Keeping the interior of your car clean is just as important as maintaining the exterior of your car. You may be spending more time in your car than you think. It is therefore very important to keep the inside of the car clean as well. Not only for your health, but also for your peace of mind. Fortunately, cleaning the upholstery can be quite simple thanks to various techniques or with the help of specific cleaning products.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Removing Stains
Step 1. Test the stain remover before use
You don't want the stain remover to damage your upholstery, so test it first on a small area of upholstery that would normally be out of sight.
Step 2. Pre-treat stubborn stains on leather
Use a leather conditioner to pre-treat stubborn stains on leather upholstery. Then apply a stain remover suitable for leather upholstery and rub it in. Leave it on the stain for about half a minute and then remove the substance.
Step 3. Remove ink stains
For ink stains, use hairspray or a mixture of alcohol and water. Spray the hairspray on the stain and blot gently with a damp, clean cloth to prevent the stain from spreading over the upholstery.
Step 4. Remove grease and oil stains
To remove grease and oil stains, such as lipstick or food stains, use a water-based paint thinner and a cotton cloth. Pour a small amount of paint thinner into a cup and add an equal amount of water. Dip the cloth in the cup and then rub the spot. Sprinkle the stain with salt or cornmeal and let it soak overnight. Remove it the next day with a vacuum cleaner.
Test the paint thinner on your upholstery before using it to remove the stain. You have to be sure that it does not damage the upholstery
Step 5. Remove coffee stains
If you have spilled coffee, dilute it immediately with cold water and then remove the substance with paper towels. Apply a small amount of glass cleaner and let it sit for about five minutes. Remove the whole with a piece of kitchen paper to remove the stain as best as possible.
- Dab instead of scrubbing. Never treat a stain by scrubbing hard, as this can cause the stain to penetrate deeper into the upholstery.
- If the coffee stain is still visible, scrub the upholstery with dish soap and then rinse with warm water. Dry the treated area again by dabbing with kitchen paper. You can also use a hairdryer. Hold the hair dryer a few centimeters above the spot so that the heat will not damage the upholstery.
Step 6. Remove vomit stains
If someone is carsick in your car and has vomited on the seat, sofa or floor, try to clean it as soon as possible. This is to prevent it from drawing further into the upholstery. Remove the vomit with paper towels and dilute the stain with cold water. Then scrub the stain with mild soap and warm water. Then neutralize the stain by pouring a small amount of club soda onto a cloth and dabbing it on the stain.
You can also choose to use a mixture of soda (baking soda) and water. The soda will help absorb the odor
Step 7. Remove blood stains
Blood stains can be tricky to remove. Do not use hot water or soap. With lukewarm or warm water you promote the clotting process, making it much more difficult to remove the blood stain. Dip a cloth in cold water and then dab it on the blood stain. Then rinse the cloth under the tap and dab on the stain again, until it is gone.
Method 2 of 7: Cleaning fabric upholstery
Step 1. Use a homemade upholstery cleaner
You don't have to spend a lot of money on professional cleaners for cleaning your upholstery. Instead, make your own using natural ingredients. Mix water with dish soap in a bucket, then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Hold the spray bottle about 6 to 8 inches above the stain, then spray the mixture onto the stain.
- Then gently brush the upholstery with a soft brush. Rinse the area with warm water and use a clean cloth. Rinse this cloth regularly.
- Treat one chair or spot at a time. Rinse each treated area thoroughly before starting to remove the next stain.
- Dry the treated areas with a microfibre cloth.
Step 2. Use a mixture of soap, borax and warm water
Make a natural, non-abrasive cleanser by grating a bar of soap (e.g. Ivory) until you have an amount equal to about six tablespoons. Add the grated soap and two tablespoons of borax to a bucket. Slowly add two cups of boiling water as well. You can also add ten drops of essential oil for the fragrance. Let it cool completely and then mix well. For example, use a whisk, mix until a thick layer of foam has formed.
