Peugeot 309 Interior Deep Clean

Deep Cleans

21 Sept

When our client collected their Peugeot 309 after winning it in the 6D Diesels raffle, there was something almost poetic in the condition it arrived in. Thirty-three years of life on its surfaces, hidden stories in every seam, and even brass additions from the original owner still intact - a reminder that restoration isn’t just about looks, but respect.

Here’s how we brought the interior back to life, step by step, with the care the car deserved.

Retaining Original Character

First and most important: we left the brass fittings where they were. Door pulls, trim, decorative pieces - they spoke to the 309’s history. Removing or replacing them would have been erasing part of its soul. These were cleaned gently, polished carefully, but never altered. It’s in the details (and the brass) that character lives.

Surface Rust Under the Rear Seat

Beneath the rear seat we found some surface rust - nothing structural, but enough to degrade carpets and steel if left. We treated that area: wire brushing and light abrasive action, followed by rust neutraliser, then a protective coating. Ensuring the steel is clean, sealed, and stable is vital to avoid the rust creeping into wood, fabric, or foam over time.

Deep Dirt, Dust, & Decades

To remove the layer upon layer of embedded grime - dust, crumbs, fibres, and whatever 33 years quietly accumulated - we used air-tools first. Compressed air blew out dirt from vents, seams, between seats, under carpets. It’s amazing what you find when you chase the air currents in a cabin: dirt you didn’t even know was there.

After that, carpets and upholstery were treated, cleaned, shampooed, extracted. The carpet now has its pile back - it lifts nicely, recovers texture, looks like it once did. Foam and fabrics were treated with products suited to their age; nothing harsh that would burn colours or weaken stitching.

Glass, Steam & Clarity

We compounded all interior glass surfaces - windows, windscreen - to strip away micro-scratches, haze, film. Result: clarity rivaling “day one.”

Steam cleaning was employed with caution: fabric surfaces, headliner, carpet edges. Hot steam is powerful, but older materials don’t always like saturation. We used controlled pressure, minimal water, dried thoroughly.

Winter Preparations: Anti-Fog Coating

Winter in northern England means moisture, fogging, and poor visibility. The windscreen anti-fog coating is booked in. Once applied, it will help prevent that sticky mist on the inside of the glass that catches you off guard. It’s a small detail but one that matters - safety, comfort, enjoyment.

Respecting Materials & Age

Throughout, every choice was about balance: restoring versus preserving. Not trying to make it brand new, but to let it feel fresh, clean, confident without pretending it wasn’t born in the ’80s. Fabrics, vinyl, plastic - all treated gently, all cleaned without bleaching colours or removing texture.

The Result & Reaction

The client was extremely happy. The transformation is not flashy, not over-the-top, but genuine. The carpet has spring again, the glass is clear, the cabin smells of clean and care, not chemicals.

That Peugeot 309 is now ready to be lived in, driven, shown off - but with respect. And for us, restoring from inside like this is one of the most satisfying parts of the craft.

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