If you've recently purchased a used Hyundai Elantra from the 2017–2022 model years, you're likely enjoying the combination of efficiency, style, and reliability. But no matter how well the previous owner maintained it mechanically, the interior may be showing signs of wear—stained seats, faded carpets, and lingering odors are all common.
The good news? You don’t need a professional detailer or a full reupholstering job to restore your Elantra’s cabin. With the right products and some strategic upgrades, you can completely refresh your interior for a fraction of the cost. This guide will show you how to do a full restoration—step by step—focused specifically on Hyundai Elantra models from 2017 through 2022.
Why Restoring Your Interior Matters
The interior is where you spend all your time behind the wheel. A clean, upgraded cabin doesn’t just look better—it also makes every drive more enjoyable and helps maintain the value of your car.
- Boosts resale and trade-in value by preserving seat fabric and carpet
- Improves air quality by eliminating allergens, pet dander, and old odors
- Makes your daily commute more pleasant and less stressful
- Reduces long-term wear by adding protective upgrades like custom mats and seat covers
Whether you're driving to work, road-tripping on weekends, or ridesharing for extra income, a clean, modern interior will make a world of difference.
Step 1: Deep Clean the Cabin
Before replacing anything, start with a complete deep clean of your Elantra's interior. This creates a clean base for any new accessories and helps identify areas that need the most restoration.
Vacuum the Floors and Seats
Use a powerful handheld or shop vacuum with a crevice tool to remove debris from the floorboards, under the seats, and between the seat cushions. Lift out old mats to vacuum beneath them.
Wipe Down All Hard Surfaces
Use an automotive interior cleaner that’s safe for plastic, vinyl, and rubber. Wipe the dashboard, door panels, gear shift, and center console. Pay attention to buttons and touchscreens—avoid oversaturating these with liquid.
Clean the Glass
Use a streak-free automotive glass cleaner to remove grime and fingerprints from the windows and rearview mirrors.
Deodorize the Cabin
Use an odor eliminator spray or a charcoal air purifier to tackle any lingering smells from smoke, pets, or food. Replace the cabin air filter if it hasn't been changed recently.
Step 2: Upgrade to Custom Floor Mats
Factory mats rarely offer full protection, especially in a used car. Dirt, spills, and foot traffic over time wear down the carpet and leave it looking permanently stained. Upgrading to custom-fit floor mats will instantly elevate your Elantra's appearance while protecting it long term.
- Laser-measured for Hyundai Elantra 2017–2022 models
- Edge-to-edge coverage that protects your floorboards from dirt, salt, and spills
- Waterproof, slip-resistant backing keeps mats firmly in place
- Stylish diamond-stitched design options available
Pair your front and rear mats with a matching trunk mat for cohesive styling and full-vehicle protection.
Step 3: Restore or Replace Worn Seat Fabric
Even well-cared-for Elantras can show signs of seat damage—especially from spills, pet claws, or sun exposure. If the upholstery is torn or faded, a set of custom luxury seat covers can instantly restore the look and feel of your cabin.
These seat covers are designed for Elantra seat dimensions and feature:
- Scratch- and stain-resistant synthetic leather
- Breathable material to stay cool in summer and comfortable in winter
- Full seat-back protection for long-term durability
- Color and stitch options to match your personal style
They're easy to install and remove for cleaning—making them ideal for families, commuters, and rideshare drivers alike.
Step 4: Protect the Trunk Area
If you're using your trunk for groceries, tools, sports equipment, or pet crates, it’s one of the first areas to accumulate dirt and wear. Don’t let spills and scratches degrade the resale value of your Elantra.
Choose from two options based on your needs:
- Base Trunk Mat – Affordable protection for everyday drivers
- Full-Cover Trunk Mat – Edge-to-edge coverage and stylish match to your custom floor mats
These mats are waterproof and designed to trap debris and moisture—making trunk cleanups a breeze after road trips, gardening runs, or rainy-day errands.
Step 5: Refresh Dashboard and Panels
Sun exposure and frequent contact can wear out the dashboard and door panels. Fortunately, this part of your restoration is inexpensive and straightforward:
- Use a UV-protectant interior cleaner to prevent cracking and fading
- Wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches
- Use an interior detail brush to clean around vents, knobs, and seams
If your trim is scratched or scuffed, consider vinyl wraps or dash accents for a clean new finish. Simple changes can make your cabin feel much more modern and premium.
Want more styling ideas? Check out our blog: Affordable Interior Upgrades you can do at home.
Step 6: Clean and Refresh Carpets
Even with floor mats in place, the original carpeting underneath can accumulate years of dirt, spills, and stains. If the carpet in your used Elantra is dingy or smelly, here’s how to refresh it:
Deep Vacuum First
Use a stiff-bristle brush to lift dirt before vacuuming. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas under the seats and at the edges of the footwells.
Apply Carpet Shampoo or Foam
Choose a cleaner made for automotive use. Spray generously, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and blot with clean towels.
