Cloth car interiors often rank first for being the least forgiving. Those who are fortunate enough to have dark-colored cloth may get away with the occasional spill, but otherwise, you may end up with a car that looks fairly dirty. The majority of garages offer comprehensive detail cleaning, but when you need it done frequently, having your car professionally cleaned may get pricey.
Thankfully, you can do it yourself at a far lower price. Even if you don’t frequently drive long distances, it’s easy for dirt, sweat, and oil to build up from your daily outings. A buildup of stains and spills can result in unpleasant odors as well as a very ugly interior, whether the stain is from yogurt, juice, or your takeaway coffee. So how do you clean cloth car seats?
- Vacuum the seats. Begin by vacuuming the car seats to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to effectively clean the fabric.
- Check for stains. Inspect the seats for any stains or spills that require special attention. Common stains on car seats include food and beverage spills, ink stains, or pet stains.
- Spot clean stains. For small stains or spills, you can spot clean the affected areas using a mild fabric cleaner or upholstery cleaner. Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the seat first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, and use a clean cloth or sponge to gently blot the stain until it lifts off.
- Deep-clean the seats. For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a carpet and upholstery cleaner. You can either rent a carpet cleaner with an upholstery attachment or use a portable upholstery cleaner specifically designed for car seats. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner and ensure you’re using an appropriate cleaning solution for the fabric of your car seats.
- Scrub and agitate. Use a soft-bristled brush or an upholstery brush attachment on the cleaner to gently scrub the seats. Work in small sections and apply the cleaner to the fabric. Use overlapping, circular motions to agitate the fabric and lift dirt and stains. Be careful not to oversaturate the seats.
- Extract the cleaner. After scrubbing, use the carpet cleaner or a clean cloth to extract the cleaner and dirt from the seats. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner to effectively remove the cleaning solution. Ensure you remove as much moisture as possible from the seats to aid in the drying process.
- Allow the seats to dry. After cleaning, leave the car doors or windows open to allow fresh air to circulate and aid in the drying process. It’s best to let the seat air dry naturally, but if necessary, you can use a fan or a portable heater set to a low temperature to speed up drying.
- Brush and vacuum again. Once the seats are completely dry, use a soft-bristled brush to fluff the fabric and restore its appearance. Vacuum the seats once more to remove any remaining debris or loose fibers.
