How To Clean Car Seats: Leather, Cloth, Vinyl & Suede

It can be a real challenge to keep your car clean and tidy, especially when you live a busy or adventurous lifestyle (or just have small children!).

This blog focuses on efficiently cleaning the most common types of car seat fabrics. I wouldn’t say these are the best way to clean car seats but these are tried-and-true techniques that have been proven highly effective in my experience. 

How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Leather, while durable, can lose its softness and color over time if not cared for properly.

Cleaning leather car seats depends on the color of your seat, exposure, and level of use. You can clean the seats every 2-3 months under normal usage. 

However, if your car carries multiple passengers, has light-colored leather, or frequently carries pets or kids, consider monthly cleaning for long-term care. 

Leather Car Seat Cleaning: Here’s What You Need

• Microfiber cloths
• Leather cleaner or a mild soap solution
• Leather conditioner
• Soft-bristled brush

Steps to Deep Clean Leather Seats

1. Start by vacuuming the seats to remove any loose dirt or debris. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the leather surface.
2. Apply a high-quality leather cleaner solution onto a microfiber cloth. Gently clean the seats using a soft-bristled brush, ensuring not to soak the leather.
3. After cleaning, use a new, clean microfiber cloth to wipe off the leather cleaner from the seats. 
4. Once the seats are clean, evenly apply the leather conditioner onto the seats, following the product instructions. This will help replenish the natural oils and keep the leather soft and flexible.
5. Allow it to absorb and air dry the seats completely before using the seats again.

Check our detailed guide on how to vacuum a car.

How to Clean Cloth Car Seats

Cloth also known as fabric car seats is comfortable and breathable but is also a magnet for dust, allergens, and stains.

What Do You Need To Clean Cloth Car Seats?

• Vacuum cleaner
• An upholstery cleaner or mild soap solution
• Soft brush or sponge
• Microfiber towels

Steps to Clean Cloth Car Seats

1. Vacuum the seats thoroughly to remove loose dust and dirt from the surface and crevices. 
2. Spray an upholstery cleaner directly on the fabric or mix mild soap with warm water for a homemade solution. 
3. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the seat gently. Avoid oversaturating the fabric to prevent watermarks. 
4. Use a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture, as lingering dampness not only causes a musty odor in your car but also promotes the growth of mold and mildew.
5. Open the cars or windows to allow the seats to air dry completely. 

How to Clean Vinyl Car Seats

Vinyl car seats are known for their durability and ease of cleaning, but they require specific care to prevent damage and maintain their comfortable feel.

Tools Needed for Vinyl Car Seat Cleaning

• Vinyl cleaner or mild soap solution
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Protective vinyl treatment

Steps to Clean Vinyl Car Seats

1. Wipe down the seats with a damp microfiber cloth to remove surface dirt.
2. Use a specialized vinyl cleaner or a mixture of soap and water focusing on soiled areas. 
3. Scrub the affected area using a sponge or soft cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing that may damage the seat. 
4. Wipe off the cleaner with a clean, damp microfiber cloth, then dry the seats thoroughly.
5. Use a protective treatment to keep the seats resistant to cracking and fading.

How to Clean Suede Seats

Suede, a soft and delicate material, can be damaged by improper cleaning methods. Suede is often used interchangeably with Alcantara, a synthetic microfiber that mimics suede but is slightly more durable.

What You’ll Need to Clean Suede Seats

• Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
• A suede brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Suede cleaner or a homemade solution (mild soap and water)
• White microfiber cloths
• Clean, dry sponge

Steps to Clean Suede Car Seats

1. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt and debris. Pay attention to creases and seams where dirt tends to accumulate.
2. Gently use a suede brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to lift dirt from the fibers. Brush in one direction to avoid damaging the material.
3. Dampen a white microfiber cloth with suede cleaner or a mild soap solution. Gently wipe the surface in a circular motion, being careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
4. Allow the seats to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
5. Once dry, use the suede brush to restore the fabric’s soft, textured appearance. 

How to Clean Between Car Seats

Here are 3 different ways to tackle the grime and debris between your seats.

Vacuum Attachments

You can use a variety of vacuum attachments to get in the nooks and crannies of cars, and thankfully the thinner attachments are fantastic at getting between seats.

You can use small car vacuums or household vacuums with a hose and attachment to clean the hard-to-reach spots thoroughly.

Blow Air

Blowing air is a method best done before any other cleaning has taken place.  Use a small air blower or a can of compressed air to get rid of dirt from between the seats. 

This is an inexpensive way to remove the debris from between your seats, just be sure to wipe down afterward to remove stubborn dust and grime.

Remove Seats for Deep Cleaning

If you have some extra time and want a thorough clean, consider removing the seats. This allows full access to hidden dirt and debris. 

This method is time-consuming and may involve dealing with wires or other components attached to the seats. Always consult your car’s manual before attempting to remove seats, and proceed cautiously to avoid damage.

How To Clean Seatbelt

While seatbelts are often missed in the entire cleaning process of the car, they usually carry a lot of dirt, sweat, and stains over time. 

1. Extend the seat belt fully to expose the entire length. Secure it with a clip or a clamp to prevent it from retracting during cleaning.
2. Mix a mild soap or fabric cleaner with warm water in a small container.
3. Dip a soft brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the seat belt. Focus on areas with visible stains or discoloration.
4. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution, ensuring no soap remains on the fabric.
5. Allow the seat belt to air dry completely before retracting it. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, as they may damage the belt material.

Taking care of all these small details in your car seat cleaning process makes your car more hygienic and comfortable.

If you are unable to clean the stains in your car by yourself, you can always contact a detailer near you and get your car seats detailed with a professional car detailing service. 

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