People often get so occupied in cleaning their car’s exterior, that they usually forget the interior plays just as big of a role. In fact, if you ever plan to resell your car, the interior will ultimately be a greater influencing factor in determining its overall value. We know how difficult it can be to take out the time to clean the interior only for it to catch dirt again shortly after. Thus, investing in high-quality car interior protectants can make your life much easier.
With that said, there are a variety of car interior protectants in the market. Thus, let’s look at the list of some of the best options out there:
1. Armor All Original Protectant
When it comes to car protectants, Armor All stands at the top of the game. They have established a reputation for creating some of the best car cleaning and protectant kits in the market. And this car protectant lives up to their name as well.
Whether it’s fading, cracking or protection from the sun, this car protectant solves all your problems. However, that’s not it because once you apply it, it will also enhance the depth and color of your interior and provide you with a non-greasy finish.
Armor All protectant will also provide your vehicle with just the protection it needs from dust, dirt, and grime. All in all, if you do not want to experiment and are looking for the safest choice in the market then this protectant will meet all your expectations.
Pros
- Grease-free finish.
- Ultimate protection against dust and dirt.
- Enhances color depth.
- Leaves lasting shine.
Cons
- Effects may not last too long.
2. Inner Space, Interior Detailer, Conditioner, And Protectant
As we all know, lack of care towards your car’s interior can start to make it look dull. If such is the case for you, then do not worry as not all hope is lost. This Lithium interior protectant, detailer and conditioner promises to revive the natural look of your interior and makes the surface look brand new.
In fact, after using this protectant, your car would look as if you have just taken it out of the showroom. Another major contributing factor to why the interior of most cars loses its appeal is due to high exposure to U.V rays. However, with this protectant, all your problems will be resolved as it also offers U.V protection.
And if you’re concerned that this protectant may contain harmful chemicals, then rest assured, Lithium promises to use the highest grade ingredients.
Pros
- Free of harmful chemicals.
- Lifetime quality warranty.
- UV protection.
- Hydrated and clean look.
- Pleasant smell.
Cons
- Multiple coatings might be needed.
3. Carfidant Trim & Plastic Restorer
Carfidant is certainly not a new name when it comes to car cleaning and protectants. This protectant and sealant work both for the interior as well as the exterior of your car. Moreover, it is also quite easy to apply. Simply, put a few drops on the applicator that comes along with it, and start wiping your car to see a tremendous difference.
Unlike other protectants in the market that make big claims but lack results, the same cannot be said for this one. Carfidant offers a 100% money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with the results.
It’s made from the highest quality ingredients. Regardless of the surface, you’re using this restorer on, rest assured that it will not cause any damage.
Pros
- Instant results.
- Long-lasting.
- Satisfaction guarantee.
- Restores shine and colour.
- Quality ingredients.
Cons
- Lasts only a few weeks.
4. Meguiar’s M5716SP Marine/RV Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Protectant
Whether its vinyl, rubber plastic or any other surface, this premium protectant will not only help you make your car spotless, but also, enhance its longevity and protection. Your car will have a natural sheen as if it’s brand new.
Moreover, this protectant also offers UV protection to your car. So if your interior was fading or cracking due to the over-exposure to sunlight, then do not worry anymore. This protectant is formulated especially for RV and marine environments.
Lastly, it has a convenient spray trigger as well so you do not have to do all the manual labour work.
Pros
- Best for RV and marine environments.
- UV protection.
- Leaves natural sheen.
- Works best on composite hard surfaces.
Cons
- Contains a strong chemical smell.
5. Torque Detail Plastic & Trim Restorer Spray
Trying to restore the shine of your car? You’re in luck because this spray will restore and also provide the necessary protection to your interior. If you want to get the best and quick results, then it’s recommended to use multi-coats.
It is ideal for those who have to sell their car on an urgent notice and want to make it look as good as new. It does not leave any harmful residue or bad chemical smell behind either.
This restorer and protect also doesn’t get washed away with the rain like most other. Moreover, it also provides UV protection, so what else could one ask for?
Pros
- UV protection.
- Rain resistant.
- No harmful residue.
- Quick results.
Cons
- Requires multi-coats for best results.
6. Mothers 06112 Back-to-Black Trim & Plastic Restorer
If your car is used for commercial purposes, then it’s highly likely that the constant exposure to sunlight might be deteriorating its interior. However, you can stop the harmful UV rays on their tracks with this protectant and restorer.
Once you apply this restorer, it will protect your car from further damage. Moreover, it is also going to bring back the colour of the interior.
If there’s any dirt or residue, then this restorer will also conveniently take care of those. Thus, if you want your car to look as good as new, then this is one of the safest purchases you could go for.
Pros
- Restores color.
- Protects from further damage.