- Apply the foam to the upholstery with a soft brush. Rinse the area with warm water and use a clean cloth. Rinse this cloth regularly.
- Treat one chair or spot at a time. Rinse each treated area thoroughly before starting to remove the next stain.
Step 3. Use a professional upholstery cleaner
These cleaners are available at most hardware stores or supermarkets and are inexpensive. However, they often contain heavy chemicals. Follow the instructions on the package to use the product correctly. Apply the cleaner to the upholstery and use a brush to brush it into the upholstery. Then rinse the area well.
Step 4. Rent a steam cleaner
Steam cleaners are offered for rent by many hardware stores. These are ideal for deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. The device spreads warm water over the area to be cleaned and then immediately sucks it up again. In addition to the water, the steam cleaner also absorbs the dirt. Renting a steam cleaner is possible from about € 20 to € 30 per day.
- Follow the instructions to use the steam cleaner correctly.
- You can buy a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner to use in the steam cleaner. You can also choose to make your own natural solution by mixing white vinegar with water. Add a few drops of essential oil if necessary.
- Change the water in the water tank regularly to avoid cleaning the upholstery with dirty water.
Step 5. Use a toothbrush to clean the seams
The seams are the lines where the pieces of upholstery are sewn together. Dust and dirt accumulate in the seams and are often difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner or cloth. Use a toothbrush to remove dust and dirt from the seams. Gently polish the seams.
Step 6. Clean the floor mats
Remove the mats from the car and clean them with the same cleaner you used for the rest of the upholstery. After cleaning, rinse them well and dry them with a microfibre cloth.
After cleaning, apply a coat of liquid shoe polish to rubber or vinyl floor mats. This gives the mats a nice shine and makes rinsing and cleaning easier in the future
Step 7. Use an adhesive roller
An adhesive roller uses an adhesive tape to remove dust, lint, hair, and other debris. Remove any hard-to-remove dirt by rolling the adhesive roller over the upholstery. Replace the adhesive tape regularly for optimal results.
Step 8. Use a microfiber cloth to prevent the fluff from spreading
Use a microfiber cloth to ensure no lint remains while dabbing or wiping the upholstery.
Method 3 of 7: Cleaning vinyl upholstery
Step 1. Use glass cleaner on vinyl upholstery
Of all types of upholstery, chairs with vinyl upholstery are the easiest to clean. Spilled substances and other dirt are easy to wipe up. Spray glass cleaner on the car seats and then wipe them with a soft cloth.
Treat one sitting area at a time. This is to prevent the glass cleaner from running off over the upholstery or dripping onto the floor
Step 2. Use soda and water on vinyl upholstery
You can also use a mixture of soda and water to clean and polish the upholstery. Make a paste of the two ingredients mentioned and apply it to the upholstery. Treat chair by chair. Finish the treatment by rinsing the chairs with a mixture of mild soap and water. Then dry the seats with a clean, dry cloth.
Oil-based cleaners will harden the vinyl upholstery. The use of such cleaners is therefore strongly discouraged
Step 3. Use a toothbrush to clean the seams
The seams are the lines where the pieces of upholstery are sewn together. Dust and dirt accumulate in the seams and are often difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner or cloth. Use a toothbrush to remove dust and dirt from the seams. Gently buff the seams.
Step 4. Clean the floor mats
Remove the mats from the car and clean them with the same cleaner you used for the rest of the upholstery. Use a homemade cleaning agent consisting of water and dishwashing liquid. Spray the product on the mats and scrub with a soft brush. After cleaning, rinse them well and dry them with a microfibre cloth.
After cleaning, apply a coat of liquid shoe polish to rubber or vinyl floor mats. This gives the mats a nice shine and makes rinsing and cleaning easier in the future
Method 4 of 7: Cleaning leather upholstery
Step 1. Use a leather cleaning kit for cleaning leather seats
You should be more careful with leather than with, for example, fabric or vinyl. Leather is very sensitive to drying and discoloration. It is best to clean leather with products that have been specifically developed for cleaning leather. Think of leather cleaners and conditioners. These products are often sold per set. An example of one of the producers that offers these sets for sale is Meguiar's.
