Over time, dust gathers inside your car through a combination of exposure to the elements and static electricity. Not only does it detract from the clean appearance you want, it also starts to attract allergens and insects, can aggravate allergies and trigger breathing difficulties.

Before you come in for more intensive interior detailing, here’s how you can manage dust in your vehicle.

How Dust Accumulates in Your Vehicle

Dust is a combination of small particles, mainly from hair, clothing fibers and dirt. The presence of static electricity and the negative charge assigned to most materials in your car cause them to build up inside the interior and on the exterior. These fibers may also become airborne.

From leaving your windows and doors open to having pets in the car, many factors can cause dust particles to enter the air inside your car. A clogged cabin air filter ineffectively removes particles from the air, further contributing to dust accumulation.

Aspects that can increase the amount of dust inside your car include:

• Leaving jackets, sweaters and other clothing inside your car can shed particles that settle on the floor, upholstery or enter the air.
• Transporting passengers, including family members or participating in a rideshare service.
• Frequently having pets in your car.
• Regularly eating in the car. Food particles often fall to the floor and further contribute to the dust problem.
• Parking your car outdoors in a sunny area without a cover. Wind may blow dirt and other debris inside, while tracking in moisture can increase the interior humidity.

Reducing the Amount of Dust in Your Car

To cut down on the amount of dust you notice inside your car, take the following actions.

Watch Where You Park

Parking your car in a garage keeps it out of the sun and other elements. If you do not have this option, secure a car cover around your vehicle. Should parking outdoors be your only option, keep your car near the grass or a paved area and keep your windows closed.

Pay Attention to Daily Habits

Limit eating in your car. When you do, have a cleaning cloth on hand to remove as many particles.

Get in the Habit of Dusting

As part of routine maintenance for your vehicle, periodically dust and clean the interior, then schedule a deeper clean roughly once per month.

For regular dusting, spray the interior with dust cleaner and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth, dryer sheets or traditional duster. You may want to follow this up with a water-based anti-static spray or protectant to reduce the number of particles that gather in the interior. Following, remove the cloth or duster to clean it of any particles picked up; dryer sheets can be thrown away.

Get Your Cabin Filter Replaced

Noticing a higher amount of dust in your car than usual? An old, clogged cabin filter might be to blame. Ideally, this filter gets checked every time you go for an oil change or regularly scheduled maintenance. If it has been a while, consider making an appointment to have all filters assessed and replaced.

Give Your Car a Deep Clean

A deep clean removes all particles, including dust, food, rocks, gravel and debris, that have settled inside the interior. If you decide to perform this task on your own:

• First remove all trash inside your car, as well as any clothing and objects kept in the back seat.
• Take out the floor mats to clean. At a minimum, shake them out to dislodge dirt and food particles or vacuum, wash and dry them, before placing them back in your car.
• With the mats out, vacuum the interior, including all difficult-to-access crevices and corners where dirt and particles collect, including on seats and around the center console.
• Clean the dashboard and vents, wiping them down with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust. Follow this up with a disinfecting solution to kill any bacteria that may have started to breed and spread in this area.
• Clean the console, controls and infotainment panel with a cloth. Water will work for touchscreens; ammonia-based solutions and glass cleaners can damage the surface./li>
• Go over the rest of the interior with water and soap, including the door panels, steering wheel and cupholders, then clean the interior of all windows with a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth.
• If you have vinyl or leather seats, wipe them down with an appropriate protectant.

Concerned about the buildup of dust inside your car? Schedule an appointment with DaSilva’s Auto Body for full interior detailing.