How to Clean Car Seats

Do you enjoy the satisfaction of taking on DIY projects in your Laurel garage? Maybe you are looking to save a few bucks on service to keep the cost of ownership low on your Big Timber ride. Whatever your reason, if you decide to take on car care at home, we can help you learn how to clean car seats like a pro! Follow our step-by-step guide below whether you need to learn how to clean leather car seats or how to maintain fabric upholstery. 

How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Things you’ll need: 

1. Leather cleaner, saddle soap, mild leather soap, or 1 part white vinegar/2 parts linseed oil solution
2. Microfiber towels
3. Interior brush (soft-bristled, NOT a stiff carpet brush)

Instructions:

1. Learning how to clean leather car seats is a breeze! Start by checking your owner’s manual for instructions and warnings on products not to use. 
2. Remove any particles from the seats by using a vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to scratch the leather surfaces. Using the smaller attachments can help you successfully clean in between the cracks. 
3. Coat your microfiber towel with your preferred cleaning solution and wipe the surface of the seats to remove dirt and oils. 
4. Next, spray your cleaner directly onto the seats (if your seats are perforated, spray the solution on to the brush instead) and gently scrub the surface with your brush.
5. Give the seats a final wipe with the microfiber towel to ensure they are clean and dry.

How to Clean Fabric Car Seats

Things you’ll need: 

1. Cleaning solution spray designed for fabric (NOT an all-purpose cleaner)
2. Interior brush (soft or medium stiff bristles, NOT a stiff carpet brush)
3. Microfiber towels
4. Enough time for the seats to dry before driving the car anywhere

Instructions:

1. Begin by using a vacuum cleaner to remove the heavy dirt, dust, and other particles that have gathered on your seats. Make use of the small vacuum attachments or an air compressor to clear out the cracks and seams in the seats. 
2. If you often commute with your pet, consider wiping the seats with a lint roller to grab the extra pet hair that may have been left behind. 
3. Lightly spray your solution onto the surfaces you want to clean. Avoid saturation in order to prevent mildew issues. At this point, you will want to open your doors or windows for proper ventilation. 
4. Gently massage the solution into the fabric using your interior cleaning brush. 
5. As suds begin to appear, wipe them clean with a microfiber towel. If this is not done before the seats dry, the dirt will be sucked back into the fabric. 
6. Repeat this process until the area is clean. Move on to the next section once you are satisfied with the results to achieve a complete interior cleaning. 
7. You can vacuum your interior at this point to accelerate the drying process. Allow the seats time to completely dry before using the vehicle. 

Alternatives to Fabric Cleaner

1. Laundry Detergent: Mix detergent with hot water and apply the solution with a spray bottle or sponge. Use cold water and a microfiber cloth as you go to wipe the excess dirt from the surface of the seats.
2. Vinegar: 1 cup of vinegar, a few drops of dish soap, and a gallon of hot water can be mixed together to create a cleaning solution. Lightly dab the solution on to the seats and scrub with a brush. Utilize clean water and a microfiber towel to remove dirt and suds.
3. Baking Soda: ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water mixed together can be used with a toothbrush to scrub out tough stains. Once you have completed your deep clean of the interior, wait 30 minutes. Once the proper amount of time has passed, use a clean cloth or towel to blot away the stains.
4. Club Soda: Use a spray bottle to apply a light layer of club soda to the fabric, and a soft-bristle brush to scrub out the stains. Be sure to wipe any dirt clean as it comes to the surface. Your seats will remain dirty if you allow the dirt to dry without being wiped clean. 

Keep Your Vehicle In Top Shape at Underriner Hyundai

Now that you have learned how to clean car seats, you can visit us in Billings to pick up some supplies! If you prefer to let a vehicle expert take on your automotive maintenance, contact us today! You can schedule service with our team no matter what your car care needs are. Visit our service center conveniently located near Livingston!