Winter in Alberta doesn’t just threaten your car’s exterior—snow, salt, and moisture can wreak havoc on your upholstery, dash, and flooring. Without proper protection, you risk stains, cracks, mold, and unpleasant odors. Here’s how to defend your car’s interior against Calgary’s harsh winters.
1. Salt Stains & Fabric Protection
Road salt doesn’t just corrode your paint—it bleeds into carpets and fabric seats, causing permanent discoloration. Prevention tips:
- All-Weather Floor Mats: Invest in deep-tray rubber mats (like WeatherTech) to contain slush.
- Fabric Sealant: Apply a nano-coating (e.g., Gyeon FabricCoat) to repel liquids.
- Weekly Vacuuming: Use a wet/dry vac to remove salt crystals before they dissolve.
Salt stains left untreated for one winter season
2. Leather Care in Freezing Temperatures
Leather cracks when exposed to dry winter air and salt residue. Maintain it with:
- pH-Balanced Cleaner: Use leather-specific products (e.g., Colourlock) to avoid drying.
- Conditioner: Apply every 6–8 weeks to prevent cracking (avoid silicone-based products).
- Heated Seat Caution: Don’t crank heat to max—it accelerates leather deterioration.
Winter Interior Protection Package
Our treatment includes fabric sealing, leather conditioning, and anti-mist coating for windows. Book before November 30 and get free stain-resistant carpet coating ($95 value).
Protect My Interior3. Preventing Mold & Moisture Damage
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles trap moisture under seats and in carpets. Combat it with:
- Silica Gel Packs: Place under seats to absorb humidity.
- Microfiber Towels: Keep one handy to wipe wet door panels and consoles.
- Ventilation: Crack windows slightly during car washes to let humid air escape.
4. Dashboard & Plastic Surfaces
Cold makes plastic brittle, while UV rays (even in winter) fade dashboards. Protect with:
- UV Protectant: Use 303 Aerospace Protectant to prevent fading and cracking.
- Avoid Cheap Shine Products: They contain alcohol that dries out vinyl.
- Cover Your Dash: Use a sunshade to minimize temperature swings.
"After my leather seats cracked in just two winters, I tried MaziClean’s conditioning treatment. Three years later, they still look new—even after my kids’ hockey gear!"
5. Emergency Kit for Winter Spills
Be ready for accidents with these essentials:
- Portible carpet extractor (e.g., Bissell SpotClean)
- Enzyme cleaner for organic stains (coffee, hot chocolate)
- Absorbent towels (microfiber or chamois)
- Small battery-powered dehumidifier