Cleaning

Cleaning the Exterior

To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove corrosive substances (grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model 3 is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.

Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see Cleaning a Camera).

Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model 3:

  1. Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
  2. Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft cloth and cold or lukewarm water and a mild, high-quality car shampoo.
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    CAUTION
    Some cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause damage or discoloration, especially for plastic trim pieces, exterior lights, or camera lenses. For example, some car cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can damage exterior components. Do not use acidic products either. Damage or discoloration resulting from cleaning products is not covered by the warranty.
  3. After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
  4. Dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.

Use isopropyl alcohol wipes (such as those used to clean glasses or screens) to clean away small stains.

Window Cleaning and Treatments

Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. Follow the directions in Cleaning the Exterior for best practices in cleaning the exterior glass.

To add a hydrophobic coating to your vehicle's windows, apply the coating only to the side and rear windows, not the front windshield—doing so may affect the visibility of the autopilot cameras. Follow the hydrophobic coating manufacturer’s instructions for application details.

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Note
Tesla is not responsible for any damage associated with applying window treatments on your vehicle.

Car Wash Mode

When taking Model 3 to a car wash, Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle must be stationary and not actively charging.

If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash, while preventing Model 3 from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat. To enable, press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll; or shift into Neutral.

Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle's speed exceeds 15 km/h or by touching Exit on the touchscreen.

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CAUTION
Failure to put Model 3 in Car Wash Mode may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers). Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.

Cleaning a Camera

To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean and free of obstructions.

Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by spraying water onto the camera lens and drying it with a microfiber cloth. Clean the camera lens every week during wet weather (snow, rain, sleet) and every month during dry weather.

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CAUTION
Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the lens.
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CAUTION
Do not clean an ultrasonic sensor (if equipped) or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch or damage its surface.

Cautions for Exterior Cleaning

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CAUTION
Do not wash in direct sunlight.
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CAUTION
Do not use windshield treatment fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and cause a chattering sound.
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CAUTION
Do not use hot water, detergents, highly alkaline or caustic cleaning ingredients or solvents, specifically those containing hydroxide.
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CAUTION
If using a pressure washer, maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between the nozzle and the surface of Model 3. Avoid aiming the water jet directly at parking sensors (if equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water jet on any one area.
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CAUTION
Do not aim water hoses directly at windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic modules or exposed cabling.
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CAUTION
To avoid corrosive damage that may not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry the brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
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CAUTION
Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
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CAUTION
If washing in an automatic car wash, use touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3. Some touchless car washes use caustic solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check the product label or ask the staff at the car wash. Damage caused by improper washing is not covered by the warranty.
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CAUTION
If washing in an automatic car wash, make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid using controls on the touchscreen that can result in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is not covered by the warranty.
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CAUTION
Ensure the wipers are off before washing Model 3 to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.
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CAUTION
Do not use chemical based wheel cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage the finish on the wheels.
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Warning
Never spray liquid at a high velocity (for example, if using a pressure washer) towards the charge port while Model 3 is charging. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or property.

Cleaning the Interior

Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as microfiber) dampened with a mixture of warm water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use). To avoid streaks, dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.

Interior Glass

Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can damage the reflective surface of the mirror and the heating elements in the rear window.

Airbags

Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag cover. This could affect correct operation.

Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces

Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are reflective and could interfere with your driving view.

Interior Lighting

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Note
The Tesla warranty does not cover damage caused by improper maintenance, including the use of cleaning solutions or tools that are not recommended in this Owner's Manual.
Do not use any soap or chemical cleaning solutions on interior lighting. Common cleaning solutions and substances can degrade the lenses or components of the lighting, causing cracks and damage over time. When you want to clean interior lighting, Tesla recommends that you use a soft cloth moistened with warm water to gently wipe away soiled areas or stains. Interior lighting includes, but is not limited to, these lights (if equipped):
  • Footwell
  • Puddle
  • Projection
  • Dome
  • Accent
  • Ambient
When you want to clean the interior with soap or a mild non-detergent cleaner, Tesla recommends that you first cover all lighting with some form of protection, such as:
  • Fabric.
  • Masking tape.
  • Plastic film.
  • Protective covers for car interiors.

Seats

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Note
The Tesla warranty does not cover damage caused by improper maintenance, including the use of cleaning solutions or tools that are not recommended in this Owner's Manual.

