How to Clean Car Seats

How to Clean Cloth Car Seats with DIY Cleaners

What you’ll need (basic supplies)

• Vacuum with a crevice tool
• Microfiber cloths
• Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
• Spray bottle (optional)
• Baking soda, dish soap, white vinegar, warm water

Tri-Cities motorists know how difficult it can be to clean cloth car seats if the stain becomes embedded in the seat’s material. Not only could you be left with an unsightly mark, but one that could eventually cause a bad odor. Fortunately, cleaning your fabric seats and removing stains is pretty straightforward without having to spend money on expensive cleaners. Here are just a few DIY methods on how to clean cloth car seats:

1. Vacuum first: Vacuum the seat material to remove loose dirt and crumbs before they work deeper into the cloth. Then, for spot cleaning, mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 cup warm water. Apply to the stain and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently work the solution into the fabric.
2. Dish soap + vinegar mix: Combine a small amount of dish soap with 1 cup vinegar and 1 gallon hot water. Dab the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. To remove residue, dab with warm water and immediately follow with a dry microfiber cloth.
3. You can also use diluted laundry detergent or a cleaning product specifically designed for cloth car seats. On the other hand, leather in your vehicle needs a little bit of extra attention.

How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Common seat-cleaning mistakes to avoid

• Over-wetting the seat: Too much liquid can push stains deeper and slow drying.
• Using harsh chemicals: Bleach/ammonia can discolor fabric and damage leather finishes.
• Scrubbing too aggressively: This can fray cloth fibers or scuff leather.
• Skipping a test spot: Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.

As with cloth, there are many steps Dayton drivers can take to keep leather seats looking their best. Because buildup over time can cause wear and discoloration, it helps to clean and condition them regularly. Here are some tips on how to clean leather car seats safely:

• Vacuum the crevices and overall surface, but be careful not to scratch the leather
• After the superficial dirt has been removed, put some liquid cleaner onto a microfiber cloth to wipe down the seats.
• Refrain from spraying the seats with cleaner. Instead, carefully and gently scrub the leather in the area that needs cleaning.
• If too much is used, moisture from the cleaner can be absorbed into the seats, causing problems later.

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