EASY AND EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES TO KEEP YOUR CAR'S ARMREST CLEAN

The armrest in your car gets a lot of use, especially from both the passenger and the driver. Over time, you might notice what looks like damage or peeling on the material of the armrest. But don't worry, it's not actually damaged.

What you're seeing is a buildup of sweat, oil, grease, and dirt from your clothes, skin, and even things like fast food bags that you might rest on the armrest. Luckily, cleaning it up is pretty simple and doesn't take much time at all. You can do it with just a few things you probably already have at home, or you can pick up some products from your local auto parts store if you prefer.

It's also worth mentioning that prevention is key when it comes to keeping your armrest clean. Try to avoid resting dirty or greasy items on it, and consider using a towel or cloth to protect it if you know you'll be eating in the car. With just a little bit of care and maintenance, your armrest can stay looking great for years to come.

How long does it take to clean the armrest?

Generally, cleaning the armrest shouldn't take you more than a minute and a half, which is less than 90 seconds. It's pretty easy to do, but if you're new to cleaning the inside of a car, it might take a little longer. But there are a few things to consider, especially the condition of your armrest. If it's torn or ripped, you'll need to be more careful when cleaning it.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Microfiber towels: You can get a pack of these for about $10 at your local auto parts store. They're really handy for cleaning because they're soft and won't scratch the surface.
2. Toothbrush: Find one that you no longer use for brushing your teeth. It's perfect for getting into small crevices and cleaning out dirt.
3. All-purpose cleaner: We recommend something like Super Clean, which you can find at most auto parts stores. It's great for tackling tough stains and grime.

If you want to make things a bit easier, you can also get a bigger upholstery brush instead of using a toothbrush. It's not necessary, but it can help speed up the cleaning process.

The Spray and Agitate Technique

This method is likely the most effective when it comes to cleaning your armrest. Instead of spraying the cleaner directly onto the armrest, we'll spray it onto the brush and then use the brush to clean the armrest.

Spraying the cleaner onto the brush helps minimize the risk of excess cleaner running off onto the surface of the armrest. If too much cleaner runs off, it can leave streaks on the material, which we want to avoid. If you do notice any excess cleaner on the surface, simply tap it lightly with the brush or wipe it off completely.

This is especially important if you're cleaning in hot weather or if the interior of your car is already warm. Heat causes the cleaner to dry faster, which can lead to streaks forming more quickly if there's excess runoff.

Here's how to do it:

• Spray a small amount of cleaner onto the brush. You don't need a lot, just a couple of sprays should be enough.
• Use the brush to agitate the armrest in circular motions. Apply light to moderate pressure, there's no need to press down too hard.
• Once you've restless the armrest and it looks cleaner, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the cleaner. You should see the dirt coming off onto the towel.

That's the basic cleaning process. It's not too difficult, right? We find that cleaning interiors this way works really well. When you're cleaning, don't try to tackle the entire armrest at once. Break it down into two or three sections so you can take your time and do a thorough job without rushing.

Note: You don't have to get it perfect on the first try. After wiping it down, take a look at your work. Are you happy with the results? If so, great! Move on to the next section. If not, don't worry. Just repeat the process until you're satisfied with how it looks.

The Towel spray and Agitate Technique

If you find yourself without a brush, don't worry. This method can still give you great results. Instead of using a brush to agitate the cleaner, we'll use the towel itself. It might take a bit longer than using a brush, as you'll need to make multiple passes over the same areas to achieve the same level of cleanliness. But with a little patience, you can still get your armrest looking fresh and clean.

Here's how to do it:

1. Spray a small section of the towel with your cleaner.
2. Place your fingers behind the sprayed section of the towel and use it to agitate the armrest. Apply light to moderate pressure as you work.
3. Once you've agitated the armrest, use a clean section of the towel (or grab another towel if needed) to wipe away the cleaner and inspect your results.

Note: Remember not to press too hard with the towel, as you don't want to risk damaging the material of the armrest. Use gentle to moderate pressure to ensure effective cleaning without causing any harm.

The Spray and Brush Agitation Technique

This method is quite similar to the first one, but instead of spraying the cleaner onto the brush, we're going to spray it directly onto the armrest itself. You can still use either a brush or a towel to agitate and clean the armrest.

Here's how to do it:

Before you start, ensure that the spray bottle is set to the "mist" setting. Avoid using the "stream" setting as it can lead to immediate stains or streaks on the material.

1. Lightly spray the armrest and apply a tiny bit of cleanser to the brush. Be careful not to apply too much cleaner, as excess runoff can cause streaks. If you notice runoff, quickly smear it around with the brush or lightly tap it with a towel to absorb some of the excess cleaner.
2. Use the brush to agitate the armrest in circular motions. Apply light to moderate pressure, there's no need to press down too hard.
3. Once you've agitated the armrest and it looks cleaner, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the cleaner. You should see the dirt coming off onto the towel.

Note: If you're not satisfied with the results after the first pass, you can always repeat the process until you're happy with how it looks. Taking your time and being detailed will ensure a clean and polished armrest that enhances the overall appearance of your car's interior.