How to Detail a Car with a Steam Cleaner

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

More and more professional car detailers are using a vapor steam cleaner to detail vehicles interiors. Steam cleaners produce dry, superheated steam to dislodge dirt, grease and stains from any surface in minutes. It is possible to steam clean seats, center consoles, dashes, cup holders, vents, engines, carpets, door jams and even leather surfaces. Steam cleaning let you detail the car entirely without having to use any chemical. While commercial-grade steam cleaners are sold to car washes, detail shops, car dealerships and car rental companies, home-grade models are available to help you deep clean your car in the most DIY fashion.

Steps

1
Vacuum the mats, carpets and upholstery. Don't forget to vacuum the trunk. Unless your steam cleaner has an integrated vacuum, steam cleaning will remove only small debris and dirt, so it is best to vacuum thoroughly first.^{[1]
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2
Use the steam lance to remove dirt and debris in hard to reach areas where your vacuum won't reach. Try it between the seats, in the cup holders, vents and central console. Wipe off excess moisture with a cloth.

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3
Steam clean the seats using the triangular tool with a microfiber cloth, at minimum or medium pressure setting. For very dirty seats, you can use the triangular brush directly on the surface and scrub with the bristles to dislodge dirt.^{[2]
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4
Apply steam to the windows using the window squeegee tool or by spraying steam and wiping off moisture with a clean microfiber cloth.^{[3]
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5
Clean the side panels, ceilings, headliners with the triangular tool and a microfiber cloth.^{[4]
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6
Use the triangular tool to steam clean carpets and mats. A slow forward motion will give the best results.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove stickers from windows?

Community Answer

If steaming didn't work, apply an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone and scratch it off with a credit card after it's had a chance to set for a bit.
Question

How do I remove strong odor from a car rug?

Gina Saye

Community Answer

Make sure the rug is dry and then sprinkle dried coffee grounds on the rug. Let it sit for 24 hours and then vacuum coffee grounds up.