How to clean the ceiling in a car with your own hands

The ceiling is a part of the interior that is often neglected when washing. However, this part of the interior absorbs cigarette smoke and other odors, collects dust, and may contain stains of dirt. The headliner can become dirty in areas where the driver's and passengers' heads touch it with hair. When transporting large objects, they can touch the ceiling and pollute it. The ceiling in the car does not need to be cleaned too often, unless people smoke in the car all the time. After thorough cleaning, you can periodically remove individual dirt, if necessary.
It is better to wash the ceiling first, before washing the rest of the interior, since the cleaning agent may get on the already clean interior or glass, which will require repeated washing.

In this article we will figure out how to properly clean a car ceiling with your own hands.

Recommendations

The ceiling in a car gets dirty more slowly than the seats, but requires proper care. You can clean it without resorting to paid chemical cleaning of the car. The main thing is to follow the recommendations.

Do-it-yourself cleaning of the car ceiling is carried out using special compounds. Incorrect selection of detergents will lead to changes in color and streaks.
Select cleaning compounds based on the sheathing material.
The cleaning product is tested before use. Apply to an inconspicuous place on the skin.
Brushes should not be used on fleecy fabrics. Velor and carpet materials are washed with microfiber. Wash in the direction of the pile.
Genuine and artificial leather, vinyl covering can be cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner, a thick cotton towel or a soft brush.
You cannot use a regular vacuum cleaner. The fastening of the casing is broken. The pressure created by the vacuum pulls the material and separates it from the car body.
It is better to wash removable ceilings from the outside in good lighting.
Cleaning is carried out completely, not locally.
It is necessary to thoroughly wash detergents from the upholstery, otherwise stains will remain.

You will be able to get a good result if you follow these recommendations.

Household chemicals and folk recipes

To avoid going to the dry cleaner, you need to purchase a set of cleaning chemicals. The automotive chemicals market is filled with a huge selection of different products.

The best cleaning compounds:

Tuba Von emsal is a foam stain remover. The powerful formula of the cleaner penetrates deep into the material, removing coffee stains, juice stains, and greasy marks. Do not wet the cloth with water; use only foam stain remover for cleaning. One bottle is enough for one sedan ceiling.
Hi-Gear Super Stuff creates a foam that penetrates deeply into upholstery materials and removes stubborn dirt. Foam stain remover restores the appearance and texture of the material, eliminates unpleasant odors. The cleaner creates a protective film on the casing. It enhances the ceiling's resistance to stains.
Profoam 4000 is a foam cleaner. Use to clean ceilings, seats and other fabric surfaces. Surfactants remove dirt from fabrics well and do not damage the structure of the surface being cleaned. Cleans without streaks.

Use chemical compounds with gloves. The drugs are harmful to the skin of the hands.

You can make your own cleanser. You can remove grease stains, lipstick marks, or juice stains using homemade methods.

A good cleanser is made from table vinegar. It is diluted with water. Vinegar perfectly removes greasy stains without damaging the upholstery. Dampen the microfiber and gently wipe the dirty areas. Take a clean, damp cloth and remove any remaining vinegar.
You can wash the leatherette with dishwashing detergent. Pour the gel into a container with water, beat into foam. Apply the foam to the leatherette, rub, and walk along the ceiling with a damp microfiber.

Artificial suede (Alcantara) is cleaned with a foam sponge. Do not use detergents, foam cleaners for leather, velor or fabric. Separate products are sold for Alcantara. Foam in an aerosol package is applied to the entire surface of the ceiling, left for 3 minutes, and removed from the covering with a soft cloth.

Types and description of car interior dry cleaning

Treating seats with a Tornador gun

As mentioned above, there are two types of interior dry cleaning - “wet” and “dry”. The first type involves the use of additional equipment - a gun and an air compressor connected to it. “Wet” cleaning products involve the creation of cleaning foam, which is applied to the contaminated surface using the mentioned gun. “Wet” washing is more suitable for materials that do not completely absorb water or absorb it minimally (for example, it is not suitable for the ceiling of a car, since there is a risk of it sagging, similarly with fabric upholstery of the interior and/or doors). After the foam has been applied to the surface, it is dried using the same gun or removed with a vacuum cleaner. After “wet” dry cleaning, the surface of the seats or other interior elements remains slightly damp, so it is advisable to leave the interior for some time to air.