Step 2. Turn on the heating
Leather responds to heat and will accept cleaning agents and treatments better in a warm environment. If you live in a warm area, turning on the heating is unnecessary. Turn on the heating for a few minutes before treating the leather in the middle of winter.
Step 3. Pre-treat stubborn stains on leather
Stubborn stains on leather upholstery should be treated with a leather conditioner. Then apply a stain remover (which is suitable for leather) and rub it into the stain. Let the product work for about half a minute and then brush off the stain remover.
Step 4. Use a cleaner suitable for leather
Apply the cleaner to the leather, focusing on one spot at a time. Use a soft cloth to rub the product into the leather. Then remove the agent with clean water.
Follow the instructions on the product label for proper application
Step 5. Use a homemade mild detergent
A mixture of mild hand soap and warm water is perfect for cleaning leather upholstery. Do not use too much water. Make sure to completely remove the soapy mixture using a clean, wet cloth.
Step 6. Make sure the leather is well dried
When you're done cleaning the leather, make sure the damp spots are completely dry before applying a leather conditioner. Although leather naturally repels water, the conditioner will not soak into the leather cover when it is still wet.
Step 7. Use a water-based pH neutral conditioner
The conditioner will restore and replenish the natural oils in the leather, leaving it looking shiny and like new. Cheaper variants are sometimes petroleum-based and can stain clothing. They may also leave a greasy film on the upholstery. By using a pH-neutral, water-based conditioner you keep both your upholstery and clothing in good condition.
Apply the conditioner to the leather using a cloth. Wipe off the excess conditioner and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before using the car again
Step 8. Use a toothbrush to clean the seams
The seams are the lines where the pieces of upholstery are sewn together. Dust and dirt accumulate in the seams and are often difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner or cloth. Use a toothbrush to remove dust and dirt from the seams. Gently buff the seams.
Step 9. Clean the floor mats
Remove the mats from the car and clean them with the same cleaner you used for the rest of the upholstery. Use a homemade cleaning agent consisting of water and washing-up liquid. Spray the product on the mats and scrub them with a soft brush. After cleaning, rinse them well and dry them with a microfibre cloth.
After cleaning, apply a coat of liquid shoe polish to rubber or vinyl floor mats. This gives the mats a nice shine and makes rinsing and cleaning easier in the future
Method 5 of 7: Vacuum your car
Step 1. Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner
A Kärcher wet and dry vacuum cleaner, for example, is a powerful and handy device that can be used during many different cleaning jobs. Such devices often have a long hose or nozzle and a long cord, which makes vacuuming your car a lot easier.
- You can also choose to use the vacuum cleaners at a car wash or gas pump. These vacuum cleaners are usually free. However, in some locations they only work after inserting a coin. The vacuum cleaners have a long hose, however, they run on time, occasionally interrupting the cleaning process when the time is up.
- You can also use a petty thief. These are ideal for smaller cleanings, but often have too little suction power to be able to vacuum the entire car.
Step 2. Use plastic attachments for your vacuum cleaner
Most vacuum cleaners come with plastic attachments. These are a lot better than metal attachments. The main reason is that you can damage the interior or the upholstery of your car with attachments made of metal. This risk is particularly high with leather or vinyl upholstery.
Useful attachments include brushes with a wide opening or a thinner, narrow version for vacuuming hard-to-reach places, such as crevices
Step 3. Move the seats
Make sure to remove all dust and grime from the seams and crevices when vacuuming your car. Move the backrest forwards or backwards to make hard-to-reach areas accessible. Slide the seats forward to make it easier to reach the area under the seats with the vacuum cleaner.
