How to Clean the Interior of a Car for a Photoshoot

When it comes to photoshoots, every detail counts. And that includes the vehicle you choose to feature. But let’s be real, most of us don’t have a fleet of shiny, spotless luxury cars sitting in our garage. So, what’s the solution? Clean that mess up.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time on photoshoots and have learned a thing or two about how to make a car look its best in front of the camera. And I’m here to share that knowledge with you.

Preparing the Car

The first step in preparing a car for a photoshoot is to rid the interior of any personal items and trash. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often this step is overlooked. You don’t want a stray water bottle or fast food wrapper to be the focal point of your shot.

Next, give the car a thorough vacuuming. Pay special attention to the seats, floor mats, and trunk. You want to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Once you’ve vacuumed, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down all surfaces, including the dashboard and console. Learn also how to clean a car exterior here.

Cleaning Specific Areas

Dashboard and Consoles

The dashboard and console are often the most visible areas of the car in a photoshoot, so they require special attention. Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner made just for the dashboard and center console. This will remove any dust or grime without leaving streaks or a greasy residue.

Windows and Mirrors

The windows and mirrors of a car also need to be spotless. Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks or smudges. This will make sure that the windows and mirrors of the car are perfectly visible in the final shot.

Seats

Leather seats are another area that requires special attention. Use a leather cleaner and conditioner to remove any stains and moisturize the leather. This will not only make the seats look cleaner but also bring out their natural beauty.

Carpets and Floor Mats

Carpets and floor mats can be tricky to clean. They often hold on to stains and odors. Use a carpet cleaner to remove any stains and odors. This will leave the carpets and floor mats looking and smelling fresh.

Finishing Touches

Once the car is cleaned and polished, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Dress up the car with accessories such as floor mats, seat covers, and steering wheel covers. These accessories will not only make the car look better, but they will also give the final shot a sense of personality.

Take test shots and adjust the lighting and positioning to get the best possible results. The key to a great photoshoot is attention to detail, and that includes the lighting and positioning of the car.

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Tools and Products to prep up the interior

• Microfiber cloths
• Car upholstery cleaner
• Glass cleaner
  Leather cleaner and conditioner
• Carpet cleaner
• Odor eliminator
• Detailing brushes (e.g. for air vents, cup holders, door handles)
• Car interior protectant
• Interior detailing clay (optional)
• Interior detailing spray (optional)
• Interior detailing towels (optional)
• Car freshener (optional)
• Carpet and upholstery stain remover (optional)
• Pet hair remover brush (optional)
• Lint roller (optional)

Please note that this is a general list, and specific tools and products may vary depending on the type and condition of the car’s interior. When using cleaning products, you should always read the labels and do what the manufacturer says. Also, you should always test a small area first before using a product on the whole car, this is important especially for vintage cars.

Conclusion

A clean and well-presented car interior can make a big difference in the final outcome of a photoshoot. And trust me, it’s not as hard as you might think. By following these tips, you can ensure that your car looks its best in the final shots.

So, the next time you’re preparing a car for a photoshoot, remember to take the time to clean it properly. It’s a small investment that will pay off in the end. 

Further readings:
How to Remove Dog Stains and Smells From Your Car
DIY Car Upholstery Cleaner
How to detail your car yourself
Seek Out These Top Safety Features for Your Next Car
How to dry out your wet car in 2 easy steps