“Dry” dry cleaning involves using a product that, when dried, will not evaporate condensation. This has two benefits. The first is that the glass in the cabin does not sweat from the inside. And the second is that there is no need to additionally dry the treated surfaces and ventilate the interior. Usually it is indicated on the product that it is “dry dry cleaning”. Therefore, when choosing a particular cleaner, it is necessary to clarify for which of the listed types it is intended. And besides, it is useful to read the instructions for its use (before use, not after). In some exotic cases, a steam generator is additionally used, but its use is associated with a number of inconveniences.

Thus, the question of interest to many car enthusiasts about what is the best dry cleaning product for car interiors is in itself incorrect. When choosing, you need to compare the conditions of its use, for which surfaces it is suitable, and also compare the ratio of efficiency and price. This is what we will try to do for you.

Product name	Brief description and features	Package volume, ml/mg	Price as of autumn 2021, rubles
Koch Chemie MEHRZWECKREINIGER	Sold as a concentrate, which must be diluted in a ratio of 1:5 to 1:50. Very effective, but also expensive. It dries out the skin of your hands, so you need to either work with gloves or use special protective creams after work.	1000 ml, 11000 ml and 35000 ml	750; 5400; 16500
ATAS Vinet	A very good universal product intended for “wet” dry cleaning using a cleaning gun. The cleaner can not be washed off with water.	750	150
GRASS Universal Cleaner	An excellent product for various surfaces. Suitable for manual and automated (using a gun) dry cleaning. The composition is concentrated, diluted in a ratio of 50...150 ml per liter of water.	500 ml, 1000 ml, 5000 mg, 20000 mg	The price of a liter bottle is about 200 rubles.
Dry interior cleaning RUNWAY Dry Interior Cleaner	Dry cleaning does not require a gun. Apply straight from the can. Is a fragrance and antistatic agent	500	160
Turtle Wax Essential dry cleaning	Also dry cleaning, used on textile surfaces. Suppresses unpleasant odors. However, fabric fading sometimes occurs when exposed to this cleaner.	500	300
Dry cleaning of Xado RED PENGUIN interior	A universal and effective remedy. Can be used for manual and automated dry cleaning. Therefore, it is sold in finished form and as a concentrate.	Ready - 500 ml, concentrate - 1 and 5 liters.	Accordingly - 120, 250 and 950 rubles.
Interior dry cleaning Fill-Inn	Used for fabric, carpets, velor. Has a manual sprayer. Efficiency is average.	400	130
Interior dry cleaning Sapfire Dry Cleaning	Used for processing fabric coverings. Can be used at home. It is unlikely to cope with complex stains, but it removes light stains without problems.	500	190
Dry cleaning Autoprofi	Professional dry cleaning with antibacterial effect. However, it cannot cope with complex contaminants. Avoid contact with skin!	650	230
Dry cleaning Fenom	Designed for carpet and fabric surfaces. Efficiency is average.	335	140

What is not allowed for washing?

Cleaning products should not be based on aggressive chemicals. Auto repair shops use compounds that corrode glue. Car owners are warned of possible consequences.

If the product is in doubt, test it before use. Surely, the car has elements made of the same material as the headliner.

Do not use hard sponges or sharp objects to clean the car ceiling. Dried stains are not scraped off, but soaked with foam, then removed with a damp cloth.

Comparative table of the presented funds

Based on the rating compiled above, we have prepared for you a comparative table of the presented products, with which you can compare this or that liquid model.

Model	Weight (g)	Dimensions (mm)	Country of Origin	Cost (rubles)
DoctorWax	0.5	99x47x220	USA	300-400
Turtle Wax LUXE LEATHER	0.54	100x44x210	Spain	400-950
RunWay RW6124	0.4	98x50x215	China	90-250
LIQUI MOLY 7584	0.42	53x53x227	Germany	200-1300
SONAX 306200	0.45	66x70x200	Germany	300 – 800
Nekker	0.55	70x200x20	Russia	100 – 130

Preparatory work

Before cleaning the car interior, it must be thoroughly prepared for the process.

Turn off the engine and refrain from using the car's audio system. Wet cleaning will short out the wiring.
Carry out dry cleaning of the seats, floors, rear shelf and dashboard, and not just the ceiling.
It is recommended to vacuum the interior. An air compressor will come in handy. Gets to hard-to-reach places.

The preparatory work has been completed. It's time to clean the ceiling.

