This Is The Right Way to Clean Your Leather or Cloth Car Seats, According to Experts
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You may be diligent about keeping the exterior of your car looking sparkling clean through frequent visits to the car wash — but when was the last time you cleaned your car seats? Your car seats are subject to as much wear and tear as your couch cushions, but it's easy to overlook them in your seasonal cleaning routine.
“Cleaning your car seats regularly helps maintain a clean environment by removing dirt, spills, and allergens. It also prevents the buildup of odors and dust, allowing your car to be a clean and safe area,” says Kelly Love, cofounder of the all-natural cleaning brand Branch Basics. According to Love, you should be deep-cleaning your car seats at least every 3-6 months, depending on how often you drive, the number of passengers you're usually transporting, and how frequently spills happen.
From the cleaning items you'll want to have on hand to the specific how-tos on spiffing up both cloth and leather material, here's what you need to know about how to clean your car seats.
The Best Products for Cleaning Car Seats
To properly clean your car seats, you’ll need a few essential cleaning items. According to Amy Brooks, the National Sales Executive at Chase Auto, you'll want to keep these products on hand:
Vacuum with hose attachment
Microfiber cloths or soft-bristled brush
Antibacterial spray or wipes
Baking soda
Leather or fabric upholstery cleaner
While you’re cleaning your car seats, it’s also a good idea to pay attention to other areas of your car that you or your passengers frequently touch.
“It is important to sanitize and disinfect high-contact surfaces often, including the door handles and light switches inside of your car,” says Dr. Julie McKinney, Global Director of Microbiology & Virology at Reckitt. “Disinfecting with the correct products can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.”
How to Clean Cloth Car Seats
To clean cloth car seats, start by vacuuming the floors to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, you can move onto the seats.
“Create a nontoxic cleaning solution by diluting a cleaning concentrate with distilled water to prevent mineral rings,” explains Love.
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Spray this solution directly onto the cloth upholstery or apply the solution to a microfiber cloth or scrub brush and gently scrub the area. Then, rinse with distilled water and blot dry with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary.
For tougher stains on cloth seats, Love recommends that you make a paste using the nontoxic cleaning solution and baking soda (or Branch Basics Oxygen Boost). Apply the paste to the stain, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly and blot dry. For an even deeper clean, you can use an upholstery cleaner machine on your car seats.
Once you’ve lifted the tough stain, you should sanitize and disinfect the seats, too.
“To sanitize and disinfect, hold a disinfecting spray upright 6-8 inches from the surface, and spray 3 to 4 seconds until covered with mist,” says Dr. McKinney.
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How to Clean Leather Car Seats
When cleaning your leather car seats, make sure you give them the TLC the material deserves.
Start by vacuuming the floors and seats to eliminate dirt and crumbs. Then, Love suggests using a mild soap solution on a soft cloth to gently wipe down the seats, focusing on stained or dirty areas.
“Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the leather,” says Love. When cleaning leather, always use mild soaps (which may require dilution), and avoid products with ammonia, acetone, alcohol, or bleach. Another option is to use a commercial leather-cleaning spray or wipes.
Once you've applied the gentle cleaning solution, finish by wiping the seats with a damp cloth. To avoid scratching your leather seats, opt for a microfiber towel.
“These soft, absorbent towels are nonscratching and particularly good at grabbing onto dirt particles,” adds Brooks.
Finally, let your seats air-dry completely before taking your ride for a spin.
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