Your vehicle’s seats are made of a custom, sustainable, vegan leather which is softer than leather, yet far more durable and stain resistant. Tesla recommends that you regularly clean and vacuum the interior of your vehicle to maintain performance and an as-new appearance. You can purchase an all-purpose cleaning kit on the Tesla shop.

Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Such substances can cause damage, degradation, or discoloration over time.

For general spills and stains, wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces as soon as possible. Moisten a soft cloth (preferably microfiber) with warm water and mild soap and gently wipe the stain in a circular motion. Then, wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not blow dry. Anything more than soap can be too harsh. Using other cleaning agents, disinfectants, conditioners, or protectants is not recommended.

For white seats: As a last resort, moisten a soft cloth (such as microfiber) with warm water and isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the stain in a circular motion (DO NOT use this method on black seats). Clean off any remaining isopropyl alcohol residue with a soft, damp cloth. Aggressive or extended use of isopropyl alcohol will damage the top coat of the material, allowing stains to occur more readily and violating the warranty.

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CAUTION
Do not use products containing alcohol, bleach (sodium hypoclorite), citrus, naptha, or silicon-based additives. Do not spray the seat directly with any spray. Do not get water into the seat belt mechanism.

A variety of clothing, accessories, and cosmetics may contain dyes or oils which can transfer onto the seats over time. These stains are difficult to prevent and cannot always be safely cleaned off.

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CAUTION
Do not use aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers. Seat covers may cause staining or damage to the seats and may inhibit the sensitivity of a seat's occupancy sensors or restrict deployment of airbags.

Carpets

Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.

Seat Belts

Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type of detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while extended, preferably away from direct sunlight.

Door Seals

Wipe door seals with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Excessive debris on the door seals can cause damage when contacting surrounding surfaces. Avoid using alcohol wipes or any chemical products that can potentially deteriorate the coating on the door seals.

Front and Rear Touchscreens

Clean the touchscreen(s) using a soft lint-free cloth specifically designed to clean monitors and displays. Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) or alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer) and do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically-charged cloth (such as a recently washed microfiber). To wipe the front touchscreen without activating buttons and changing settings, you can enable Screen Clean Mode. Touch Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode. The display darkens to make it easy to see dust and smudges. To exit Screen Clean Mode, press and hold HOLD TO EXIT.

Chrome and Metal Surfaces

Polish, abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), and hard cloths can damage the finish on chrome and metal surfaces.

Cautions for Interior Cleaning

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CAUTION
Using solvents (including alcohol), alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products or additives on interior components can cause damage.
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CAUTION
Statically-charged materials can cause damage to the touchscreen.
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Warning
If you notice any damage on an airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla immediately.
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Warning
Do not allow any water, cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt mechanism.
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Warning
Do not use solvents or soap on interior accent lights.
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Warning
Exposure to chemical cleaners can be hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.

Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Repair

To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an approved polish containing:

  • Very mild abrasive to remove surface contamination without removing or damaging the paint.
  • Filling compounds that fill scratches and reduce their visibility.
  • Wax to provide a protective coating between the paint and environmental elements.

Regularly inspect the exterior paint for damage. Treat minor chips and scratches using a paint touch-up pen (available for purchase from Tesla, depending on market region). Use the touch-up pen after washing but before polishing or waxing.

Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches. Refer to https://www.tesla.com/support/body-shop-support for more information on repair locations and available services.

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CAUTION
Do not use cutting pastes, color restoration compounds, or polishes containing harsh abrasives. These can scour the surface and permanently damage the paint.
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CAUTION
Do not use chrome polish or other abrasive cleaners.

Using a Car Cover

To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body when Model 3 is not being used, use a genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be purchased online from the Tesla Shop.

Car cover on vehicle.
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CAUTION
Use only a Tesla-approved car cover when Model 3 is plugged in. Using a non-Tesla car cover can prevent the Battery from being adequately cooled during charging.

Floor Mats

To extend the life of your carpet and make them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla floor mats available online at http://www.tesla.com. Maintain floor mats by regularly cleaning them and checking that they are properly attached. Replace floor mats if they become excessively worn.

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Warning
To avoid potential interference with a foot pedal, ensure that the driver’s floor mat is securely fastened, and never place an additional floor mat on top of it. Floor mats should always rest on top of the vehicle carpeting surface and not on another floor mat or other covering.