7 minutes
Going to a car wash isn’t your only option for cleaning car seats. Find out how to make them look flawless at home!
Spilled food or drink, cigarette residue, and dust are some of the most common factors that tend to make car seats dirty. The task of cleaning them is a headache for some, but the truth is that it is very easy to do at home. Like it or not, it is inevitable!
In this sense, it is important that you do it frequently and with the right materials so as not to affect the upholstery fabric. There’s nothing like getting in a car and having it look and smell clean.
Materials and elements necessary for cleaning the car seats
For cloth seats you need the following:
- A spatula.
- Upholstery soap or, failing that, common detergent.
- Dry foam.
- Glass cleaner.
- Alcohol.
For leather seats the essential elements are the following:
- Microfiber towels.
- Suede.
- Leather cleaner.
- Leather conditioner.
Finally, for both types of seat you will require the following:
- A vacuum cleaner.
- Water.
- Cloths.
- A brush.
- Air freshener or humidifier.
Step by step in cleaning car seats
We are going to see the steps you must follow once you have gathered the necessary elements. If you follow them to the letter, the result will be fabulous.
1. Identify the enemies of the car seats
Cleaning is essential for the maintenance of the vehicle, so much so that its useful life will depend on your care. If you want to win the battle against dirt, the starting point is to spot the enemies:
- Tobacco: When you smoke in the car or simply by placing the cigarette butts in your ashtray, the smell of tobacco is impregnated.
- Meal: you would be surprised if you knew how far the remains of the food you eat in the car go. Not to mention those products that melt, such as chocolate.
- Drinks: While the car is in motion and you drink some juice, coffee or soda, you can’t expect anything other than spilling it. Consequently, rest assured that the spots will appear.
- Mud and sand: it is impossible to prevent people from getting in the car and getting sand or mud on their feet, especially in the rainiest seasons. If it’s children, the cushions will almost certainly get dirty.
- Makeup: As for women, sometimes the time is very short and we cannot put on makeup at home. The car seats end up paying for the broken dishes; They are exposed to lip stains, face powder, foundation or any other cosmetic.
- Body fluids: adults and young people control their physiological needs, but the little ones in the house not always. It is common for them to urinate because they could not bear the urge.
2. Vacuum the car seats
After knowing the most common dirt agents, you need to take a deep breath in every corner of the car, especially in the most remote parts. Do this from the middle out, emphasizing the area where the back and seat meet.
We advise you to repeat this activity once a week. This will remove dust and loose debris, while clarifying the view to better see spot spots.
3. Clean the fabric seats with special products
After vacuuming, one of the options is to use a dry foam. Apply it to the upholstery and wait for it to take effect in a couple of minutes.
However, using a soap created for upholstery is the most ideal. However, other soaps are also useful, such as laundry detergent, as long as they do not have components that deteriorate the textile.
The classic process is to rub gently but firmly, rinse and dry. However, there are more stubborn stains that warrant another procedure:
- Mud: if it is hard, first try using a dry brush. Next, use the soap diluted in water to loosen the rest of the mud and remove it completely. For this, a thick bristle brush will help.
- Chewing gums: instead, you should focus on hardening this treat. The trick is to place a piece of ice right on top and voila! Then peel it off little by little, with a spatula.
- Liquids: Experts suggest that you act quickly on spilled beverages because beyond the stain are the unpleasant odors produced by moisture and decay. Begin by absorbing the liquid with napkins or rags. Then, use the soap as we already explained. Finally, mix a glass cleaner with water and spray it on to neutralize the bad smell.
- Chocolate: a damp cloth with soap will be enough to finish off your trail.
- Ink: the secret is to combine the alcohol with a little water. It is ideal for reducing an ink stain.
- Fat: demand more powerful products, which have compounds such as acetone or benzol.
- Blood: no one is exempt from accidents and blood can fall on the seats. To remove it, mix the dry foam with a mild detergent or salt water. If it’s dry, the glycerin will do you good.
- Threw up: It’s the most uncomfortable! Start by removing the solid residue and scrubbing the soap with a brush.
Any of these processes must be done with the doors open and it is important that they remain open for at least half an hour after finishing.
4. Clean leather seats with special products
To keep this type of upholstery in perfect condition, moisten the microfiber towel with water and wipe it all over the seats of the car. In this way, you will say goodbye to the softest stains. Immediately blot any traces of water with the help of a dry cloth.
In this order of ideas, take the chamois to spread the leather cleaner, using circular and delicate movements. If you notice any persistent stains, it is best to use a brush with soft bristles.
Later, remove the excess of the product with the help of another microfiber towel. Now, use the special conditioner for this material; do it by hand or with an applicator. It is essential that you let it act for about 10 or 15 minutes to remove the excesses.
5. Use a humidifier or air freshener
After having cleaned everything very well, it remains to improve the aroma. Thus, you can be sure that your stay in your car will be more pleasant.
Fortunately, in the market you can find natural air fresheners and humidifiers to which It is possible to add the aromatic oil of your preference. They are the most appropriate, since they do not harm the environment or the body.
When to wash car seats with a professional?
Without a doubt, going to specialized workshops is the most expensive alternative. Turn to it when you have no choice.
The industrial products they use there are very effective and thus will leave the car seats gleaming. A good example is when there is a strong smell of vomit, urine or feces: Also when you are faced with stains that do not come out with any home remedy.
Don’t put off cleaning your car seats!
Lack of time or fatigue are just excuses that make you postpone, over and over again, cleaning the seats of your vehicle. Delaying it will accumulate dirt, stains, grease, and endless waste.
Time to get in on the action and set a cleaning schedule, appropriate to your routines and the use you give to your car. You can carry out superficial toilets weekly and, every quarter, a deeper one.
What you should be clear about is that Ideally, clean up any spills on the spot. Finally, remember that the best way to keep the seats in good condition is to avoid, as far as possible, anything that could make them dirty.
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