Your vehicle's interior can be one dirty place. A combination of kids, pets and daily driving all takes its toll over time. You'll quickly find those once pristine carpets and upholstery covered in grime, leaving you wondering how best to clean it all up. The following is a list of best practices for keeping your auto's interior looking like new once again.

Start by vacuuming all loose debris from the vehicle. Make sure that all floor mats are removed so that you can access all areas of the upholstery. Use in conjunction with a crevice tool to ensure that everything is scooped away. Most home based vacuums are powerful enough to do the job. You can also visit your local car wash where more industrial vacuums can be used.

Find a safe, yet effective, car upholstery cleaner. Many brands exist in the marketplace today, but not all are created equal. Some contain harsh chemicals which will remain in your car and eventually off-gas in the form of VOCs. Any VOC will be a hazard to the health of you, your children and the environment. Eco-friendly cleaning options exist which utilize plant-based ingredients such as soy solvents and offer cleaning ability on-part with petroleum-based brands.

Let the product go to work. An effective car upholstery cleaner will require a set time of approximately 30 - 60 seconds for maximum effectiveness. This allows the active ingredients to go to work on the stain.

For tougher embedded stains, use an upholstery brush. They will help break up any stubborn stains that otherwise won't come out. Find a soft bristle brush that won't tear into the fabric and agitate the product. Many professional detailers will use a delicate horsehair brush versus a synthetic brush due to its softness. In addition, a horsehair brush can also be used when cleaning leather, so it will serve a dual purpose down the road.

Make sure you blot the fabric dry. Using a microfibre cloth is your best bet due to their superior absorbency. Otherwise certain products may dry-out the fabric, leaving it stiff. Any new stains should be treated with a carpet and upholstery cleaner immediately. Remember that the longer you wait the more difficult it will be to remove. Keeping your vehicle's interior clean requires constant maintenance, but will pay dividends down the road. If you ever sell your vehicle many buyers will carefully consider the condition of your car's carpet and upholstery when assessing it's value.