Cloth car seats handle a lot of abuse, from food stains, pet hair, and kids to spilled drinks and grocery mishaps. It is important to vacuum car seats weekly (don’t forget the car mats), and spot-treat fresh stains.

Thoroughly clean the seats seasonally or more often, depending on the use and activity in your car. Apply a protective coating once it’s clean.

According to www.thespruce.com, always check upholstery cleaner labels for compatibility and test on a hidden area before full use to ensure safety for your fabric.

*Vacuum the seats;

Begin by vacuuming fabric seats with a handheld vacuum to remove dust, debris, and pet hair.

Use the crevice tool for tight spaces between the seat and back. Then, brush with the upholstery tool to lift and refresh the fabric fibers.

*Pre-treat stains;

Pre-treat stains like food, grease, and mud with upholstery cleaner before full cleaning.

Apply, scrub, and let it for 15 minutes. For dye-based stains, use a tested paste of oxygen-based bleach and water.

Let it sit for an hour, then vacuum off the residue. Repeat if necessary.

*Apply the upholstery cleaner solution;

Mix upholstery cleaner with warm water as directed on the label.

Use a spray bottle to lightly apply the solution, starting from the top of the seat. Avoid oversaturating the fabric to prevent damage.

*Scrub away the dirt;

After spraying the cleaning solution on the seat, use a scrub brush to work it in. Go over every inch of the seat, starting at the top, so any dirty solution drips down.

As your scrub brush becomes soiled, rinse it in a bucket of clear water and shake it to remove excess moisture.

*Wipe away excess moisture;

Use an absorbent microfibre cloth to wipe away any excess moisture. This will also help lift any matted fibers.

*Repeat all steps if needed;

If the upholstery still looks soiled, repeat the steps.

Expect to do several rounds of cleaning on heavily soiled upholstery.

*Allow the seats to dry;

Allow the seats to dry completely before using the car again. It usually takes two to three hours to dry.

If you need to speed up the drying process, use a fan in the car, blowing toward the seats, or park the car in the sunniest location. If the seats still feel damp, place a small container of moisture-absorbing crystals (a drying agent) in the car to trap the moisture.

*Add a protective coating;

Spray a protective coating on the upholstery to make cleaning easier next time. The coating prevents dirt and stains from settling into the fabric.

*Tips to keep your cloth car seats clean longer;

Keep a towel under your seat to catch food spills and use sealed cups for drinks to prevent leaks.

Regularly detail your car every few months to deep clean the interior and upholstery, increasing frequency based on how dirty it gets.

Begin by vacuuming fabric seats with a handheld vacuum to remove dust, debris, and pet hair. Picture: THESPRUCE.COM

Thoroughly clean the seats seasonally or more often, depending on the use and activity in your car. Picture: THESPRUCE.COM

Spray a protective coating on the upholstery to make cleaning easier next time.