Cleaning car seats regularly is not only important for hygiene but also helps to maintain the appearance of your car’s interior. In this blog, we will give you some useful tips on how to clean car seats at home, efficiently and cheaply.
If you go to your local car wash for a regular wash or full service, it will cost you anywhere from Rs.500 to Rs.1,000. Add on an extra service in there like seat cleaning, etc., and your bill will further increase. Why pay extra for car seat cleaning when you can do it yourself and that too with no special cleaning agents?
While there are plenty of specialized car seat cleaners available in the market, they can be expensive and contain harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric of your car seats. Did you know that you can easily clean your car’s seats with everyday house cleaning products like laundry detergent, baking soda and vinegar, etc.
Before you begin cleaning the seats, you will need the following, depending on the type of seat covers:
- A vacuum cleaner
- A bowl of warm water
- A soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Dish soap or laundry detergent
However, irrespective of whether you have cloth or leather seat covers, you would need to follow the first step.
Step 1: Vacuum the Car Seats
First, you need to clean the seat by vacuuming it. Make sure you vacuum the seat thoroughly including the crevices, seams, and corners.
Now, if your seat covers are made of cloth, follow these steps:
Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution
In a bowl of warm water, add a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent. Mix the solution well until it forms a soapy mixture. You can also add a cup of white vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture for added cleaning power. Or, you can sprinkle baking soda onto the car seats and spray some water over it to create a paste.
Step 3: Clean the Car Seats
Using a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush, dip it into the cleaning solution and scrub the car seats gently. Focus on the stained areas and make sure you cover every inch of the seat. If you’re using a baking soda paste, apply it to the stained areas and leave it for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
Step 4: Wipe the Car Seats
Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the car seats to remove any excess cleaning solution or baking soda paste. Make sure you wipe the seat thoroughly to remove any residue that may have accumulated. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe the seat if necessary.
Step 5: Dry the Car Seats
Once you’ve wiped the car seats, allow them to air dry. Avoid exposing the car seats to direct sunlight as this can cause the fabric to shrink or fade. You can also use a fan to speed up the drying process.
If your car seat covers are made of leather then follow these steps after following step 1 listed above:
Step 2: Use Nail Polish Remover
If there is stain on the seat cover then dip cotton ball in nail polish and blot the affected area. What it will do is slowly lift the stain from the leather. Once lifted, clean the area with warm water and dish soap.
Step 3: Use Toothpaste
If you don’t want to or can’t use step 2, use toothpaste instead to clean stains. Dab a little bit of toothpaste on the stain and then slowly and softly scrub away the stain with the help of a clean toothbrush.
Step 4: Make a Paste of Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar
This paste will act as a bleach so use it on light-colored seat covers only. Take equal parts of both and mix them into a paste. Now apply it on the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp sponge.
Cleaning car seats with household products is an effective and affordable way to maintain the appearance of your car’s interior. By following these simple steps and using the right cleaning products, you can keep your car seats looking clean and fresh. Remember to clean your car seats regularly to prevent stains from becoming permanent and always read the manufacturer’s instructions for specialized care.
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