Zoning and cleaning

For convenience, the ceiling is divided into four zones. This will allow you to clean the upholstery more thoroughly, touching all areas.

Dry cleaning a car ceiling - step by step guide:

Press the ceiling with your finger and watch it return to its original state. If the dent disappears quickly, the foam rubber and fabric are in good condition; if it disappears slowly, it means that the material may come off during dry cleaning.
Having chosen a suitable foam cleaner, treat one of the conditional areas of the ceiling, leaving no gaps.
Wait 3-4 minutes until the product pulls out all the dirt from the casing.
Remove the cleaner with a dry cloth. Do not take fabrics of bright colors, they may fade. To thoroughly clean the ceiling, you should change the microfiber as it gets wet. It is advisable to rinse the rag more often so as not to pull dirt and drive it deeper into the upholstery material.
The cleaner is removed strictly in one direction, for example, from the trunk to the windshield. It is necessary to move the rag all the way in only one direction. You cannot put pressure on the casing; all movements are smooth and soft. The material used for the ceiling is delicate and will fluff easily if cleaned carelessly.

Drying

Dry cleaning of the ceiling part is completed by drying. Carry out in a warm room or outside. There is only one way to dry the car ceiling well: by opening the windows, doors and trunk. If you don't dry it, close everything and put it in the garage, a damp smell will appear.

For drying, use a construction or regular hair dryer. The main thing is not to touch plastic elements and glass. Dry carefully, directing hot air only to the material. In this way, you cannot dry ceilings made of natural and artificial leather. The hair dryer is only suitable for fabric surfaces.

Chemical cleaning of the car ceiling at home is more economical. But it is not always possible to return the casing to its previous appearance on your own. If you contact a car service, the ceiling will be cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner and special compounds.

There are many reasons why dirt may appear on the ceiling of your car. Even if there are no visible stains, it is worth treating it, since it is a closed and rather cramped space in which a person spends a sufficient amount of time. That’s why it’s worth knowing how to clean a car’s ceiling with your own hands.

Causes of ceiling contamination

Before cleaning the car ceiling, it is worth finding out the reasons for its contamination. Most often, stains appear due to contact with fingers, hair and luggage, which can happen for various reasons.

Most often, contamination appears when there are small children in the cabin. Most often they are restless, and therefore most often cannot resist games and mischief. Often, hand marks appear on the ceiling, which can be from anything: both from sweat and from various foods they consumed during the trip.

However, not only children can stain the ceiling of a car. Often they can be tall people who touch the ceiling with their heads. The most common cause of contamination is sweat, but sometimes there can be other causes. For example, when a person got caught in the rain and then got into a car.

Drunk people also cause trouble from time to time. They often take alcoholic drinks, soda and food into the car with them. While driving, all this can somehow end up on the ceiling and other surfaces of the cabin. Large luggage that can stain surrounding surfaces can also become a problem.

Even banal smoking can leave a dirty tint on the ceiling, and the entire upholstery absorbs an unpleasant odor. Open windows can also be a nuisance as dust and midges fly in.

Why does the ceiling become dirty?

Honda Civic Hatchback EE9 Logbook Map sensor

Child factor. Little passengers get bored on long trips. They get tired of just looking out the window, and they start frolicking to their heart's content. My favorite pastime is to stand up almost to my full height and watch the actions of my parents. As a souvenir of themselves, they leave traces of their palms in chocolate, splashes of drinks and even chewing gum.

Adults themselves can dirty the interior no worse than children. Drunk passengers who have had too much to drink can celebrate with the products of their fun. Tall people also leave footprints in rainy weather. The possibility of the ceiling being splashed from oversized luggage cannot be ruled out - some people place it very effectively.

If you transport smokers or smoke yourself, the smoke from cigarettes with menthol or other additives rises along with the warm air and settles on the ceiling. The only way to maintain the microclimate is to regularly wash the ceiling and renew the fabric upholstery of the seats.

Chemical cleaning of car ceiling

What is necessary

Often, drivers simply cannot choose the products that will help them better clean the ceiling in the car with their own hands, and since choosing them is quite difficult, they need to look for tips to help them make a choice. You need to look for those that, in addition to eliminating stains, will not leave streaks so that the car feels clean.

The product must be selected taking into account all the features of the ceiling upholstery, as well as the degree of contamination. Most often, the selection of such substances should be carried out in specialized stores, where a fairly large range of them is presented. In addition, you can use simple products: laundry soap, washing powder and various kinds of stain removers for fabrics.

