Maintenance -> Cleaning for Your Honda CR-V SUV Fourth Generation (2011-2015)

Cleaning  
Interior Care  
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.  
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.  
1Interior Care  
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.  
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if  
liquids are splashed on them.  
Cleaning Seat Belts  
Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices  
such as audio devices and switches.  
Doing so may cause the items to malfunction or a fire  
inside the vehicle.  
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.  
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.  
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on  
electrical devices, consult a dealer.  
Opening  
Depending on their composition, chemicals and  
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,  
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.  
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as  
benzene or gasoline.  
After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe them  
away using a dry cloth.  
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts  
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.  
478  
 
uuCleaninguInterior Care  
1Floor Mats  
Floor Mats  
If you use any floor mats that were not originally  
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are  
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and  
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.  
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they are  
not properly positioned, the floor mats can interfere  
with the front seat functions.  
The driver’s floor mat hooks over the floor  
anchors, which keep the mat from sliding  
forward. To remove a mat for cleaning, turn  
the anchor knobs to the unlock position.  
When reinstalling the mat after cleaning, turn  
the knobs to the lock position.  
Unlock  
Lock  
Do not put additional floor mats on top of  
the anchored mat.  
Maintaining Genuine Leather*  
Vacuum dirt and dust from the leather frequently. Pay close attention to the pleats  
and seams. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a 90% water and  
10% neutral soap solution. Then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. Remove any dust or  
dirt on leather surfaces immediately.  
* Not available on all models  
479  
 
uuCleaninguExterior Care  
Exterior Care  
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.  
Regularly inspect your vehicle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a  
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.  
Washing the Vehicle  
1Washing the Vehicle  
Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can  
cause a malfunction.  
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following  
conditions:  
If driving on roads with road salt.  
If driving in coastal areas.  
If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.  
Using an Automated Car Wash  
Remove the audio antenna.  
2 Audio Antenna P. 209  
Fold in the door mirrors.  
Turn off the automatic intermittent wipers*.  
Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.  
Air Intake Vents  
Using High Pressure Cleaners  
Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.  
Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to  
enter the vehicle interior.  
Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,  
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.  
* Not available on all models  
480  
 
uuCleaninguExterior Care  
1Applying Wax  
Applying Wax  
NOTICE  
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the  
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the  
elements, so reapply as necessary.  
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage  
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe  
away spills immediately.  
Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts  
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts  
made of resin.  
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they  
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and  
clean water.  
1Cleaning the Window  
Cleaning the Window  
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.  
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a  
soft cloth so as not to damage them.  
Wipe using a glass cleaner.  
Maintaining Aluminum Wheels*  
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road  
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.  
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or  
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that  
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.  
* Not available on all models  
Continued  
481  
     
uuCleaninguExterior Care  
Fogged Exterior Light Lenses  
The inside lenses of exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, etc.) may fog temporarily  
if you have driven in the rain, or after the vehicle has been run through a car wash.  
Dew condensation also may build up inside the lenses when there is a significant  
enough difference between the ambient and inside lens temperatures (similar to  
vehicle windows fogging up in rainy conditions). These conditions are natural  
processes, not structural design problems in the exterior lights.  
Lens design characteristics may result in moisture developing on the light lens frame  
surfaces. This also is not a malfunction.  
However, if you see large amounts water accumulation, or large water drops  
building up inside the lenses, have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.  
482