Cup holders are one of those spots in your car that seem to collect every sticky spill, coffee drip, and random crumb—but are somehow the most annoying to clean. They’re too deep for your hand, too narrow for most brushes, and just awkward all around. But thanks to a smart tip from @roberts_detailing on TikTok, there’s a better way to handle it.
It turns out, the secret weapon is already in a lot of garages: a power drill. With the right attachment, you can turn your drill into a powerful cleaning tool that makes quick work of gunked-up cup holders — and it’s honestly kind of satisfying to watch.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- A power drill (cordless is easiest to maneuver)
- A soft-bristle drill brush attachment (you can find kits online for under $15)
- An all-purpose cleaner or interior-safe solution
- A microfiber towel
These drill brush attachments come in different sizes and shapes, but for cup holders, the smaller round ones tend to work best. Just make sure the bristles are soft enough not to scratch plastic or coated surfaces.
@roberts_detailing Best Way to Clean Cupholders! Let me know what you think?! #detailingcars ♬ original sound – roberts_detailing
How to Do It
First, spray a bit of all-purpose cleaner into the cup holders. You don’t need to soak anything, just a light mist to loosen up whatever’s clinging to the bottom and sides. Then attach the brush to your drill. Set the speed low and gently guide it around the cup holder. The spinning bristles do all the hard work, scrubbing into corners and pulling up dried-on gunk without needing elbow grease.
Once the dirt is lifted, wipe everything down with a clean microfiber towel. If the cup holder was especially dirty, you might need to go over it a second time, but most of the time, one good pass is enough. The result is a clean, smooth surface that looks almost new again.
Bonus tip: If you’re feeling fancy, line your clean cup holders with silicone cupcake liners. They catch crumbs and spills and pop right out for easy rinsing.
Why This Works So Well
Using a drill gives you consistent scrubbing power that’s hard to match by hand — especially in those tight, awkward corners. It’s fast, efficient, and kind of fun once you see how much cleaner everything looks with minimal effort.
You don’t need to be a detailer or buy high-end equipment to get results like this. It’s a small tool that solves a big mess, and once you try it, you’ll probably start using it on door panels, floor mats, and more.