How to Clean Your Car’s Upholstery and Carpet with Chemical Cleaners

By Ammar Hassan Merie | September 24, 2024

Cleaning Car's Upholstery and Carpet

Spills, stains, and everyday dirt can make your car’s interior look less than inviting. From spilled coffee and baby mishaps to muddy boots and pet accidents, the upholstery and carpet inside your vehicle take a beating over time.

Remember how spotless and fresh your car’s interior felt when you first bought it? The good news is that you can restore that same clean look and scent at home! By using the right tools and chemical cleaners, you can give your car’s interior a professional valet finish without spending a fortune.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to clean your car’s upholstery and carpet using chemical cleaners. We’ll cover the necessary tools, the types of cleaners available, and a step-by-step process to achieve the best results.

 Types of Car Upholstery

What material is used for car seats

The interior of your car deserves as much care as the exterior. After all, you spend a lot of time inside your vehicle, so keeping it clean and comfortable is crucial. Here are five common types of car upholstery.

1. Cloth Upholstery: Comfort Meets Versatility

Cloth upholstery is a popular choice due to its affordability and comfort. However, it’s prone to absorbing spills quickly, which can lead to stubborn stains.

Pros

  • Comfortable and non-slippery surface
  • Durable and budget-friendly
  • Available in various designs and colors

Cons

  • Easily absorbs spills, leading to stains
  • Traps dust and allergens

Pro tip: Use a fabric protectant spray after cleaning to create a barrier that repels future spills and stains.

2. Vinyl Upholstery: A Robust Performer

Vinyl is common in trucks, commercial vehicles, and family cars. It’s known for its durability and easy cleaning process.

Pros

  • Easy to clean—usually just requires a wipe-down
  • Resistant to water and stains
  • Long-lasting with proper care

Cons

  • Can get uncomfortably hot or cold in extreme temperatures
  • May crack over time without regular maintenance

Pro tip: Use a vinyl conditioner to maintain its flexibility and prevent cracking.

3. Leather Upholstery: Symbol of Luxury

Leather is synonymous with luxury, but it requires careful maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Pros

  • Luxurious appearance and feel
  • Long-lasting if properly maintained
  • Adds significant resale value to the car.

Cons

  • Requires frequent care to avoid drying and cracking
  • Expensive

Pro tip: Park in the shade or use window covers to protect leather from UV damage and fading.

4. Synthetic Upholstery: The Fusion of Innovation and Practicality

Synthetic fabrics like nylon are commonly found in vehicles focused on utility. These materials are durable and relatively easy to clean.

Pros

  • Durable and easy to maintain
  • Offers a modern, sleek look

Cons

  • Can build up static electricity
  • May lack the comfort or luxury of leather or cloth

Pro tip: Apply a fabric guard to repel stains and increase longevity.

5. Alcantara Upholstery: The Luxury Trendsetter

Alcantara, a synthetic material designed to mimic suede, adds a touch of elegance to high-end cars.

Pros

  • Offers a soft, suede-like feel
  • Lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for sports cars

Cons

  • Can be easily damaged if not cleaned properly
  • Often requires professional cleaning

Pro tip: Use a professional-grade Alcantara cleaner to maintain its plush texture.

Tips For Cleaning Every Type of Car Upholstery

Different upholstery materials require different care. Here’s a quick guide to cleaning each type effectively:

1. Cloth Upholstery

Cloth seats are a staple in many vehicles due to their comfort and affordability. However, they can easily harbor stains and odors.

  • Vacuum regularly to remove dirt.
  • Spot-clean stains using water and mild detergent with a microfiber cloth.
  • Deep clean occasionally with a steam cleaner or specialized fabric cleaner.

2. Vinyl Upholstery

Vinyl is praised for its durability and ease of maintenance, making it ideal for families and high-usage vehicles.

