CAR GUYS Super Cleaner Review: One Bottle for Nearly Every Interior Surface
Our Verdict
A ready-to-use interior cleaner that CAR GUYS rates for carpet, upholstery, leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, finished wood and metal, with a wipe-on method for light soil and a spray-and-agitate method for stains. The maker rules out glass and instrument screens, and it adds no protection. As the main cleaner in an interior kit, it covers more surfaces than most.
All-purpose interior cleaners tend to fall into two camps: gentle sprays that only handle dust, and strong degreasers you have to dilute and worry about. CAR GUYS Super Cleaner sits between them. It is a ready-to-use spray with enough bite for seat and carpet stains, and CAR GUYS lists a long set of surfaces it is safe on: carpet, upholstery, canvas, genuine and faux leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, finished wood trim and metals.
What you get
A spray bottle of ready-to-use cleaner with no mixing and no dilution chart. The brand's pitch is breadth. The same bottle goes from a dusty dash to a stained floor mat to a grubby seatbelt, which makes it a sensible single purchase for someone building a first interior kit. It is a cleaner only, so it leaves no dressing or UV protection behind. Follow it with a protectant such as 303 Automotive Protectant on plastics and vinyl.
How it's used
Shake the bottle and vacuum up loose dirt first. CAR GUYS gives two methods. For lightly soiled or delicate areas like a dashboard or center console, spray the cloth and not the surface, wipe, then flip the towel and buff dry. For seats and carpet stains, spray the surface directly, agitate with a cloth or brush, and use a separate clean towel to lift the dirty suds until the area is clean and dry. On fabric, a scrub brush like the Detail Factory ProGrip does much of the work.
Where it falls short
CAR GUYS says plainly not to use it on glass or on delicate instrument panel screens, and to spray the cloth when working near them. On a modern interior that is a real restriction, since a lot of the dash is now screen. You'll want a separate screen-safe product. Stains also need agitation and a towel to carry the soil away, so it is not a spray-and-walk-away fix, and deep spills in seat foam still call for an extractor.
Who it's for
Owners who want one capable cleaner for fabric, leather and plastics and don't mind keeping a second product for glass and screens. Check price on Amazon
Pros
- Ready to use with no dilution
- Safe on fabric, leather, vinyl and plastic
- Strong enough for seat and carpet stains
- Clear two-method directions from the brand
Cons
- Not for glass or instrument screens
- Leaves no UV protection or dressing
- Stains need brushing and towel work