Every car enthusiast knows the struggle: you work hard to wash, clean, and even wax the exterior of the car, but when you open the car doors, boom—those cloth car seats tell a whole different story. From coffee spills to mud smudges, and dog hair, car seat fabric can easily get stains and dirt build up, turning your car’s interior from showroom ready to old and busted. Cleaning these cloth seats doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

When it comes to detailing a car, knowing How To Wash A Car includes interior cleaning, and cleaning your car seats should be part of the routine. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to clean car cloth seats, and with the right techniques, tools, and products, you will be able to remove any stubborn seat stains.

TL;DR:

• Car enthusiasts, it’s time to tackle those cloth car seats.
• Learn to remove car seat stains and clean dirty areas effectively.
• Restore your car’s cloth seats with our easy guide.
• Say goodbye to dirty seats and hello to a clean, happy car.

Different Reasons To Learn How To Clean Car Cloth Seats

Nothing is worse than washing your car, vacuuming, cleaning, detailing and after all of that looking down at your seats with stains ruining your interior look! Down below are some reasons why you should learn how to actually clean cloth car seats. For those who have leather seats, check out How to clean leather seats.

• Remove Tough Stains: Spills happen, but they don’t have to become permanent features of your car’s interior. Cleaning helps get rid of these stubborn marks.
• Eliminate Loose Dirt: Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, making your seats look old and worn out. Regular cleaning keeps them looking new.
• Get Rid of Dog Hair: For pet owners, dog hair can be a constant battle. Cleaning your seats helps keep your car pet hair-free.
• Tackle Food or Drink Stains: Snacking in the car can lead to spills. Cleaning helps prevent these stains from setting in and attracting more dirt.
• Remove Sticky Residue: Gum, candy, or spilled drinks can leave a sticky mess. Cleaning ensures your seats are smooth and residue-free.

Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies

I am a firm believer that collecting all the tools you need before starting your work is the best way. You won’t have to keep getting up and down, stopping, looking all over just to find what you need. Here is a list

Popular Choices

Most Important Supplies:

• Upholstery Cleaner: A specialized cleaner designed for car interiors.
• Cleaning Solution: Can be store-bought or homemade or a multi purpose solution, suitable for fabric seats.
• Steam Cleaning Solution: For use with a steam cleaner for thorough cleaning.
• Spray on Fabric Protector: To protect seats after cleaning and make future cleaning easier.
• Microfiber Towel: Ideal for drying and polishing without leaving lint.
• Vacuum Cleaner: Useful for easy removal of surface debris, dirt, grime, and dog hair.

Commonly Used Tools:

• Soft Bristled Brush: Essential for loosening dirt and debris.
• Steam Cleaner: Great for deep cleaning and removing stubborn stains.
• Spray Bottle: Useful for applying cleaning solutions evenly.
• Dry Towel: Handy for blotting and absorbing moisture.

Home Products That Can Be Used:

• Baking Soda: A natural deodorizer and stain remover.
• Club Soda: Effective for lifting light stains and spills.
• Laundry Detergent: Can be diluted with water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
• Warm Water and a Little Dish Soap: A simple yet effective cleaner for light stains.
• Vinegar Solution: Mix with water for a DIY upholstery cleaner.

Here is a more in-depth list of Must-Have Car Cleaning Products covering every aspect of any car cleaning project.

Pre-Cleaning

Before diving into the cleaning process, take a few simple steps to get your car ready. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Remove Personal Items: First things first, clear out any personal items from the car. You don’t want to be vacuuming around that old coffee cup or a random sock.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly: Grab a vacuum and give the seats a good once-over. This helps pick up loose dirt, crumbs, and anything else that’s been hiding in the fabric. The cleaner your seats are, the easier it will be to spot stains.
3. Inspect for Stains: Take a closer look at your cloth car seats. Identify any stains you need to tackle. Knowing what you’re dealing with—whether it’s a coffee spill, grease, or something mysterious—will help you choose the right cleaning method.
4. Choose Your Cleaning Spot: If possible, park your car in a shaded area or garage. Cleaning in direct sunlight can make it harder to see what you’re doing and could cause some cleaners to dry too quickly.

Identify The Type Of Stains

Not all stains are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types of stains you might find on your cloth car seats and the best cleaners to tackle them:

1. Light Stains (Coffee, Soda, Food Spills):
   These are the everyday stains we all deal with. They’re usually not too deep and can often be wiped away with a gentle cleaner. Look for a mild upholstery cleaner or even a mixture of water and dish soap. It’s a good idea to start with the least harsh option and see if that does the trick.
2. Deep Stains (Grease, Oil, Ink):
   These stains are tougher and need a bit more muscle to clean. Grease and oil can be stubborn, so a degreaser or a specialized car upholstery cleaner is your best bet. Ink stains might need rubbing alcohol or a cleaner designed specifically for ink. Always test on a small spot first to make sure it won’t mess up the fabric.
3. Pet Stains (Mud, Urine, Hair):
   If you’ve got a furry friend who loves car rides, you’ve probably dealt with these. Mud and hair are common issues, and a good vacuum followed by a pet-specific cleaner can help. Urine stains need an enzymatic cleaner, which breaks down the smell and the stain. Nobody wants their car smelling like a pet store.