  • Wipe down with soapy water and a soft cloth.
  • Apply a protectant to resist cracking.
  • Regular maintenance is key to avoiding permanent stains.

3. Leather Upholstery


Leather upholstery requires careful maintenance to prevent cracking and drying out, but it’s well worth the effort for the luxury feel.

  • Use leather-specific cleaners to avoid damage.
  • Condition regularly to prevent cracking.
  • Avoid direct sunlight to protect from fading.

4. Synthetic Suede (Alcantara)

Alcantara, while less common, offers a premium look and feels without the extensive care requirements of true suede.

  • Brush gently to keep the nap clean.
  • Use specific cleaners for synthetic suede.
  • Opt for professional cleaning when needed.

 Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin cleaning, gather the following tools and supplies:

  • Vacuum cleaner with attachments for reaching tight spaces.
  • Chemical upholstery cleaner suitable for fabric or leather (depending on your upholstery type).
  • Chemical carpet cleaner (foam or liquid).
  • Soft-bristle brush or upholstery scrub brush.
  • Microfiber cloths for wiping and drying.
  • Spray bottle (optional for diluting concentrated cleaners).
  • Bucket of clean water for rinsing.
  • Stain remover for spot treatment of tough stains – Fabric protector spray (optional for preventing future stains)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Upholstery and Carpet

Step 1 – Prepare the Interior

Before applying any cleaners, start by preparing the interior for cleaning:

  • Remove all clutter: Take out floor mats, trash, and any personal items.
  • Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner with various attachments to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the seats, carpets, and crevices. Pay special attention to seams, corners, and tight areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
  • Inspect for stains: Take note of any specific stains or areas that need special attention.

Step 2 – Choose the Right Chemical Cleaners

When selecting chemical cleaners, it’s important to choose products that are safe for your car’s specific materials. There are generally two types of upholstery materials in cars: fabric and leather.

  • For fabric upholstery: Use a foam or liquid chemical cleaner designed for automotive fabrics. These cleaners break down dirt, oils, and stains while being gentle on the material.
  • For leather upholstery: Use a cleaner specifically designed for leather to avoid damage. These cleaners often contain moisturizers to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
  • For carpets: Choose a chemical cleaner designed for deep cleaning automotive carpets. These cleaners come in foam, spray, or liquid form, and many are designed to lift embedded dirt and neutralize odors.

Step 3 – Treat Stains First

If you have any visible stains on the upholstery or carpet, treat them before cleaning the entire surface:

  • Spot test the cleaner: Before applying any chemical cleaner, test a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
  • Apply stain remover: For tough stains, use a chemical stain remover designed for upholstery or carpets. Apply the product directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristle brush.
  • Blot the stain: Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain or damage the fabric. Instead, blot the area with a clean microfiber cloth to absorb the cleaner and loosened dirt.

Step 4 – Clean the Upholstery

Now that stains are treated, it’s time to clean the rest of the upholstery:

Applying Forch-R585-TRUCKline Cleaner
  • Apply the chemical cleaner: Spray or apply the chemical cleaner to the upholstery according to the product’s instructions. For fabric seats, use a foam or liquid cleaner, and for leather, use a designated leather cleaner.
  • Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the fabric or leather in circular motions. This helps to lift dirt and grime from the fibers.
  • Wipe down the surface: For fabric seats, blot the excess cleaner and moisture with a clean microfiber cloth. For leather seats, wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry with a dry cloth.
  • Optional: For leather upholstery, apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to moisturize and protect the surface.