Before using the product, you need to test it on a small area of the upholstery so as not to damage the upholstery if you choose it incorrectly. Fleecy fabric may begin to leave lint, and therefore you should be careful about these types of ceilings. Use gentler products that will help keep the upholstery intact.

It is most convenient to wash a removable ceiling when it is removed from the interior. In this case, it will be possible to use more products, and drying will also be more convenient. If the ceiling is glued, it will be more difficult to perform the same manipulations.

Ceiling lifehacks

Look in the directory or check with the seller for the material of the headliner. When choosing a detergent, be guided by this information.
Use budget cleaners. They can handle basic stains like chocolate, coffee or juice. Adding washing powder or stain remover will enhance the effect.
On the eve of general cleaning, test detergents on an inconspicuous area of the upholstery. It will show all the flaws without risking your image.
Soft microfiber cloths are suitable for cleaning the ceiling. If you use a rough brush, the upholstery will become tattered. A towel that is too soft can leave lint on other surfaces, which will become immediately noticeable.
Only a vacuum cleaner with this function is suitable for washing. The usual one will separate the upholstery from the ceiling and will require reupholstery.
If the car ceiling is removable, it should be washed outside the car. The washing procedure is the same as below. The only note is that you can return it to its place only after it has completely dried.

Using the Tornador cleaning gun

What not to do

The purchased product does not necessarily have to cleanse. If you choose incorrectly, it can smear the dirt even more and also damage the car’s upholstery, so it’s worth trying it on a small area initially.

Also, you should not use aggressive substances that can corrode both the sheathing material itself and the glue that holds it together. It is strictly not recommended to use products like acetone. Even soap threatens the condition of the skin.

It is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner. This is a good method for removing dust from seat upholstery, but in the case of headliners, this method does not seem to be successful. Considering the fact that the ceiling lining is very thin, it will be easily damaged, which means that it will have to be replaced, which will be more expensive than dry cleaning.

There are special washing vacuum cleaners that will help clean the ceiling of a car without damaging the upholstery. You should not clean without first preparing the skin. In this case, it is possible to increase the area of contamination and leave stains.

Also, you should not use abrasive sponges to clean the car ceiling, as they can leave scratches on it, which will collect more dust than before, making traces of dirt more visible.

Cleaning steps

A certain algorithm should be followed before starting cleansing, since preparation is an important step before cleansing. Initially, you need to turn off the engine and remove unnecessary objects from the interior, as well as eliminate any small debris that is there. It's worth vacuuming the interior.

Then you need to either clean the ceiling yourself or use specialized services. To make cleaning more convenient, you should divide the ceiling into zones. Cleaning by hand will not cause much trouble, and depending on the choice of product, it will take a small amount of time.

Dry cleaning

This type of cleaning allows you to get rid of a large amount of dust and dry dirt, as well as stains of unknown origin. Dry cleaning eliminates the need to wait for the sheathing to dry because the process does not produce any moisture.

To do this, you need to purchase a special foam and apply it in an even layer to one of the zones into which you first need to divide the ceiling. You must not skip a single section. Subsequently, you need to collect the foam with a napkin. It is worth doing this in one motion in a certain direction, using a soft microfiber cloth.

Wet cleaning

Wet cleaning involves the use of a washing vacuum cleaner and other devices, which can lead to the formation of lint on the ceiling that was not there before, causing sagging and yellow spots. Such products should not be used at home. It is recommended to entrust this matter to specialists.

Washing off the solution

Rinsing off the solution should be done using a soft microfiber cloth, which will allow you to gently remove the product. You should not allow the product to get on the windshield and leave it there for a long time. It is worth removing it as soon as possible with a damp cloth.

Care should be taken to remove the product. Cleaning should be done in one direction and in one movement so that dirt is not smeared on the ceiling.

Drying

Drying is most often done using a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer. But it is recommended that it be done naturally. This may take 8-14 hours, so you should try to speed up the process by opening all the windows and, if possible, the doors, as well as the trunk. This will eliminate the chemical smell.

Step by step instructions

You don't have to do all the work at once. Break the ceiling cleaning into stages. The principle is to move from the windshield to the rear. In order to protect interior elements from splashing, it is better to cover them with film or other material that will not allow liquids to get on sensitive fabrics and the instrument panel.

