How to Clean Car Seats

To keep your vehicle in pristine condition for as long as possible, it is important to take care of both the exterior and interior. One way to ensure that your interior looks its best is to clean your car seats. Not sure how to clean car seats properly in Buffalo? That’s ok! Basil Resale Sheridan has created this guide on how to clean leather car seats and fabric car seats. Simply follow the steps below to get your car’s upholstery looking like new!

How to Clean Leather Car Seats

Supplies:

1. Leather cleaner, saddle soap, mild leather soap, or 1 part white vinegar/2 parts linseed oil solution
2. Microfiber towels
3. Interior brush (soft-bristled, NOT a stiff carpet brush)

Instructions:

1. First, take a look at your owner’s manual. It may note products to avoid for your car’s particular upholstery.
2. Carefully vacuum the seats so that the vacuum doesn’t scratch the leather.
3. Remove surface dirt and oils by spraying your leather cleaner on the microfiber towel and wiping down the seats.
4. Spray cleaner onto the seats then carefully scrub the surface with the brush. NOTE: If you have perforated leather seats, spray the cleaner on the brush instead to avoid getting the cleaner in the perforations.
5. Wipe the seats with a clean and dry microfiber towel.

How to Clean Fabric Car Seats

Supplies: 

1. Cleaning solution spray designed for fabric (NOT an all-purpose cleaner)
2. Interior brush (soft or medium stiff bristles, NOT a stiff carpet brush)
3. Microfiber towels
4. Enough time for the seats to dry before driving the car anywhere

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly vacuum the seats. If you have pets, you may need to use a special tool designed for removing pet hair.
2. Lightly spray the cleaning solution onto an area you want to clean. Make sure that the windows are open for proper ventilation. Be cautious not to saturate the fabric. This can lead to issues with mildew down the road.
3. Use the interior brush to massage the cleaning solution into the fabric.
4. As suds pop up, remove them with the microfiber towel. This should be done quickly because if the fabric dries before this step is complete, the dirt will be pulled back into the fibers.
5. Move to the next area you want to tackle once this area is complete.
6. When finished, vacuum the seats once more. This will help to expedite the drying process. The seats should be fully dry before you use the car again.

Turn to Basil Resale Sheridan for More Car Care Tips

Now that you know how to clean car seats, you may have other questions about proper car care. The team at Basil Resale Sheridan is here to assist you. Contact us for more information today or stop by in person. We are conveniently located near Amherst and Clarence.