How to Clean the Interior Roof of a Car?
4 Answers
For cleaning the roof, it is usually recommended to start with a high-power vacuum cleaner and a brush for large-scale cleaning. Then use a neutral detergent to focus on areas with concentrated dirt, and finally perform a comprehensive cleaning again.
I'm particularly fond of studying car maintenance, and cleaning the headliner definitely requires proper techniques. First, you need to use a soft-bristle brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the fabric. When it comes to cleaning agents, be sure to choose a neutral, interior-specific foam cleaner. Spray it onto the brush and gently brush along the fabric grain—never spray directly onto the headliner, as the foam can seep inside and lead to mold growth. For stubborn stains, let the cleaner sit for two to three minutes before gently wiping with a damp-and-dry cloth. After cleaning, always use a dry towel to absorb any moisture and then let it air out for half a day. Pay special attention to the headliner around the sunroof, as it's particularly delicate—clean with extra care to avoid fabric separation. With this monthly routine, your headliner will stay like new for three years.
In the past, when I didn't know better, I used to wipe the headliner directly with a wet cloth, which left water stains and caused pilling. Later, I learned the correct method: first, use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to thoroughly remove dust from the corners, paying special attention to the accumulated dust at the connection points of the sun visors. When preparing interior cleaning foam, always test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration. Use a soft sponge dipped in foam to clean in circular motions, focusing on beverage stains but avoiding excessive rubbing. After cleaning, be sure to wipe away any foam residue with a wrung-out damp towel, then use a dedicated automotive dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Finally, open all car doors to ventilate for half an hour to prevent any lingering odors. Car wash shops achieve better results by using steam to clean the headliner, but if you're doing it at home, the most important thing is to be gentle.
Cleaning the headliner is actually quite simple: First, vacuum to remove dust, then apply interior foam spray onto a sponge for scrubbing—avoid using a hard brush. Let the foam sit for five minutes before wiping off the dirt with a wrung-out microfiber cloth. Allow it to air-dry naturally. The key is not to make it too wet to prevent the fabric from loosening. If the headliner is made of light-colored fabric, a thorough cleaning every six months is sufficient.
