Clean each interior component using a method suited to its particular material, finish, and construction so that surfaces are not damaged during routine care.
Protecting the vehicle interior
- Remove loose dirt, dust, and debris with a vacuum cleaner. For surfaces that remain soiled, wipe them gently with a clean cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
- If ordinary wiping does not remove the dirt, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with neutral detergent diluted to approximately 1%.
Wring the cloth thoroughly before use so that it is not excessively wet. After cleaning, wipe the area carefully to remove all remaining detergent and moisture from the surface.
Shampooing the carpets
A variety of commercially available foaming-type carpet cleaners can be used for interior care. Apply the foam with a sponge or brush, following the cleaner manufacturer's instructions where applicable.
Work the foam into the carpet with overlapping circular motions to loosen embedded dirt. Do not saturate the carpet with water. Wipe away loosened contamination and allow the carpet to dry completely. Keeping the carpet as dry as possible during cleaning generally produces the best results and reduces the amount of moisture left inside the Toyota Tacoma.
Handling the seat belts
Clean the seat belts with mild soap and lukewarm water applied with a cloth or sponge. While cleaning, periodically inspect the belt webbing for excessive wear, fraying, cuts, or other visible damage that could affect its condition.
WARNING
Water in the vehicle
- Do not allow any SRS components or associated wiring inside the vehicle to become wet.
Moisture affecting these electrical components can cause a malfunction that may result in the airbags deploying unexpectedly or failing to operate when required, creating a risk of death or serious injury.
- Vehicles with wireless charger:
Do not allow the wireless charger to become wet.
Water entering the charger may cause it to overheat and create a burn hazard. It may also result in electric shock, which could cause death or serious injury.
Cleaning the interior (especially instrument panel)
Do not use polish wax or polishing cleaner on the instrument panel. A highly polished surface can reflect in the windshield and interfere with the driver's forward view. Reduced visibility may contribute to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
Cleaning detergents
- Avoid the following types of cleaning products. Their use may discolor interior materials, leave streaks, or damage painted and finished surfaces:
- Areas other than the seats and steering wheel: Do not use organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or acidic solutions, dyes, or bleach.
- Seats: Do not clean with alkaline or acidic solutions or products such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol.
- Steering wheel: Avoid organic substances such as thinner and cleaning products that contain alcohol.
- Do not apply polish wax or polishing cleaner to the instrument panel or other painted interior surfaces, as these products may damage the finish.
Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to preserve leather surfaces and reduce premature wear, staining, deterioration, or changes in appearance:
- Remove dust, dirt, and other contamination from leather surfaces promptly rather than allowing deposits to remain for long periods.
- Do not leave the vehicle exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Whenever practical, park in the shade, particularly during hot summer weather when interior temperatures can become very high.
- Do not leave vinyl or plastic objects, or items containing wax, in contact with the upholstery. If the Toyota Tacoma interior becomes very hot, these materials may adhere to or mark the leather surface.
Water on the floor
Do not clean or wash the vehicle floor by pouring or spraying water onto it.
Water reaching electrical components above or beneath the floor can damage vehicle systems, including the audio system and related equipment. Moisture that remains in or beneath the floor area may also contribute to corrosion of the vehicle body.
When cleaning the inside of the windshield
Do not allow glass cleaner to come into contact with the lens located near the windshield. Avoid touching the lens while cleaning the surrounding glass as well.
Cleaning the inside of the back window
- Do not use glass cleaner on the inside of the back window because it may damage the back window defogger heater wires or antenna. Instead, gently clean the glass using a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
Wipe the glass with strokes running parallel to the heater wires or antenna rather than rubbing across them.
- Use particular care around the heater wires and antenna so they are not scratched, broken, or otherwise damaged during cleaning.
Cleaning the areas with satin-finish metal accents
- Remove dust, fingerprints, and other light contamination with a soft cloth or synthetic chamois dampened with water. Wipe gently rather than scrubbing the finished surface.
- Follow with a clean, dry, soft cloth to remove any moisture that remains on the satin-finish metal accent.
Cleaning the areas with satin-finish metal accents
These decorative areas use a surface layer of real metal and therefore require regular, careful cleaning. Dirt that remains on the metal for an extended period can become more difficult to remove later, so contamination should be cleaned before it accumulates or dries onto the finish.
Cleaning the leather areas
- Begin by removing loose dirt and dust from the leather with a vacuum cleaner, taking care not to scratch the surface with the nozzle or attachments.
- Remove remaining dirt with a soft cloth lightly dampened with diluted detergent. Work gently over the affected area rather than rubbing aggressively.
Prepare a diluted cleaning solution consisting of approximately 5% neutral wool detergent in water. Use only the amount necessary to clean the leather without soaking it.
- Wring excess water from the cloth before wiping the leather, then thoroughly remove any traces of detergent left on the surface.
- Finish by wiping the area with a dry, soft cloth to remove residual moisture. Allow the leather to dry naturally in a shaded, well-ventilated location rather than exposing the damp surface to strong direct sunlight.
Caring for leather areas
Toyota recommends cleaning the vehicle interior at least twice each year to help maintain the appearance and quality of the interior materials. Regular care is especially useful for leather surfaces in a Toyota Tacoma because accumulated dust and contamination can become more difficult to remove when left untreated for long periods.
Cleaning the synthetic leather areas
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from synthetic leather before wiping the surface.
- For remaining contamination, wipe the material with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent diluted to approximately 1%. Avoid saturating the upholstery with the cleaning solution.
- Thoroughly wring excess water from the cloth, then wipe the surface again as necessary to remove all remaining detergent and moisture. Leave the synthetic leather clean and free of visible cleaning residue.