Removing Stains

Getting rid of stains on fabric car seats doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how you can tackle each type of stain using the right method, cleaning solution, and tools:

1. Light Stains (Coffee, Soda, Food Spills):
   • Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. You can also use a gentle upholstery cleaner.
   • Method: Dip a microfiber towel into the solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
   • Tools: A spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution evenly and a microfiber towel for blotting.
2. Deep Stains (Grease, Oil, Ink):
   • Cleaning Solution: For grease or oil, use a degreaser or a heavy-duty upholstery cleaner. For ink, rubbing alcohol or a specialized ink remover works well.
   • Method: Apply the cleaner directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently blot with a microfiber towel. For tough stains, you might need to repeat the process a few times.
   • Tools: A soft-bristled brush can help lift deep stains without damaging the fabric, along with a microfiber towel to wipe away the cleaner.
3. Pet Stains (Mud, Urine, Hair):
   • Cleaning Solution: Use an enzymatic cleaner for urine stains to break down odors and stains. For mud, a mixture of water and mild soap works fine.
   • Method: For mud, let it dry and then vacuum up the loose dirt. Apply the cleaning solution and blot with a microfiber towel. For urine, spray the enzymatic cleaner and let it sit before blotting.
   • Tools: A vacuum for pet hair and dried mud, and a microfiber towel for blotting the cleaning solution.

By using the right cleaning solution and method for each type of stain, you’ll have your fabric car seats looking clean and fresh in no time. Just remember, a microfiber towel is your best friend in this process—it’s gentle on fabric and great at picking up stains.

How To Clean Car Cloth Seats With A Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaning is a great option for deep cleaning cloth car seats, below we’ll give you some reasons on why and how to use a steam cleaner on the interior cloth seats of your car.

Why You Should Steam Clean

Steam cleaning is perfect for deep cleaning cloth fabric because it uses hot steam to lift dirt, grime, and even stubborn stains from your seats. It’s also great for killing bacteria and removing odors without harsh chemicals. If your seats are looking dingy or you want to give them a thorough refresh, steam cleaning is the way to go.

When to Use a Steam Cleaner

You should consider steam cleaning when your regular cleaning methods just aren’t cutting it. If your car seats have ground-in dirt, tough stains, or you just want a deep clean, steam is the answer. It’s especially helpful if your upholstery has seen better days and needs some serious attention.

How to Use a Steam Cleaner

1. Prep the Area: Vacuum the seats first to remove loose dirt and debris. This makes the steam cleaning process more effective.
2. Choose the Right Upholstery Cleaner Solution: Some steam cleaners come with an upholstery cleaner solution that you can add to the water tank. Make sure it’s safe for cloth fabric.
3. Test a Small Area: Before going all in, test the steam cleaner on a small, hidden area of your seat to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
4. Steam Clean: Start at the top of the seat and work your way down. Move the steam cleaner slowly across the upholstery, allowing the steam to penetrate the fabric. For stubborn stains, hold the steam over the area a little longer or make a few extra passes.
5. Wipe Down: After steaming, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe down the seats. This helps absorb excess moisture and lifts any remaining dirt.
6. Let It Dry: Leave your car doors open or windows down to allow the seats to air dry completely.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Over-Saturate: Be careful not to soak the seats too much. Too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew.
• Use Distilled Water: If possible, use distilled water in your steam cleaner to prevent mineral buildup in the machine.
• Ventilate: Always ventilate your car during and after steam cleaning to help the seats dry faster and prevent any musty smells.

Prevent Future Stains And Maintain

After putting in the work to clean your fabric car seats, it’s smart to keep them looking fresh. Here’s how you can prevent stains from setting in the future:

Apply a Fabric Protector

A fabric protector is your best friend when it comes to keeping your seats clean. These sprays create a barrier on the fabric, making it harder for spills and dirt to sink in. You can find them at most auto stores or online. Look for a product specifically designed for car upholstery.

Quick Clean-Up

If a spill happens, tackle it right away. The sooner you blot it up, the less likely it is to stain. Keep a microfiber towel or some cleaning wipes in your car for quick action.

Use Seat Covers

If you want to go the extra mile, seat covers can offer a solid layer of protection. They’re especially useful if you have pets or kids. Just toss them in the wash when they get dirty.

Regular Maintenance

Even if your seats look clean, it’s a good idea to give them a light cleaning every few weeks. A quick vacuum and a wipe-down with a damp cloth can keep dirt from building up and getting ground into the fabric.

Best Products for Protection

Chemical Guys Fabric Guard: Another good option, especially if you want to protect against spills and stains.

Scotchgard Auto Fabric & Carpet Protector: A popular choice that’s easy to apply and dries clear.

303 Fabric Guard: Known for being water-repellent and protecting against both stains and UV damage.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your cloth seats doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a bit of regular maintenance and the occasional deep cleaning, you can keep your car looking sharp and comfortable. For car enthusiasts, keeping those seats in top shape is just part of the pride in owning a vehicle. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out some of The Best Car Accessories to add a little extra style and function to your ride.

FAQ’s