Here's How to Clean Car Seats for a More Enjoyable Ride

Let’s face it, our cars are like our second homes. We spend a significant amount of time commuting, running errands, road-tripping, and even eating inside them. Over time, this can lead to spills, stains, crumbs, and general wear and tear on our car seats. Not only does a dirty car interior look kinda sad, but it can also create an unpleasant smell, which can be embarrassing when giving someone a ride. With that in mind, learning how to clean car seats is key.

In addition to aesthetics, regular cleaning of your car seats is crucial for maintaining their longevity. Dirt and debris that accumulate on the seats can cause them to wear out faster, leading to the need for costly repairs or replacement. Moreover, spills and stains can seep into the seat material and cause discoloration (even mold growth!), which can be challenging and expensive to remove.

Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the feeling of sitting in a clean, fresh-smelling car? With this simple guide, you can confidently tackle the cleaning process and make your car interior look as good as new. So grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get to work!

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How to Clean Car Seats, by Material

Just as car models are vastly different, car seats differ greatly depending on the material used to make them. The most common car seat materials include nylon fabric, vinyl, leather, faux leather, and polyester (which is likely described as microsuede).

Fortunately, there are easy methods to clean each type of material, though the steps and products involved are slightly different. We’ll walk you through each one so that you can give your car seats the refresh they deserve.

 

To spruce up Nylon fabric car seats, use an all-purpose cleaner or upholstery shampoo.

Nylon fabric car seats are durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice among car manufacturers. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean nylon fabric car seats and keep them looking their best.

1. Remove any loose debris: Start by vacuuming your car seats to remove loose dirt, dust, or crumbs. Use a soft-bristled attachment to avoid damaging the fabric.
2. Spot treat stains: If you have any stubborn stains, spot treat them with a fabric cleaner. Be sure to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Apply the cleaner to a clean cloth and gently dab at the stain, being careful not to scrub too hard.
3. Deep clean the seats: After spot treating any stains, it’s time to deep clean the seats. Use a fabric cleaner that is specifically designed for nylon fabric, such as an all-purpose cleaner or upholstery shampoo. Apply the solution to a clean cloth or sponge and gently work it into the fabric. Be sure to follow the cleaner’s instructions and avoid oversaturating the fabric.
4. Rinse and dry: Once you’ve finished cleaning the seats, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any residue. Then use a dry cloth to blot the seats and remove any excess moisture. Allow the seats to air-dry completely before using your car.

TIP: Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners, as these can damage the fabric and cause discoloration. Additionally, never use hot water or high heat when cleaning nylon fabric car seats, as this can cause the fabric to shrink or warp.

 

You’ll need a cleaner formulated to treat leather to clean leather seats.

Leather car seats are durable but do require special care to keep them in top condition. It’s more about using a soft touch and products specific to leather to get them clean, as opposed to a ton of additional steps.

1. For starters, vacuum the seats to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Use a leather cleaner that is specifically designed for car seats. You can find these cleaners at auto parts stores or online (we give you a recommendation below). Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
3. Apply the cleaner to a clean, damp cloth, and wipe the seats in a circular motion. Be careful not to over-wet the seats.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub any stains or marks on the seats.
5. Next, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any excess cleaner.
6. Apply a leather conditioner to the seats. This will help keep the leather soft and prevent it from cracking. Again, be sure to use a conditioner that is specifically designed for car seats.
7. Allow the seats to air dry.

 

Use this cleaning method on vinyl car seats, then add a vinyl protectant.

Vinyl car seats are actually quite easy to clean. In fact, they’re one of the easiest types of car seats to clean and maintain. Vinyl is a synthetic material that’s durable, water-resistant, and can withstand a variety of cleaning products.

1. Get rid of any loose debris by vacuuming the seats to remove dirt, dust, or crumbs. Use a soft-bristled attachment to avoid damaging the vinyl.
2. Use a vinyl cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water to wipe down the seats. Apply the solution to a clean cloth and gently wipe the seats in a circular motion. Avoid using too much water or oversaturating the seats. This can cause water damage or mold growth (gross).
3. For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled brush or a Magic Eraser to gently scrub the area. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the vinyl. Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
4. Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse away any residue. Then take a dry cloth to blot the seats and remove any excess moisture.
5. Apply a vinyl protectant to the seats. This will help protect the vinyl from cracking and fading due to sun exposure. Allow the seats to air dry completely.

TIP: We can’t say this enough: when cleaning car seats, avoid using products that contain bleach, ammonia, or alcohol. These products can damage the seats and cause them to crack or fade. Additionally, avoid using hard-bristled brushes, which can scratch the seats.

 

 

You can use common household products, like a mild dish soap, to clean Polyester car seats.

Polyester car seats are a common type of car upholstery that is known for its resistance to stains. However, they still require regular cleaning to keep them looking good.

1. The process here starts out similar to the other car seat materials. You want to vacuum the seats with a soft-bristled attachment. This will prevent the dirt from getting ground into the fabric during the cleaning process.
2. Use a mild detergent for your cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the seats, spraying it directly onto the fabric. Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, damp cloth to gently work the solution into the fabric.
3. Rinse the seats thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the seats and remove any remaining soap.
4. Finally, use a dry, clean towel to blot the seats, removing any excess moisture. Allow the seats to air-dry completely before using your car.

Related: 16 Seriously Clever Car Cleaning Hacks

 

Faux leather car seats can also benefit from a leather cleaner or a mild soap solution.

If you have faux leather seats, it’s important to know this is a synthetic material that looks and feels like real leather but is generally stronger and easier to clean.

1. Bust out that soft-bristled vacuum attachment and use the machine to remove any loose debris, dust, or crumbs from the seats.
2. Wipe seats down with a mild soap solution. You can make this by mixing a few drops of mild soap or a gentle leather cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out until it’s just damp. Wipe down the seats in a circular motion, being careful not to use too much water.
3. After wiping down the seats, use a clean damp cloth to rinse away any soap residue. Then use a dry cloth to blot the seats and remove that dreaded excess moisture (which can lead to mold if not allowed to dry completely).
4. Once the seats are dry, you can apply a leather conditioner specifically designed for faux leather. This will help to keep the seats supple and prevent cracking over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the conditioner and allow it to soak in for the recommended amount of time.