Also remove the child seat so that the area around the seat and especially under the seat can be properly cleaned. An accumulation of crumbs and other dirt can often be seen in this place
Step 4. Temporarily remove the floor mats
Vacuum the floor under the floor mats. Temporarily removing the floor mats also makes it easier to clean.
Step 5. Vacuum regularly
Removing dust and dirt ensures that they do not have a chance to soak into the upholstery. This will result in stubborn stains if this does happen. Make it a habit to vacuum your car at least once a month. Do this more often if dirt builds up quickly.
Method 6 of 7: Hire a professional cleaning company
Step 1. Find a cleaning company near you
A professional cleaning company will completely clean your car. Think of the upholstery, the dashboard, the air intakes, the windows and all other places. Inquire about a cleaning company from family and friends or search online for one near you.
- Verify that the appropriate company is certified and trained in the use of the equipment. Also check whether the cleaning company is insured.
- Contact various cleaning companies and inquire about an estimated price. With the information obtained you can compare the different companies in your area.
Step 2. Ask the cleaning company for a quote
Take your car to the company so they can see the size of the car and estimate the size of the cleaning job.
However, the cleaning company should not give you a price until they have actually seen your car
Step 3. Check the work done by the cleaning company
Check that the car has been cleaned to your satisfaction before you pay and leave. If your car has a child seat, make sure it has been removed during the cleaning and that the area under the seat has been cleaned properly.
Step 4. Ask the cleaning company which cleaning products they use
Most companies will use professional and harsh chemical products to clean your car. If you prefer environmentally friendly products, look for a cleaning company that only uses such products.
- Some cleaning companies will try to cut costs by using cheap cleaning products. Such products can damage the interior and will not provide results for a long time.
- This is especially important if you are sensitive to strong or chemical odors. These can potentially linger in your car for a long time.
Step 5. Choose a time when you can temporarily miss your car
Having your car cleaned by a professional cleaning company will take at least two hours. This can take longer if your upholstery has multiple stains or if your car is extremely dirty. Plan to run other errands nearby so you don't have to wait at the cleaning company or have someone else pick you up.
Method 7 of 7: Preventing filth
Step 1. Purchase car seat covers
Buy a set of car seat covers to protect your seats. Choose a set that matches the rest of the interior or go for a bright, colorful set with cheerful patterns. The covers are available for both the seats and the rear seats. A seat cover set costs around € 30. Most covers can be washed in the washing machine. This makes cleaning your car a lot easier.
Step 2. Apply a dirt repellent to the upholstery
A soil repellent makes it virtually impossible for stains to soak into the upholstery, significantly extending the life of the upholstery. A product such as 'HG carpet and upholstery cleaner' leaves a dirt-repellent layer and is available at most supermarkets, hardware stores and wholesalers.
Follow the instructions on the product label for proper application
Step 3. Remove stains and dirt immediately
Do not let stains and dirt sit for a long time. If they are not removed immediately, there is a chance that it will seep into the upholstery, making cleaning a very difficult job. In addition, it can cause an unpleasant odor in your car.
Step 4. Avoid eating and drinking in the car
By not consuming food and drinks in your car, you eliminate a potential stain-causing agent. Spills are inevitable if, for example, you have to brake suddenly or if you eat while driving. Avoid this risk by not allowing food or drink in your car.
Step 5. Keep your car tidy
Remove trash and other unnecessary items from your car after every ride. This reduces the risk of stains caused by greasy chips or leaking coffee cups. Throw away all waste immediately after use and do not let it pile up in your car.
Remove crayons, crayons, and other items that could potentially melt when it's hot outside. The temperature inside the car will be significantly higher than the outside temperature, which can cause items like crayons to melt and stain the upholstery
Step 6. Vacuum regularly
Removing dust and dirt ensures that they do not have a chance to soak into the upholstery. This will result in stubborn stains if this does happen. Make it a habit to vacuum your car at least once a month. Do this more often if dirt builds up quickly.