There comes a time when simply vacuuming your car’s interior isn’t enough, and you need to employ not only an interior or upholstery cleaner but also a car carpet brush to help get rid of that dirt. The carpeting and fabric of the upholstery is there to offer some creature comfort and is designed to be practical and hard-wearing, but that doesn’t make it immune to staining or bad odours.
Every so often, it’s worthwhile spending some time giving your car’s interior some TLC. Not only will it help maintain your vehicle’s value when it comes to resale or trade-in time, but it will vastly improve the travelling environment for you and your passengers.
If you are going to do the job, you may as well do it properly and kit yourself out appropriately with something to provide the mechanical cleaning power needed for a successful valeting session. Car carpet brushes can give you an added boost to work on the grime and stains on not only the carpet but also the upholstery.
The best car carpet brushes at a glance:
Best carpet brush: Vikan Hard Nail Brush – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor’s choice: Chemical Guys Detailing Brush – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best dual bristle brush: Meguiar’s Car Cleaning Brush – Buy now from Amazon UK
These brushes need to be resistant to the slightly harsher cleaning chemicals you’ll come across when cleaning a car’s interior. We’ve found the best examples right here.
The best car carpet brushes
The best carpet brush
Pros
- Affordable
- Robust design
Cons
- No handle
Editor's choice
Pros
- Really good scrubber
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- The handle can be a bit short for some users
The best carpet brush for pet hair
Pros
- Affordable
- Excellent for pet hair
Cons
- Not so good for scrubbing
The best dual-use carpet brush
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Great quality
Cons
- Occasionally sheds bristles
Best budget brush
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Not so good for getting into tighter spaces
FAQs
What type of brush is best for cleaning the car’s interior?
A soft-bristle brush is best for most interior surfaces, such as dashboards, vents, and upholstery, to prevent scratches. A medium-bristle brush can provide more scrubbing power for tougher stains on carpets and floor mats. Brushes with natural or synthetic bristles are common, with microfiber brushes ideal for delicate surfaces.
Can I use the same brush for the car’s interior and exterior?
No, it’s not recommended. Exterior brushes might have grit or debris that could scratch or damage delicate interior surfaces. Always use a dedicated set of brushes specifically for interior cleaning to ensure they remain gentle and free of contaminants.
How do I clean leather seats with a scrubbing brush?
Use a soft-bristle brush specifically designed for leather to avoid scratching. Apply a gentle leather cleaner or conditioner to the seat and lightly scrub in a circular motion. Wipe off any residue with a microfiber cloth, and avoid using excess water or harsh chemicals that could damage the leather
Can I use a scrubbing brush on car carpets and floor mats?
Yes, a medium—to stiff-bristle brush is great for lifting dirt, debris, and stains from carpets and floor mats. For deep cleaning, you can use a brush along with a dedicated carpet cleaner. Be careful with overly aggressive scrubbing, as it could damage or fray delicate carpet fibres.
Can I use a scrubbing brush to clean my dashboard and console?
Yes, a soft-bristle brush is ideal for dashboards and consoles. It helps remove dust, dirt, and crumbs without scratching. You can use a brush along with an interior cleaner for a deeper clean and wipe off with a microfiber cloth for a polished look.
How we choose
All of these car carpet brushes have been hand-selected by our team of experts, who have spent hours investigating and researching car carpet brushes to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
Sign up to the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us.
