How to Clean Cup Holders

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References Tested

The cup holders are often one of the dirtiest spots in your car, as they often get used on a daily basis to hold coffee, soda bottles, or other items. Cleaning your cup holders regularly can help to maintain the interior of your car. To clean cup holders, you can use soap and water or vinegar. Another option is to apply a professional cleaner to get the cup holders nice and clean. Once you have cleaned the cup holders, you should maintain them so they look their best.

Things You Should Know

Wipe the cup holders with a damp sponge or cloth to lift up any surface dirt.
You can use soap or diluted white vinegar if you need to deep-clean the cup holders.
If the cup holders still aren’t clean, soak a rag in soapy water and stuff it into the dirty holder; move it back and then let it soak for 15-20 minutes before removing the rag and rinsing the cup holder out.
You can use a detailing brush or cotton swab to reach awkwardly-shaped notches or grooves inside of the cup holder.
There are removable cup holder protectors you can buy if you want to make cleaning your cup holders a less frequent activity!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Soap and Water or Vinegar

1
Remove any items in the cupholders. Do this before you wipe them down. Try to get rid of any small bits of garbage in the cupholders, as this will make wiping them down much easier.
2
Wipe the cup holders with a sponge or cloth. Dampen a sponge or cloth with water and soap. Use warm water and mild soap. Wipe down the cup holders, removing surface dirt and gunk.^{[1]
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- You can also use a vinegar solution instead to clean and disinfect the cup holders. Mix one part vinegar with one part water. Then, wipe the cup holders down with a sponge or cloth soaked in the solution.
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3
Soak the cup holders. If there is a lot of gunk or sticky residue in the cup holders, fill them halfway with warm soap and water. Then, let them soak for one to two minutes. This will help to loosen any hard to remove bits on the cup holders.^{[2]
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- You can also soak the cup holders in a vinegar solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Soak the holders for one to two minutes.
4
Remove the solution in the holders. Wipe out the water or vinegar solution in the holders once they have soaked. You can also use a cup to scoop out the solution in the cup holders.
5
Use a small detailing brush for hard stains. Get a small detailing brush and lightly scrub off any stains or residue on the holders. Dip the brush in soap and water or vinegar and water if the stains are hard to get off. You can also use a small dry rag, a toothbrush, or a Q-tip to remove stains. Try to get at all the small crevices in the cup holders to remove any remaining dirt.^{[3]
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- Make sure you wipe and scrub at the stains lightly, as rubbing hard on them can end up damaging the surface of the holders.
6
Dry the cup holders. Once you have finished washing the cup holders, wipe them dry with a clean terry cloth. Let the cup holders air dry overnight before you use them again. This will ensure germs do not build up in the damp or wet cup holders.^{[4]
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- If you need to use the cup holders right away, you can blow dry them with a blow dryer or wipe them dry really well with a terry cloth. Try to soak up as much water as you can before you use the cup holders.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Professional Cleaner

1
Try an all-natural cleaner. For a deep clean of the cup holders, try a professional cleaner made with natural ingredients. Look for cleaners made with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, water, and essential oils. An all-purpose all-natural cleaner will work. Put the cleaner on a sponge or cloth and wipe down the holders. Then, let the holders air dry.^{[5]
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- Avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals or ingredients, as you do not want to breathe in these chemicals when you are in your car. Often dirt and grime on your cup holders can be removed with a natural cleaner just fine.
2
Apply a gunk remover. If you have gunk like gum, food residue, or liquid stains on the cup holders, you can use a gunk remover on these areas. A gunk remover like Goo Gone is a good option. You can find gunk remover at your local hardware store or online.^{[6]
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- Apply the gunk remover to any problem areas and lightly scrub the spot until the gunk comes out. Do not use any harsh scrubbers or sharp objects to remove the gunk, as this can damage the holders.
3
Use a steam cleaner. A steam cleaner is a great, easy way to remove dirt and debris on the cup holders. Hold the steam cleaner over the cup holders, blasting warm steam on them to loosen any dirt or debris. Then, use a brush attachment on the steam cleaner or a separate brush to lightly scrub the holders until they are clean.^{[7]
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- You can find steam cleaners at your local hardware store or online. They can be used to clean other areas inside your car besides the cup holders, such as the dashboard and the floors.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping the Cup Holders Clean

1
Buy washable inserts for the holders. To keep your cup holders clean, invest in washable inserts for the holders. You can find inserts made of rubber that fit in the cup holders. When you notice the inserts are dirty, simply take them out and wipe them off to keep them clean.^{[8]
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- Look for washable inserts for cup holders online or at your local hardware store in the car accessories section.
2
Use ceramic cup coasters. For a more stylish option, get cup coasters made of ceramic for the holders. The cup coasters sit at the bottom of the holders and act as a buffer between any spills or gunk that can get on the holders. You can buy ceramic cup coasters with fun patterns or designs on them to add some personality to the interior of your car.
- Look for ceramic cup coasters online.
3
Keep cleaning supplies in your car. Stock your car with a small cleaning kit that has cleaning solution and a clean sponge or cloth. This way, in the event of a spill, you can clean it up right away and prevent a buildup of gunk in the holders. Put the cleaning kit in your glove compartment or in the back pocket of your seat so it’s within reach when you need it.