Step 5 – Clean the Carpet

Once the upholstery is clean, move on to the carpet:

  • Apply carpet cleaner: Spray the carpet cleaner evenly across the surface, making sure to reach the edges and corners.
  • Scrub the carpet: Use a carpet brush or a soft-bristle brush to scrub the cleaner into the fibers. Focus on areas with heavy foot traffic where dirt and stains are most likely to accumulate.
  • Blot excess cleaner: Use a microfiber cloth to blot up any excess moisture and cleaner. You can also use a wet-dry vacuum to extract the cleaner and dirt from the carpet for a deeper clean.
  • Rinse (if necessary): Some chemical carpet cleaners require rinsing. If so, use a clean cloth dampened with water to wipe down the carpet and remove any remaining residue.
  • Let it dry: Allow the carpet to air-dry completely before replacing any floor mats or driving the car. You can speed up the drying process by leaving the car windows open.
Before and after of car interior detailing service

Step 6 – Apply Fabric Protector (Optional)

To prevent future stains and make future cleaning easier, consider applying a fabric protector spray to the upholstery and carpet after cleaning. These sprays create a barrier that repels liquids and dirt, helping to keep your car’s interior clean for longer.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Interior

  • Vacuum regularly: Keeping your car’s interior vacuumed will help prevent dirt and debris from embedding into the upholstery and carpets.
  • Use seat covers and floor mats: These accessories can protect your upholstery and carpets from stains, spills, and wear.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in the car: Spills and food crumbs are the most common causes of stains and odors inside a vehicle.
  • Address stains immediately: The quicker you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove.
  • Using some of these accessories can help you reduce inside messes and keep your car smelling better.

Conclusion

Cleaning your car’s upholstery and carpet with chemical cleaners is a simple yet effective way to maintain a fresh and comfortable interior. By following these steps and using the right products, you can keep your car’s interior looking and feeling as good as new for years to come.

Enjoy your cleaner, fresher ride!

FAQs

  • Fabric Upholstery: Look for foam or liquid cleaners specifically designed for automotive fabrics. These cleaners effectively break down dirt, oils, and stains while being gentle on the fabric.
  • Leather Upholstery: Use a dedicated leather cleaner that often includes moisturizers to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking. Avoid all-purpose cleaners, as they can damage leather.

A general rule is to clean your car’s interior every 3 to 6 months. However, if you frequently use your car for eating or traveling with pets, consider cleaning it monthly to maintain a fresh environment.

It's best to avoid household cleaners. They can contain harsh chemicals that may damage the upholstery or leave behind residues that attract dirt. Always opt for cleaners designed specifically for automotive materials.

For tough stains, follow these steps:

  • Spot Test: Always test a small, hidden area with the stain remover to check for discoloration.
  • Apply Stain Remover: Use a chemical stain remover on the stain, allowing it to sit for the recommended time.
  • Scrub Gently: Use a soft-bristle brush to lightly scrub the area in circular motions.
  • Blot: Instead of rubbing, blot the area with a clean microfiber cloth to lift the stain and excess cleaner.

Yes, but ensure you use products specifically formulated for leather. These cleaners clean and condition the leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking. Regular use of a conditioner can also maintain its softness and luster.

Some carpet cleaners require rinsing to remove residues. If your cleaner specifies this, dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe down the carpet to remove any remaining cleaner. Always refer to the product instructions for best results.

After cleaning, allow the upholstery and carpet to air dry completely. Leaving the windows open can improve air circulation and speed up drying. Avoid using heat sources, as they may damage the materials.

Applying a fabric protector is optional but recommended. These sprays create a protective barrier that repels liquids and dirt, making it easier to clean up spills and stains in the future.

To keep your car’s interior clean:

  • Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum at least once a month to remove dirt and debris.
  • Use Seat Covers and Floor Mats: Protect upholstery and carpets from spills and wear.
  • Avoid Eating and Drinking: Limiting food and beverages in the car significantly reduces the chances of spills and crumbs.

The essential tools include:

  • Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum with attachments helps reach tight spaces.
  • Chemical Cleaners: Specific products for upholstery and carpets.
  • Soft-Bristle Brush: Useful for scrubbing without damaging surfaces.
  • Microfiber Cloths: For wiping and absorbing excess moisture.
  • Stain Remover: Targeted treatment for stubborn stains.