How to clean car seats?

Clean car seats have just as much value as a well-maintained car exterior, especially for your health and peace of mind. You can always opt for a professional cleaner, but DIY is all pretty simple thanks to techniques and cleaning products suitable for various upholsteries.

To avoid ruining your upholstery, don’t forget to test any stain remover first on a discreet spot before applying them onto your car seats.

Persistent stains on leather

1. Precondition the leather with a leather conditioner.

2. Apply leather stain remover and rub into the stain.

3. Give it about 30 seconds then clean off the stain remover.

Ink stains

1. Dilute some hairspray or rubbing alcohol with water.

2. Spray the solution on the stain.

3. Dab gently with a moist, clean cloth to avoid smearing the ink further on the upholstery.

Greasy and oily stains

(i.e. lipstick, food grease)

1. Get some paint thinner and a cotton cloth.

2. Dilute paint thinner with water on a ratio of 1:1.

3. Wet cotton cloth with the solution and knead it into the stain.

4. Powder the stain with salt or cornmeal and let it rest overnight. 

5. Vacuum it up.

Coffee stains

1. Dilute the coffee spot with cold water and dab with a paper towel.

2. Apply some glass cleaner and give it 5 minutes.

3. To remove the stain further, dab repeatedly with a paper towel.

4. If the stain remains, scrub the area with dishwashing liquid and cleanse with warm water.

5. Dab the area again with paper towel and dry using a hair dryer.

* Make sure you hold the hair dryer far enough from the spot to avoid scorching the upholstery!

Vomit stains

1. Wipe up any remaining vomit and blot the stain with cold water to dilute.

2. Wash the stain with warm water and mild soap mixture.

3. Dab the area with a cloth dipped in carbonated water to neutralize the stain.

4. A combination of baking soda and water also works - it will further help getting the smell off.

Blood stains

1. Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water.

* Avoid hot water or soap!

2. Repeat until the stain disappears.