How to Spruce up the Interior of a Car

Just because your classic car is old doesn't mean it has to be frumpy. Here are some tips for sprucing up the interior of an older car.
Written by Marisol Pereira
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
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To spruce up your car's interior, give it a good clean and consider getting new upholstery, mats, and more.
An old car doesn't have to have a frumpy interior. If you've kept a car around long into its old age or if you're
restoring a classic car
, a little effort into the interior can go a long way. It goes without saying, nobody likes sitting on corroded seats that smell of cigarettes smoked decades ago.
Sprucing up the interior doesn't necessarily mean gutting out the interior. In fact, there are many ways to get your interior looking great without breaking the bank.
Read on to learn some tips on how to make your car interior look better, with a little help from
car insurance
comparison shopping and broker app
Jerry
.
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Give your interior a good clean

The most luxurious car interior in the world won't look nice if it's not properly maintained. That being said, a good cleaning goes a long way. Even if you plan on sprucing up your car's interior in other ways, cleaning is always a mandatory first step. Here's a checklist of cleaning tasks to remember:

Dispose of trash

Food containers, bottles, napkins, receipts, etc. can pile up in your car in no time. The golden rule car owners should follow us to take out any trash you create during a drive as soon as you leave the car.

Vacuum

When's the last time you gave your old car a good vacuum? Dust and particles easily get trapped under mats and upholstered seats. Vacuuming your car is a great way to get your car looking its best.

Clean your console

Consoles have a knack for crumb catching. Clean your console, using a toothbrush to access those hard-to-reach places.

Clean mats and seats

Make sure to remove the dust from your mats first by beating them against a surface. Next, use a carpet cleaning solution on your mats and brush them clean. For your seats, use a mix of baking soda and water to remove deep stains. If there are still leftover stains, rent a steam machine and use it to deep clean the interior of your car.

Update your interior

If you've given your car a thorough cleaning and it's still looking a little dated, worn, or frumpy, you should consider some updates or cheap car mods.

Update the upholstery

If you have the budget, you may want to consider getting new upholstery.
Brand new upholstery is sure to make the interior of your car look and feel better.

Replace your mats

Think of all the dirty boots that have rested on your floor mats. That being said, mats are exposed to a lot of wear and tear so they show their age faster than some of the other elements of your car interior. Replacing them can instantly improve the look of your interior.
You'll need to
measure out the floor mats
for your car and search for options online.

Cover your steering wheel

Your steering wheel is another element of your car that is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Not only is it constantly being handled, decades of UV rays beating down through the windshield can also cause it to corrode. Covering your steering wheel doesn't only improve the appearance of your wheel, it also helps you maintain a better grip.
Leather is a great option for a steering wheel, too. Consider buying a leather cover or
replacing your current one
.

Get new car seat covers

If your seats are looking a little dull, consider getting new car seat covers. These can provide a fun new look while also protecting any further damage to your car seats.
Find car seat covers that fit the color theme and aesthetic of your vehicle. If you're worried about spills and other messes in your car, you can even get waterproof car seat covers.

Add trinkets to your car

There are plenty of other decorative elements you can add to your car. Even if you're not a fan of the classic fuzzy dice in your rearview mirror, you can get something unique for you.
Shop around for various trinkets, and also consider adding air freshener in a scent that fits your car. Hanging car air fresheners can add a pop of color while also making your car smell amazing. You can even
make your own
.
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