, the cleaning performance is the most important thing to look for. Ideally, you want a cleaner that gets rid of dirt, grime, and oil with ease.
Otherwise, you will regret buying the cleaner since it does not do the only job it is made for. Quite the bummer is finding out you have a dud. All the ones in this review are perfect cleaners and work fantastic on stains and grime.
UV protection
UV protection is a bonus. And we all love bonuses. Your car’s interior can get quite badly damaged when sunlight directly shines on it. And if you have black-tinted windows, this might not be that much of an issue.
But for the majority of people, that is not the case. So, we suggest looking for ones that add some extra UV protection. It is just one of those ‘nice to have things in a car interior vinyl cleaner.
Materials and surfaces
Then come to the materials and surfaces the cleaner is compatible with. Look for those that can work on more than just vinyl. So, ones that work on plastic, leather, metal, etc. will give you more bang for your buck., It just makes the cleaner more versatile. One cleaner to rule them all sort of deal.
Scent and streaks
Some might like a slight scent in their cars. Others not so much. Generally, cleaners that leave no scent are better. You do not want to get rid of your car’s natural scent. And it can be quite distracting and unpleasant having your car smell like cleaning fluid too.
Also, go with cleaners that do not leave any streaks. They just look ugly, frankly. And do not make you feel like you got a good clean.
Wrap Up!
Your car’s interior deserves the same amount of love as the exterior. It is where you spend the most amount of time with your car anyways.
Now that you know the best cleaner for the car interior, you can pick the one that is right for you. Just make sure it meets your needs. And ensure that the cleaning performance is there.