Although cleaning is called wet, it is preceded by a dry stage. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove traces of dust and soot that have appeared on the surface during the reporting period. Remember the rules for combing pile fabric.
Next, a cleaning agent is applied to the upholstery. Distribute it evenly over the entire surface. Remove any excess. Significantly facilitate the packaging process with a spray bottle. Or use a clean cloth made of the same microfiber.
The cleaner will dissolve stains in 3-5 minutes. Now you need to carefully rinse off the solution. Proceed delicately so as not to destroy the fabric structure.
To wash off the solution, use a washing vacuum cleaner. Microfiber and cotton towels are alternatives. The fabric is pre-moistened in clean water and then lightly wrung out before wiping.
After removing the detergent, the ceiling should be dried. Now all that remains is to mark the date of the next procedure on the calendar.

Comparison of dirty and clean ceilings

Cleaning with a steam generator

Steam can remove a large amount of dirt. This is convenient when people who use this vehicle have an allergic reaction to chemicals. This requires preparation for cleaning.

It is necessary to thoroughly wash the outside of the car so that subsequently dirt does not get from there into the interior of the car. Then you should remove large debris inside, for which you can use a vacuum cleaner, which should not touch the ceiling.

All fabric surfaces should be sprayed with steam from a vacuum cleaner; it easily penetrates the material and blows out dirt. The procedure should be carried out until the contaminants disappear.

If you are not allergic to chemicals, you can pre-treat all surfaces with shampoo. At this stage, a large amount of foam will appear, which should be left for a while, then removed using a vacuum cleaner at low power or using a microfiber cloth. Then you should steam again over all surfaces.

To make your car dry faster, you can open all the windows and doors or turn on the heater. Heated covers are often worn at the sink, but this is not possible to do at home, so another way is to use a hairdryer.

Cleaning the interior ceiling with Tornador

Tornador is a compressor-powered pneumatic tool that can effectively clean any interior surface, including the headliner. This tool uses a very small amount of liquid when cleaning and does not saturate the headliner. It does not change the structure of the upholstery, as happens when scrubbing difficult stains with a brush. This tool can be useful for both professional detailers and car enthusiasts. Tornador has many advantages, but its disadvantage is the need for a compressor. You can read more about this tool in the article “tornador, dry cleaning machine.”

Removing difficult stains

To remove stubborn stains, you must use stain removers. It is better to start scrubbing off dirt with weak products, and only then move on to more serious ones. It is worth choosing products that are designed to remove certain types of contaminants.

Do not spray the product directly onto stains. This must be done on a microfiber cloth, and only then try to remove the dirt. You need to rub the stain carefully and gently, while every now and then turning the fabric over to the clean side so as not to rub the stain.

Grease stains can be washed with isopropyl alcohol or diluted white vinegar. It is worth washing not a separate area, but the entire ceiling as a whole, so that the color in a certain place does not differ from the entire surface.

If it is not possible to remove dirt using specialized products that can be purchased for home use, then you should seek the help of specialists. They have the necessary chemicals that they know how to handle. With their help, you can quickly get rid of serious dirt on the car ceiling. This type of cleaning will not damage the casing.

Tips and tricks

When cleaning the ceiling of a car, it is recommended to provide good lighting so that the surface being treated can be seen. To avoid chemical burns to the mucous membranes, you need to open the windows for better ventilation during cleaning using special means.

Do not wet the skin too much or vacuum it at high speeds. Either way, thin fabric can sag and lose its original appearance. Do not rub the ceiling too hard or quickly, as this will damage the structure of the fabric. You need to act smoothly and gently, while not forgetting that you should not try to treat the entire surface area at once - it needs to be divided into sections.

If you are unable to remove stains with a microfiber cloth, you can use a soft-bristled brush. To do this, you can use a toothbrush or brush. Often, after cleaning the interior, the smell of dust and dirt or chemical detergent remains. To eliminate it, you can use essential oils or a freshener. They should be applied to the ceiling trim using a sprayer.

A hairdryer, both construction and household, can be used for drying. The nozzle should be at a distance of 5 centimeters from the ceiling, and you should keep it there until the material dries.

Read about how to coolly clean the ceiling of a car yourself here.

On the first car, the ceilings were simply terrible: a bunch of black streaks and stains (I cleaned everything myself). The Audi was found in much better condition, but not perfect. Dry cleaning is not our method.

