How to clean car seats and upholstery stains

Kids, pets, sports, work - our lives are busy and with this usually comes mess - specifically inside our cars which can often be a taxi, restaurant, and carrier of equipment as we move from A to B.

So, whether it’s spilt chicken nugget sauce, mud from work or footy boots, sweat, or an accident from our human or fur-children - our car’s upholstery can be left marked or stained - and depending on what the stain is and what type of material it has seeped its way into - removing it can be a nightmare.

But before you start screaming and overzealously shaking your head as if starring in a scene from a 90s infomercial, take a breath and read on.

carsales has you covered (and not in tomato sauce).

Chris Jager, head of Finder Shopping says that how best to clean car seats and upholstery depends on the material.

“Car upholstery is made from a variety of materials. The choice depends on the make of car and the amount of money you’re willing to spend.”

The main types available in Australia include nylon, polyester, leather, vinyl and Alcantara (a high-end synthetic material made from polyester and polyurethane), or a combination of these.

“Each material has its own pros and cons when it comes to looking its best and for cleaning,” Jager says.

“For example, leather is much easier to wipe down after a spill, but it also requires extensive upkeep and can be easily damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.”

“Nylon, on the other hand, requires minimal maintenance but is also more susceptible to food and drink stains.”

To do this Jager suggests the following:

Use a fitted seat cover

This is one of the best ways to protect your upholstery from stains and general wear.

“You can purchase a set of four online for as little as $50. Bear in mind though that this will compromise the look of your car interior, especially if you buy cheap.” 

Use a seat cushion, mats, and boot liners

Fabric seat cushions can essentially double as seat protectors.

“You can pick these up from stores like Kmart for around $20 per seat. As with fitted seat covers, the aesthetics vary depending on how much you spend,” says Jager.

You can also use floor mats and boot (or trunk) liners for more protection.

Regularly vacuuming and cleaning your car seats can prevent dirt and grime from building up.

"If your seats are made from cloth fabric, it’s important to address the stain as soon as possible, just like you would with a stained piece of clothing,” says Jager.

Like a good scout - being prepared is a sign of a good driver too - and this means having emergency supplies on hand, or in your glovebox or boot, in case of an accident.

“Your kit should include a microfibre cloth, wet wipes, a cleaning spray, and a toothbrush for stubborn stains,” says Jager. 

Being able to clean a mess straight away will help prevent the stain from festering which can make the removal process more difficult (and sometimes smelly).

While it is critical to read the cleaning instructions as per the car’s user manual first, Jager says there is a general process that can be followed for removing stains.

Vacuum

To remove stains from car seats and upholstery, start by vacuuming the area to remove loose dirt and debris. 

Cleaning the stain

For fabric seats, a mixture of vinegar, dish soap and warm water can be an effective DIY cleaning solution. Spray the solution on the stain, scrub gently with a brush and blot with a microfibre cloth. For tougher stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied and scrubbed with a toothbrush. 

For leather seats, use a non-gel toothpaste or a specialised leather cleaner, apply it with a soft cloth and gently scrub the stain. Always test any cleaning solution on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.

Let it dry

After cleaning, it’s important to let the seats air dry completely to prevent mould or mildew.

For persistent stains

For persistent or deep-set stains, using a steam cleaner or a portable carpet cleaner can provide a more thorough clean. 

While there are enough products available to make even non-infomercial viewers scream, Finder has undertaken the research and when it comes to commercial products, recommends Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner (for leather upholstery) and Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor (for cloth-based upholstery).

“These products are designed to tackle a variety of stains and are safe for most car types,” Jager says.