How to wash your car seats?

Your vehicle is your pride and joy. While a regular car wash keeps the exterior sparkling, the interior deserves equal attention. Learning how to effectively wash your car seats is essential, as they collect everything from dust and food crumbs to sweat and pet hair, leading to a grubby and uninviting cabin in no time.

Whether you prefer the convenience of a dedicated self-serve bay or a thorough clean at home, this guide will walk you through the best methods for all seat types.

How often should you clean car seats?

Every vehicle is different. Frequency depends on your habits, like eating in the car, outdoor activities, or travelling with pets. Trust your intuition: when seats start to look dirty or develop an odour, it’s time. For most, a deep clean every 1-3 months is ideal, with quick wipe-downs in between.

What supplies would you need?

The best cleaning materials depend on your seat type:

• Leather Seats: Use dedicated leather cleaning wipes for quick upkeep. For a deeper clean, a leather cleaner and conditioner combo applied with a soft, damp cloth works best. Always finish with a dry microfibre cloth.
• Fabric/Cloth Seats: An all-purpose cleaner or homemade solutions (like baking soda paste or a vinegar mix) are effective. Avoid oversaturating the fabric.
• Vinyl Seats/Covers: An all-purpose cleaner works well here, too. Allow to air dry completely.

Always remember: Spot test any cleaner on a small, hidden area of the seat first to prevent discolouration or damage.

How to deep clean car seats?

For Leather Seats:

1. Vacuum Thoroughly: Remove all loose dirt and debris from seams and crevices.
2. Treat Stains: For stubborn marks, lightly dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad, then wipe immediately with a damp cloth.
3. Clean: Apply a leather cleaner with a soft cloth using circular motions.
4. Dry & Condition: Buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Apply a leather conditioner to replenish oils, prevent cracks, and protect against future stains. Allow seats to dry for an hour if possible.

For Fabric/Cloth Seats:

1. Vacuum: This is the most critical first step, remove all loose particles.
2. Treat Stains: For deep-set stains, use a carpet cleaning foam or a mix of water and laundry detergent. Spray or dab onto the stain, let sit for a minute, then gently scrub with a medium-bristle brush or even a toothbrush for precision.
3. Clean the Entire Seat: Using your chosen cleaner (like a water-detergent mix or an all-purpose cleaner), work in sections. Dab and blot, don’t rub to lift dirt.
4. Rinse & Dry: Wipe cleaned areas with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove soap residue. Use as little moisture as possible to avoid soaking the foam underneath, which can lead to mold and odours. Vacuum over the damp fabric once more to help lift the fibres and speed up drying.

Can you machine-wash car seats?

Generally, no. Leather should never be soaked, and built-in cloth seat cushions cannot fit in a machine. However, removable fabric seat covers purchased separately can often be machine-washed. Use a short, gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinkage. When in doubt, hand washing is the safer choice.

The home cleaning advantage

Cleaning at home allows you to tackle interiors fully without time pressure, letting seats air dry completely, a key step often overlooked. Start by removing and cleaning mats, wiping the dashboard, and then focus on the seats with the methods above. Finish with an odour-eliminating spray or a light air freshener for that final touch of freshness.

When should you seek a professional space?

If you lack space at home, want to combine it with an exterior wash, or simply desire professional-grade equipment, using a self-serve car wash bay is an excellent option. It provides the space, powerful vacuums, and lighting needed to transform your interior.

Keep your car’s cabin as impeccable as its exterior. With this regular care, your seats will stay fresh, comfortable, and preserve your car’s value for every journey ahead.