Extract and Dry
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, use it to pull moisture out of the carpet. Otherwise, blot with towels and let the car air out with doors open or fans running until fully dry.
Use Fabric Protectant
After cleaning, spray on a fabric protectant to repel future spills and dirt buildup.
For more cleaning strategies, check out our detailed guide: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them.
Step 7: Handle Pet Hair, Spills, and Rideshare Messes
If your used Elantra was previously owned by a pet lover—or if you plan to drive for Uber or Lyft—you’ll need to be extra vigilant with cleaning and protection. Here’s how to maintain a spotless cabin despite extra wear:
- Pet Hair: Use a rubber pet brush or lint roller to remove stubborn fur from carpets and seat crevices.
- Stains: Keep a small upholstery cleaner or foam spray in the trunk for quick action on fresh spills.
- Seat Covers: Our leather seat covers are waterproof and easy to wipe clean between passengers.
- Trunk Protection: Install a full trunk mat to handle pet carriers, groceries, and gear.
For pet owners especially, check out our related blog post: Pet-Proofing Your Interior: Mats, Covers & More.
Interior Restoration Case Study: Commuter Car Makeover
Let’s take a common use case: You’ve purchased a 2018 Elantra that was used as a commuter vehicle. Mechanically it runs great, but the cabin is worn out from years of coffee runs, bag lunches, and everyday wear.
Restoration Game Plan:
- Start with a full vacuum and wipe down of the cabin, windows, and dashboard.
- Install custom floor mats to hide worn carpet and prevent new damage.
- Replace seat covers with luxury synthetic leather versions for comfort and style.
- Deep clean the trunk and protect it with a durable base cargo mat.
- Deodorize the cabin and replace the cabin air filter.
With a weekend’s worth of effort and under $300 in upgrades, this Elantra is transformed into a clean, professional-grade commuter vehicle that feels brand new again.
Daily Habits to Preserve Your New Interior
Now that your interior is restored, it’s time to build habits that keep it looking fresh. These easy routines will save you time and prevent major messes:
- Vacuum weekly: Even 5 minutes with a handheld vac can prevent dirt from building up.
- Wipe high-touch surfaces: Disinfect the steering wheel, gear shifter, and door handles once a week.
- Clean spills immediately: Quick action on stains prevents long-term damage.
- Empty trash daily: Keep a small trash bag or container in the cabin and empty it after each drive.
- Use a sunshade: Reduce dashboard fading and seat heating in summer months.
Want more daily protection tips? Don’t miss our blog: How to Maintain a Clean Interior Year-Round.
FAQ: Interior Restoration for Hyundai Elantra 2017–2022
Can I install custom mats and seat covers myself?
Yes! All Car Mats Customs products are designed for easy installation. No special tools are needed, and most installs take under 30 minutes.
Do your products fit all Elantra trims?
Yes, our custom-fit products are compatible with all trims of the 2017–2022 Hyundai Elantra, including SE, SEL, Limited, Value Edition, and Sport models.
Will the floor mats affect pedal function?
No. Each mat is laser-measured to avoid interfering with the brake, accelerator, or clutch pedals. They include anti-slip backing to stay securely in place.
Are your mats and seat covers waterproof?
Yes, both our floor mats and seat covers are made from waterproof, durable materials designed to repel spills and resist stains.
What’s the best way to maintain my interior after restoration?
Keep a regular cleaning routine (vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, removing trash), and use high-quality protective accessories to reduce long-term wear and tear.
Final Thoughts: Restore, Refresh, and Reclaim Your Elantra’s Interior
Restoring the interior of your used Hyundai Elantra doesn’t require expensive detailing or dealership repairs. With a few strategic upgrades and a solid cleaning routine, you can bring your 2017–2022 Elantra cabin back to life—and even make it better than new.
Whether you’re tackling a heavily used rideshare vehicle, a commuter car, or just freshening up after years of wear, here’s your restoration checklist:
- Start with a deep clean and deodorization of every cabin surface
- Install custom-fit floor mats for edge-to-edge protection
- Upgrade to durable, easy-clean seat covers
- Protect your trunk with a matching full trunk mat or base mat
- Use UV protection and organizational tools to keep it clean longer
With these upgrades in place, your Elantra’s cabin will feel cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable—whether you're commuting, traveling, or driving for a living. Your car’s value will go up, and your daily drive will be that much better.
Explore more ways to enhance your interior with these helpful guides:
- Top Seat Covers for Everyday Drivers
- Weather Protection Tips for Any Vehicle Interior
- How Our Mats Are Built to Last
Give your used Elantra the upgrade it deserves—shop restoration-ready products at Car Mats Customs and enjoy the ride.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor Company. Product compatibility references to “Hyundai Elantra” and associated model years are provided solely for fitment guidance. Car Mats Customs designs and produces custom accessories independently tailored for specific vehicle interiors.