I'm a high-end valet cleaner – the 3 everyday habits that are silently destroying your car's interior

The Irish Sun

08-06-2025

THREE everyday habits could be destroying your motor's interior, according to experts.
Most drivers think they're taking good care of their cars, but one luxury valet cleaner says three everyday habits could be doing serious damage without you realising.
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These three everyday habits could be doing serious damage to your motor's interior
Credit: Getty
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These tips will help prevent big repair bills
Tommy Reece, based in London, has cleaned everything from top-spec Range Rovers to six-figure super cars.
He warns even the most well-off clients are guilty of these common mistakes.
During a chat with motor experts Number 1 Plates, he revealed the top three red flags.And some maybe surprising.
Tommy said: "These are the things I see in almost every car I clean.
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"They might seem harmless, but they absolutely trash the interior - and it's not always something you can just wipe away."
1. Eating fast food in your car
Whether it's a quick burger or cheeky drive-thru coffee, eating on the go is the number one mistake.
"Chips under the seats, ketchup in the stitching, greasy fingerprints everywhere - fast food is the biggest killer of clean interiors," Tommy said.
Number 1 Plates' motor experts agreed.
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They said: "Oil and salt from food can sink into fabrics and plastics.
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"Once that smell sets in, it's incredibly hard to remove.'
Their advice is to eat before, not during, your drive.
2. Never dusting or hoovering
If you think your car looks clean because the outside is gleaming, think again.
Tommy revealed: "Most people never touch the inside.
"You get a build-up of dust, crumbs, dog
hair
, even makeup residue.
"It slowly eats away at your interior.'
Number 1 Plates recommends a quick vacuum once a week and a microfiber wipe down of your dash and controls to prevent long-term wear and tear.
3. Leaving drinks unsecured
Your morning coffee may be your interior's worst enemy.
Tommy said: "I've seen spilled lattes under seats, sticky
energy
drinks in cup holders, and fizzy drinks that have etched into leather.
"One client lost £600 repairing a panel after a protein shake exploded."
According to Number 1 Plates, drivers should use sealed, spill-proof containers or simply wait until parked before drinking anything.
So, if you want to protect your car's resale value and avoid big repair
bills
, start by breaking these everyday habits.
"A little care goes a long way," Tommy said.
"It's always the small things that do the most damage."
The household items you're not cleaning often enough
IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling...
Remote Controls:
Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices.
Light Switches:
Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains.
Door Handles:
Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly.
Underneath and Behind Appliances:
Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner.
Shower Curtains and Liners:
Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew.
Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths:
Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine.
Computer Keyboards and Mice:
Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.