If in the first, neglected version it was necessary to clean the ceiling twice, then in this one it was enough. Moreover, the ceiling was cleaned locally, and there were no stains left.

A friend who works at a car dry cleaner recommended Tuba Von emsal. Fleckenspray

(the product is very common, ask in household chemical stores).

We buy a regular sponge for washing dishes.

Method 1

(the entire ceiling is covered in difficult-to-remove stains) Spray the foam product onto the sponge and begin slowly, and the main thing is to rub it evenly on the surface of the ceiling from start to finish. If you clean evenly from section to section, then no streaks will remain after drying.

Method 2

(there are few black streaks or spots and they can be easily wiped off)

Without pressing hard, rub in a SMALL amount of foam with a sponge. If the stain is wiped off by light pressure, then you are lucky and there will be no streaks after drying. If it’s difficult, then you’ll have to clean up more around it.

ATTENTION!

Never wet the sponge with plain water. Apply only Tuba foam to the sponge. Otherwise, you will end up with a marble (round streaks) ceiling!

The product instructions recommend vacuuming after several hours. I tried it with a special attachment, but on another machine I didn’t vacuum it at all. I didn't notice any difference.

By spending up to 2-3 hours on the dirtiest ceiling, you will save a lot of time.

One bottle is enough for one sedan ceiling, and there will be some left over (one is also enough for station wagon owners).

The asking price is $5 + you will get invaluable experience.

How to clean a car ceiling with your own hands using folk remedies

The inner lining of the ceiling of the vehicle becomes dirty during operation due to grains of sand, insects, and dirt entering the interior. It loses its original appearance, darkens, spots and traces of midges appear on it.

Dry cleaning a car ceiling is not cheap.

Many motorists, wanting to save money, take on cleaning the upholstery themselves. But they often encounter problems such as the appearance of stains on the surface after washing and the need to change the shade due to the incorrect selection of detergents. How to avoid mistakes when washing a car ceiling?

Use abrasive, aggressive agents, ammonia for cleaning. They can damage the skin or negatively affect the adhesive.
Soak the upholstery generously with water. This may cause the tissue to peel off.
Use brushes with stiff bristles. Their use may cause abrasions on the surface.
Rub hard to remove dirt that is difficult to remove. Such actions may damage the coating.

microfiber cloths;
upholstery cleaners (laundry soap, powder, specialized cleaning products);
a brush with soft bristles for cleaning particularly dirty areas;
a manual vacuum cleaner for the interior or a regular one with an attachment.

To create ceilings, manufacturers use vinyl, velor, carpeting, as well as natural and artificial leather. It is necessary to choose a detergent based on the type of upholstery. It must be suitable for cleaning a particular material.

When purchasing ceiling cleaning products, you should consider the type of dirt.

So, if stains have formed from contact with dirty hands, dust from the street getting into the interior, or smoking in it, then many specialized products, for example, such as Vanish, can handle them. If oil traces appear on the ceiling, it is recommended to remove them with laundry soap or washing powder.

Washing tools should be selected carefully so as not to damage the ceiling lining. Using a brush with stiff bristles can cause abrasions on the surface, and using rags with lint can cause fiber build-up, which will become noticeable after the sheathing has dried.

Experts recommend testing the purchased detergent before carrying out the surface cleaning procedure.

To do this, you need to apply a small amount of powder, foam, etc. on a section of the skin that is not too noticeable. This will help prevent unpleasant surprises. The drugs should be diluted in accordance with the instructions for use!

The ceiling must be prepared for washing, dust and traces of soot must be removed from it. To do this, use a dry microfiber cloth. If the ceiling is upholstered with a pile covering, then it should be cleaned in the direction of the piles.

The surface can also be vacuumed. You should use a car or regular vacuum cleaner.

When choosing the latter option, you should remember that you cannot turn on the device at full power - this may lead to disruption of the adhesive connection between the surface and the substrate.

After dry cleaning, specialized cleaners are applied to the surface. Professional products are available with sprayers, which greatly simplifies the application process. To clean oil stains, use microfiber cloths and soap solutions made from powder or laundry soap. The surface is wetted evenly.

To effectively remove stains, you need to wait a few minutes after applying cleaners to the surface (this will allow the stain removers to react with the stains). Heavy stains should never be rubbed forcefully to avoid damaging the surface texture. They should be carefully treated with a sponge or soft-bristled brush.

