January 9, 2026
Keeping the inside of your car clean makes daily driving a pleasure and, importantly, helps preserve your upholstery, reduces the build up of dirt and allergens and keeps your vehicle looking newer for longer. It can also make a noticeable difference if you are preparing to sell your car.
Interior car detailing is one of the most effective ways to refresh and protect the surfaces you use every day. This guide explains what goes into an interior detail, the factors that influence price and what to expect when booking with a professional team.
Interior car detailing focuses on deep cleaning, restoring and protecting the surfaces inside your vehicle. It is much more thorough than a standard interior vacuum. A detailer uses specialist tools and products to treat seats, carpets, plastics and other interior trims.
The goal is to remove built up grime, dust, stains and odours, while also leaving surfaces looking as close to new as possible.
Professional Interior Detailing helps remove contaminants that regular cleaning can’t reach. At Star Car Wash, an Interior Detail includes :
The cost of interior detailing in Australia varies because every car interior tells a different story. Kids, pets, long commutes, food spills, beach trips and muddy shoes all play a part. Several factors shape the final price.
Larger vehicles usually take more time to detail. More seats, more carpets and more surface area increase the labour required. Small hatchbacks and sedans generally fall at the lower end of the price range, while SUVs, four wheel drives, vans and people movers may cost more.
A lightly used car with minimal dirt is faster to detail than a car carrying heavy staining, embedded sand, pet hair or long standing odours. Vehicles needing extensive stain removal or additional treatments such as deep shampooing or leather rejuvenation tend to require extra time and materials.
Fabric seats, leather upholstery and premium trims each need different products and techniques. Leather cleaning and conditioning can add to the cost because it requires specialist products and careful application. Cars with intricate interiors or high end finishes may also take longer to detail.
Most professional interior detailing services in Australia fall within a broad range that reflects the time and care involved. Pricing commonly starts around the lower hundreds and increases depending on vehicle size and condition.
At Star Car Wash, Interior Detail starts from $199. This base price covers a comprehensive interior refresh suitable for regularly maintained vehicles.
Professional Interior Detailing provides an in-depth clean of your vehicle. Each detailer has their own process, though most follow a similar sequence of steps to deliver a thorough result.
Vacuuming and Debris Removal
The first stage usually involves removing rubbish, loose debris and floor mats. A powerful vacuum is then used to remove dirt and dust from carpets, seat crevices, boot spaces and other high traffic areas of the interior.
Cleaning Interior Trims
Plastic, vinyl and hard surfaces need more than a quick wipe. Professional detailers use specific cleaners and soft brushes to lift dirt from textured trims, gear shifters, control panels, door pockets and centre consoles.
Vents, buttons, cup holders and other hard to reach areas are cleaned with detailing tools that help remove trapped dust without damaging surfaces.
Shampooing or Steam Cleaning
For fabric seats and carpets, steam cleaning or shampoo extraction helps lift deep stains, embedded dirt and old spills. This process uses heat and targeted cleaning solutions to break down contaminants that regular vacuuming leaves behind.
Leather Care
If your vehicle has leather seats, the detailer will apply gentle cleansers to remove oils and dirt that collect over time. Once the leather is clean, a conditioner is applied to help restore softness and prevent premature cracking.
Cleaning Interior Glass
Windows, mirrors and windshields are cleaned using streak free products suitable for automotive glass. Removing smudges and haze helps improve visibility and leaves the cabin looking brighter.
Dressing and Protection
Many professional detailers finish the interior with a protective dressing designed for plastics and vinyl. This helps restore a clean satin finish and provides light protection against UV and future dust build up.
How often you should have your car interior detailed will depend on how quickly it tends to accumulate dirt. As a guide, most people book an interior detail every three to six months to maintain a fresh and tidy cabin.
Families, rideshare drivers, pet owners and people who spend many hours on the road may choose to detail their interiors more often. Regular detailing makes ongoing maintenance easier because dirt and stains do not have time to settle into the materials.
If you are unsure whether your car is due for a detail, look for a few subtle hints.
When these signs appear, an interior detail can make a significant difference in how your car feels to drive.
It is possible to perform parts of an Interior Detail at Home, though it usually takes time, patience and the right equipment. Steam cleaners, quality upholstery products and interior brushes can help improve results.
A professional service offers several advantages. Detailers have industry quality equipment, stronger extraction tools, and expertise in treating different surfaces. They know how to clean delicate materials without causing damage. They also work more efficiently, delivering a more polished and consistent result.
To keep your car interior fresh, hygienic and looking its best for longer, our team is here to help. As Australia’s leading professional hand wash, our trained detailers take pride in delivering high quality interior cleaning that goes far beyond a quick tidy.
Since 2003, we have detailed thousands of vehicles, restoring comfort, cleanliness and that well cared for feel. Our Interior Detailing services reach deep into the areas regular cleaning cannot. Book Online Today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.
