How To Properly Clean Your Tesla Model 3 Interior

How To Properly Clean Your Tesla Model 3 Interior

Your Tesla Model 3 interior may be prone to dust and dirt from time to time. We at EV Armor compiled a step by step guide on cleaning your Tesla Model 3 interior.


Before you get started on the actual cleaning, you need to gather up your tools and supplies. Some you may already have around the house, but for others (dedicated car cleaning products) you will have to make a special trip to the store.

Here’s what you need for best results:

  • Shop-vac, with a minimum of 5-hp motor
  • Non-toxic, good all around cleaning product – for carpet and plastic
  • Non-ammonia glass cleaner
  • Regular Lens Cleaner that is alcohol free
  • Soft-bristle brush – for carpet and plastic
  • Quality rags – microfiber towels work best for this


1. Center Console and Side Doors

Before you get around to cleaning the upholstery, you will want to clean the center console, inside of the cup holders, and storage containers on the sides of the doors. You will want to vacuum the area and make sure that the vacuum attachment you are using does not have any burrs or nicks on the end that can scratch plastic surfaces.

Wipe everything down with an all-purpose cleaner. It is best that you do not apply the cleaner directly to the plastic, rather you should use a microfiber cloth.

Work from high to low on door panels. 


Keep your Tesla Model 3 center console in the same brand new, pristine condition it arrived in. Without protection, the center console is known to be a scuff, scratch and fingerprint, dust magnet. 


Our Tesla 3 Console Kit defies unexpected scratches, with self-healing technology that restores any scuffs and scratches to “like new” appearance by simply applying heat. Fingerprints and dust are an even more simple wipe away.

2. Dash

After cleaning the center console and side doors, you will want to clean the dashboard. The Tesla Model 3 dashboard is typically made out of either plastic or a synthetic textile material called Alcantara.

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on the hose. Vacuum the entire dashboard, making sure to remove all dust that may have accumulated. If the surface of the dashboard is plastic, you will want to wet a microfiber cloth with the all purpose cleaner or with a mild soap solution and rub down on the top of the dashboard.

If the surface of the dashboard is Alcantara, you will want to take special attention to the dash since this material is known for collecting dust particles though it is more stain resistant.

3. Touchscreen

If the surface of the touchscreen becomes smudged or dirtied, it is recommended that you use soft microfiber cloths and a Lens Cleaner that is alcohol free so it is not too harsh on the screen material. 

First, make sure that your Tesla display screen is on "clean" mode. If your vehicle is brand new, you should've been provided with a microfiber towel in the glove box. Otherwise, you will need a microfiber glass cleaning cloth.

Spray the cloth, never the screen, with the lens cleaner. You can use an isoprophyl alcohol if you are looking to loosen up smudges. 

4. Floor Mats

You will want to remove the floor mats from under the seats and place them outside the car to be cleaned. The floor mats can be vacuumed and cleaned with a mild soap solution. If you are having a tough time removing the stains, you will want to use a Multi-surface cleaner.

5. Floor

While waiting for your floor mats to dry, you may clean the carpet of the car. You will need a vacuum and a carpet/upholstery shampoo in the case that there are stains. You will also need a microfiber cloth. 


Clean the carpet using a vacuum which can get the job done on removing the dust and dirt that is on the carpet. We also suggest to switch to an all-weather mat if you haven't tried it.

6. Seats

In 2016, Tesla began offering its customers a synthetic leather option for the upholstery. Synthetic seats are waterproof and require minimal effort to clean. You will need a vacuum for this as well as a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution.

Use a duster to shake off any loose dust or dirt that may have accumulated on the seats. Follow-up dusting with a vacuum. Take a damp cloth to the car seat and proceed to gently scrub the solution over the material using circular motions. 

If the stains are persistent, you may need to enlist the help of an auto carpet/upholstery shampoo. 

7. Trunk


The front trunk of the Tesla Model 3 is a large plastic container. As is the case with other sections of the vehicle mentioned earlier, you will want to dust and vacuum the surface prior to applying liquids. 



The back trunk or cargo space of Tesla will have a trunk lip or rubber insert underneath the entry door to the trunk. The inside of this rubber lip can accumulate dust and dirt over time and should not be overlooked when you are cleaning.

You can easily clean the rubber lip using just a toothbrush and a microfiber towel. The microfiber towel will help absorb any grime that becomes dislodged during the process.


That’s it, you’re all done. When properly executed, on a regularly maintained Tesla car, this interior cleaning should take about an hour or so.