If a foaming agent is chosen to clean the ceiling, the surface is washed in small areas. The foam dries quickly, so experts do not recommend applying it to the entire ceiling at once - they advise cleaning it zone by zone. Foam is applied to? part of the ceiling, and then carefully removed with a microfiber cloth.

Cleaners are washed off using a washing vacuum cleaner or fiber-free wipes.

(waffle towels or microfiber rags). If stain removers are removed using a rag, then you need to prepare a container of water. In the container, the napkin is moistened, slightly wrung out, and then the surface is delicately cleaned with it.

After washing off the cleaners, it is necessary to dry the surface. For this, use a professional or regular hair dryer. It is better to carry out the process in a dry, heated garage or on sunny and warm days - this will help the upholstery dry quickly and efficiently.

After cleaning the surface of the ceiling, pellets often form on it. They are removed using a razor.

The steam generator effectively removes dirt from various surfaces. It can also be used to clean the ceiling of a car. Before starting the process, you must place a microfiber cloth on the steam generator nozzle. High-pressure steam liquefies dirt and the cloth absorbs it. Using a steam cleaner will not only remove stains from the upholstery, but also disinfect it from bacteria and microorganisms.

To clean a particularly contaminated area, stain removers are used (the product is selected depending on the type of contamination).

Do not spray the product directly onto the dirty area!

It is applied to a microfiber cloth. Afterwards, gently rub the stain in a circular motion. To prevent dirt from re-entering the surface, you must turn the cloth over to the clean side.

If not a complete cleaning of the surface was carried out, but only the procedure for removing a separate stain, then, as a rule, the cleaned area stands out on the surface of the ceiling. In this case, you need to wet a microfiber cloth and wash the freshly cleaned area and the rest of the surface. The area cleared of stains will become less noticeable.

A clean car interior is pleasant for both the car owner and his passengers. But what to do if the professional products used to clean the ceiling yourself did not help solve the problem? Then you should seek help from professionals. Having experience, skills and all the necessary equipment, they will effectively wash the surface of contaminants that cannot be cleaned on their own. Contacting specialists will minimize the risk of damage to the roof lining of the car.

Cleaning your car is a mandatory procedure for the vast majority of responsible motorists. And if washing the body, wiping the panel and removing dirt from the disks are tasks that even a novice can handle without any problems, then cleaning the interior can become a real problem even for experienced drivers. Of course, you can entrust this to professionals by contacting a dry cleaner, but such a service can significantly hit the budget - the cost of salon cleaning cannot even be called budgetary. And why overpay, if you can restore the freshness and beauty of car upholstery yourself, and quite quickly and easily.

Perhaps the most problematic part of dry cleaning a car yourself can be washing the ceiling. The fabric with which it is covered is firmly glued to the plastic body, so simply washing it or washing it with any available means will not work - you must strictly follow the recommendations, otherwise after cleaning, stains, pills, bubbles and other defects may appear, which are much more difficult to eliminate than banal ones spots. How to clean properly without damaging the car's ceiling upholstery? Advice from experienced car enthusiasts will help you deal with possible difficulties!

In fact, cleaning the ceiling of a car is not as difficult as it might seem - with all the necessary equipment at hand, you can get rid of dirt in half an hour or an hour. For DIY dry cleaning you will need:

Set of microfiber cloths. Their number is directly proportional to the degree of contamination of the car ceiling.

Detergent for car interior. The range of automotive household chemicals allows you to choose the right product for any type of ceiling. In this case, it is better to opt for aerosols, sprays or foam in a can - any of the proposed options is much easier to evenly apply to the ceiling surface than liquid detergent.
Waterproof oilcloth for seats. If you managed to clean their trim before the ceiling, be sure to put oilcloth on top so that you don’t accidentally drip detergent and leave a stain.
Basin with water. Microfiber cloths will have to be rinsed regularly, and the usual bowl of warm water is the most convenient option for this. Of course, if washing is done at your own summer cottage, where there is running water within walking distance, you can do without this equipment, but in other cases its presence is required.

A suitable stain remover or at least 9% vinegar (if there are stains). It is quite difficult to remove a greasy stain from the ceiling without special products, so you will have to arm yourself with more “vigorous” detergents. However, ordinary vinegar diluted with water is also suitable for these purposes.
A machine for removing pellets or, as a last resort, a razor. If the car ceiling fabric is prone to forming pills, you will have to remove them after washing. For this, a regular machine for cleaning knitted clothes is best suited, but if you don’t have one, you can take a not too sharp razor - it’s better to slightly dull it in advance or take one that has already been used several times for its intended purpose, so as not to damage the integrity of the fabric.
Air freshener or essential oil. The finishing touch is to create a pleasant atmosphere in the car, and aromatic liquids are just perfect for this.