- Removes dirt and residue.
Cons
- May leave silicon-based particles after drying.
7. Chemical Guys SPI22016 Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant
Cleaning the car interior can be a huge chore! Especially, if the dirt and grime keep coming back. If you want to save your time, then this cleaner and protectant by Chemical Guys offers a long-term solution and will not disappoint you.
It can be used for virtually every vehicle’s interior and promises to get rid of each and every stain and spot in your car. Moreover, if you’re also concerned about fading and discoloration then it protects from the UV rays as well.
You can use this interior protectant on dashboards, windshields and a variety of different surfaces. Overall, it’s a great deal and something you cannot go wrong with.
Pros
- Stops fading and discoloration.
- Removes every stain and spot.
- Used on a variety of surfaces.
Cons
- May leave a haze on the glass.
8. Turtle Wax T484R ICE Premium Interior Cleaner & Protectant
Food stains can be persistent and at times, almost impossible to take care of. However, this is where this Turtle Wax interior cleaner and protectant comes in. It provides a complete solution to all your interior cleaning problems as it also prevents fading and drying.
Moreover, it also leaves a sleek and shiny look making your car look completely new. If you do not have an applicator at your home, then do not worry it comes with a microfiber towel as well.
All in all, Turtle Wax is one of the most reliable brands for car protectants, and this premium car cleaner and protectant lives up to the brand’s name.
Pros
- Offers a sleek and shiny look,
- Prevents plastic cracking.
- Stops fading and drying.
Cons
- Some users claim the smell is terrible.
9. Armor All Car Interior Cleaner Protectant Wipes
If you’re looking for a quick and simple cleaning method that also brings flawless results, then you cannot go wrong with Armor All protectant wipes. These wipes are useful the most when you have to clean your car urgently.
It often happens that people would drop drinks or other sticky foods inside our cars. By the time you finally get it cleaned, it ends up leaving a permanent stain. However, when you have these protectant wipes by your side, there’s nothing to worry about as it will instantly “wipe” away everything to make your interior shine again.
Moreover, you do not have to worry about dealing with a greasy surface either afterwards. It works best on vinyl and rubber, but you may use it on other surfaces as well.
Pros
- Quick and easy to use.
- Do not make the area greasy.
- Provides urgent solution.
- Best for cleaning vinyl and rubber.
Cons
- May not show the best results on other surfaces.
10. 303 UV Protectant Spray – Ultimate UV Protection
If the interior of your car looks dull due to overexposure to UV rays, then this protectant is designed especially for that purpose. While many other protectants claim to fight off UV rays, none does a better job than this one.
As we all know, when something is made for a specific cause, it naturally shows greater results as compared to those, which provide a more versatile solution. Thus, this UV protectant spray is one of the best investments you could make.
This protectant comes with a spray trigger making it extremely easy to use. So, make sure to apply it all over your car to keep your interior safe at all-times.
Pros
- Ultimate UV protection.
- Non-greasy.
- Also works on fiberglass surfaces.
Cons
- Does not work too well with the exterior.
Why you should Frequently Clean your Car’s Interior?
1) Maintaining Overall Appearance
The interior of your car plays a major role in determining its overall appearance. What’s the point of spending thousands of dollars on a brand new car if you would not take care of it? Similar to a house, the more frequently you clean your car, the better it is going to look. And if you do not want to spend too much time cleaning, then using a protectant is the best solution you have.
2) Car Resell Value
Most people sell their old cars before they buy a new one. However, if the interior of your car looks as if it hasn’t been cleaned in 10 years, then you would not be too happy with the quote you’ll get for your vehicle. The condition of the interior can heavily influence the price of your car. Thus, the sooner you start taking care of it, the better the price you will get.
3) Saving Time
The more you prolong car cleaning, the more difficult it becomes to wipe the dirt and stains from your interior. If you are not cleaning your car due to the lack of time, then prolonging it won’t get you anywhere. In fact, it will only take that longer in the future to clean it.
4) Promoting Hygiene
Cleaning your car’s interior is even more important if you have kids at your home. Lack of car cleaning can make your car a breeding ground for harmful bacteria’s. Even if they do not cause any harm to adults, the same cannot be said for kids as they often have a weak immune system.
Conclusion
Keeping the interior of your car clean should always be your top priority. The more you neglect it, the more its overall resell value is going to decrease. We understand that interior cleaning can be a time-consuming process, and even if you go to professionals they may charge a significant amount of money for it.
Thus, rather than paying someone else every time to get your interior cleaned, you could take the job into your own hands. Most of the protectants in this list will at least get you off the hook for a couple of weeks. Once you see their effects starting to wear off, you can simply reapply them.
We hope after reading this guide, you will now be able to make the right decision and find the best car interior protectants.
