Interior Detailing

Post-Accident Interior Cleanup in Lubbock TX

What actually causes it

Airbag deployment releases a fine powder — largely cornstarch or talc with sodium hydroxide residue from the inflator — across the entire cabin. Tempered glass also shatters into small fragments that work into seams, vents, and carpet.

Why it is worse in West Texas

This is one of the more commonly underestimated cleanups. The powder is mildly caustic, irritating to skin and airways, and it settles into the HVAC system where it recirculates for months.

How it gets removed

1. Ventilate before working, and use protective equipment. The residue is an irritant.
2. Vacuum thoroughly before any wet cleaning — wetting the powder first spreads it.
3. Work top down: headliner, dash, then seats, then carpet.
4. Address the HVAC system and replace the cabin filter, which is saturated.
5. Extract glass fragments from seat seams, seat rails, and the defrost vents specifically.
6. Wet clean all hard surfaces to neutralize residue.
7. Extract carpet and upholstery.
8. Verify no glass remains in areas occupants contact.

The mistake that makes it permanent

Glass fragments in seat seams and rails are a genuine injury risk and they are routinely missed. So is the cabin filter, which holds airbag powder and recirculates it every time the fan runs.

What it costs

Quoted after inspection. Deployment cleanup is substantially more involved than a standard interior detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is airbag residue dangerous?

It is an irritant. The powder contains sodium hydroxide residue from the inflator, which can irritate skin, eyes, and airways. Ventilate the vehicle and use protection during cleanup.

How do you clean up after an airbag deploys?

Vacuum thoroughly before any wet cleaning, work top down through the cabin, replace the cabin air filter, extract glass fragments from seams and vents, then wet clean hard surfaces and extract upholstery.

Why does my car still smell after an accident?

Usually the cabin air filter, which becomes saturated with airbag powder and recirculates it every time the fan runs. It also holds any residual smoke or fluid odor from the incident.

Where does broken glass hide in a car?

Seat seams, seat rails, the defrost vents at the base of the windshield, seat belt retractor slots, and under carpet edges. Those are the areas that need specific attention, not just a general vacuum.