Having collected all the necessary equipment, you can safely start cleaning!

Prepare your car for home dry cleaning. Cover the interior with oilcloth, remove from view all valuables that may become dirty or damaged by moisture.
Clean the ceiling from dust. To do this, moisten a microfiber cloth with water, wring it thoroughly so that it remains only slightly damp, and then wipe the upholstery with it, periodically rinsing to remove any accumulated dirt. If the ceiling fabric is fleecy, perform manipulations in the direction of the pile so as not to fluff the fabric.
Wipe off any existing stains. If there are stains on the ceiling from previous washing, greasy, greasy stains, be sure to wash them before starting a comprehensive cleaning. To do this, you can use special stain removers for the car, strictly following the instructions. If you don’t find any, dilute ordinary table vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:3, moisten the same napkin with this solution and thoroughly wipe all the stains until they turn pale.
Apply detergent to the ceiling. Spray the aerosol or foam from the can in as even a layer as possible so that there are no smudges or streaks left later.

Wait a little for the product to take effect. As a rule, the time interval for activating the active substance is prescribed for each detergent in the instructions for use - it should be followed. If the necessary information is not indicated on the product, leave the ceiling to soak for at least 3-5 minutes - this time period is considered optimal for most modern cleaners.
Remove detergent from upholstery. For this, again, microfiber cloths moistened with water are suitable. True, you will have to rinse them several times more often, otherwise dirty stains will remain on the ceiling.
Dry the car ceiling. To do this, you can wipe it several times with dry wipes or leave the interior through ventilation - the main thing is that the fabric is completely dry.
Remove the pellets. If pellets appear on the fabric during use or washing, they must be carefully cut off using a special machine or razor. When performing this manipulation, be extremely delicate and do not press too hard, otherwise abrasions and even holes may appear on the material.
Refresh your interior with your favorite scent. Spray the interior with an air freshener, your favorite perfume or a drop of essential oil - this will fill the air with a pleasant and completely unobtrusive aroma for a long time.

Before you try to clean the ceiling in your car with your own hands, you should remember a couple of “NOTs” that will allow you to avoid irreparable mistakes:

Do not use a vacuum cleaner under any circumstances! Powerful equipment can damage the upholstery adhesive and tear the fabric, especially if it is not already held very tightly. To remove dust from the ceiling of your car, just use a damp microfiber cloth - this method will be much safer.
There is no need to save on household chemicals. Do not try to replace special upholstery products with homemade solutions of laundry detergent, carpet detergent, liquid soap and other cleaning products that are not intended for this - any of these products require thorough rinsing, which is basically impossible in a car. As a result, the remaining foam will form streaks, and over time will turn yellow and cause irreversible damage to the ceiling upholstery. The only exception is stain removers for complex stains. Here you can be creative, but it is advisable to do without foaming components.

You cannot clean the ceiling gradually. If you wash your upholstery a little at a time, you will end up with dirty stains and smudges on the fabric. If you decide to do dry cleaning yourself, it is better to spend half an hour more and treat the entire ceiling.
Be extremely careful if the fabric bubbles. Before you try to clean the ceiling, check how well the fabric is glued. If there are at least a few “loose” places, it is better to entrust dry cleaning of the interior to professionals, or at least observe the greatest possible delicacy during processing - high humidity and active chemicals can cause the material to completely peel off and become deformed.
Choose only soft microfiber cloths. Other types of fabrics may leave lint on the headliner, causing it to look untidy even after thorough cleaning. Under no circumstances use hard sponges or brushes - they will fray the material, which is also extremely undesirable.
Test the new detergent on less visible areas of the upholstery. If you decide to try out some new household chemical, be sure to first check how the interior fabric reacts to it, and only then try to clean the ceiling with it.
Don't neglect drying. An under-dried ceiling will turn sour very quickly, causing mold and a musty smell throughout the cabin. That is why it is necessary to quickly but completely dry the upholstery before closing the car.

By following these rules, you can quickly tidy up the interior of your car, give the ceiling a pristine fresh look and clean even old dirt.