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15 June 2023 DIY guide: How to clean car seats
No matter how careful you are, unless you keep your car seats covered at all times, they're bound to get dirty eventually. Over time, seat fabric collects crumbs, mud, spills and sweat, leaving unpleasant stains and odours. This doesn’t just look bad, it can gradually damage the upholstery and reduce the value of your vehicle. Keep your car looking and smelling fresh with an achievable interior cleaning routine.
The best way to clean car seats and remove stains
Before you start using interior car cleaners or restoration products, the first thing you’ll need to do is remove any crumbs and loose dirt using a vacuum cleaner or soft bristle brush. If you’ve got pets, you may want to use pet hair removal tools like a simple pet hair brush or a hair remover roller. Moreover, if you’re deep cleaning the whole interior, make sure to do it in the right order. Vacuuming the seats before cleaning the ceiling and other areas above the seats is counterintuitive as the dust will settle on the surfaces below.
The seat cleaning process itself may vary depending on the upholstery material. Some materials are naturally tougher than others and have different requirements.
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How to clean leather car seats
While leather is generally more stain-resistant than cloth, it can also be prone to scratches. It’s best to be gentle when using a plastic vacuum head and stick to using a leather car seat cleaner or other specialised cleaning products rather than an ordinary shampoo. Follow the instructions on the product and use it in moderation. Try cleaning small sections at a time rather than applying the solution all over to prevent discolouration.
You can carefully work the solution into the material with a soft bristle brush to break down stubborn stains. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away the excess, as well as any remaining debris or grime. Please note: if there are holes or tears in the leather, try to use as little solution as possible and consider applying the cleaner using a microfibre cloth. Once you’re done, wipe the seats with a clean cloth until they are completely dry.
Cleaning vinyl car seats
Clean vinyl seats with an all-purpose cleaning spray or a solution of mild soap and warm water. Use a damp cloth or sponge for cleaning and wipe in circular motions. Avoid harsh cleaning agents containing bleach or ammonia as they may cause the material to deteriorate.
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How to clean fabric/cloth car seats
For fabric seats, you can use a simple upholstery cleaner or, for stubborn stains, a carpet foam cleaner. Spray the cleaner directly onto noticeable stains (see product guidelines first) and let it work its magic. Use a soft-medium bristle brush to scrub out the stains and dirt. It may also be possible to use common household products, such as a mixture of water and laundry detergent or washing up powder. Once clean, blot the surface dry with an absorbent towel.
Keeping the seats cleaner for longer
Now that we know how to clean stained car seats, let’s talk about maintenance. For example you can make leather upholstery last longer by applying a leather conditioner. This will help prevent cracking, tearing and staining. There are also fabric protectants that help soak up spills. However, some protectants can leave a strong chemical odour or slightly darken the material. Choose your products carefully.
For more essential car care products, such as car carpet cleaner spray, check out our online shop.
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