Keeping the interior of your car clean is just as important as maintaining the exterior. You are bound to inhabit the inside of the car while driving, so it is good for your health and peace of mind if the interior of your vehicle is kept clean. Luckily, cleaning car seats is actually quite simple thanks to the various cleaning techniques and products made specifically for car seats.
Step
Method 1 of 7: Cleaning Freckles
Step 1. Test the stain remover product before using it
You don't want the cleaning fluid to damage the upholstery, so be sure to test any stain remover product in an inconspicuous location before using it.
Step 2. Pre-treat stubborn stains on leather upholstery
For stubborn stains on leather upholstery, pre-treat the upholstery with a leather conditioner or softener. Pour the cleaning product on the stain and rub gently. Let it settle for about 30 seconds and then wipe the cleaning spill on the leather upholstery.
Step 3. Clean the ink stains
For ink stains, use hairspray or an alcohol-based abrasive mixed with water. Spray hairspray over the stain and gently blot it with a clean damp cloth to prevent the ink from spreading on the upholstery.
Step 4. Clean oil and grease stains
For grease or oil stains, such as lipstick or food marks, use a paint thinner and cotton cloth formula. Pour a small amount of paint thinner into a cup and add the same amount of water. Dip a cotton rag into the cup and rub it into the stain. Sprinkle salt or cornmeal on the stain, then leave it overnight. Clean this area with a vacuum cleaner afterwards.
Be sure to test the paint thinner on your upholstery to make sure it won't damage or stain the leather upholstery
Step 5. Clean the coffee stains
If you accidentally spill coffee, dilute it with cold water and then blot the stain with a paper towel. Give a little glass cleaner and let stand for 5 minutes. Blot again with a paper towel to remove more stains.
- Always use the absorbent method to remove stains. Never rub, so as not to seep deeper into the car seat.
- If the coffee stain is still visible, scrub the upholstery with dishwashing liquid and then rinse with warm water. Blot the area again with a paper towel. Dry with a hairdryer. Hold the blow dryer at least a few inches above the stain to prevent burning the upholstery.
Step 6. Clean the vomit stains
If someone suddenly feels nauseous in your vehicle and vomits on the seat or floor, clean it as soon as possible so it doesn't sink into the seat. Wipe off any excess vomit and then dilute the stain with cold water. Wash the area with mild soap and warm water, then neutralize the stain by pouring a small amount of club soda onto a piece of cloth to apply the stain.,
Alternatively, you can use a paste made from a mixture of baking soda and water. The baking soda will also help absorb odors
Step 7. Clean the blood stains
Blood stains are considered difficult to clean. Do not use hot water or soap, as this will only make the stain deeper. Soak a washcloth in cold water and apply it to the blood stain. Rinse the rag in cold water and reapply until the stain is removed.
Method 2 of 7: Cleaning Woven Upholstery
Step 1. Use a homemade all-purpose upholstery cleaning product
You don't have to spend a lot of money buying commercial cleaners to clean car seats. Make your own cleanser with natural ingredients. Mix 1 part water with 1 part dishwashing liquid in a bucket or jar. Mix well and pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray this mixture onto the seat, holding the bottle at a distance of about 15-20 centimeters from the seat.
- Scrub the upholstery gently with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the stained area with a clean cloth and warm water. Rinse the rag as often as possible.
- Work and clean each stain one by one. Rinse each area thoroughly before moving to another.
- Use a microfiber cloth to dry.
Step 2. Use a mixture of soap, borax and warm water cleanser
To make another natural, non-destructive cleaning mixture, grate a bar of soap (such as Lux brand) until you have 6 tablespoons of grated. Add this and 2 tablespoons of borax to the bucket. Slowly stir while adding two cups of boiling water. You can also add 10 drops of lavender essential oil for fragrance, if you like. Let cool, then stir quickly until foamy.
- Sweep and brush the foam on the car seat with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the stained area with a clean cloth and warm water. Rinse the rag as often as possible..
- Work and clean each stain one by one. Rinse each area thoroughly before moving to another.
Step 3. Use a commercial upholstery cleaner
These types of cleaners are available at home supply stores and are not very expensive. But usually use harsher chemicals. Follow the instructions for use correctly as written on the packaging. Apply the cleaner to your upholstery and use a brush to soak it into the upholstery. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Step 4. Hire a steam cleaner
Steam cleaners are available for rent at many grocery stores. This cleaning tool is able to clean car upholstery and carpet more deeply by spraying hot water on the cleaned area, then sucking back quickly. This method will extract the water from the upholstery along with all the dirt. The rental price of the steam cleaner is around IDR 484,558 - IDR 553,780 per 24 hours.
- Follow the instructions for use to operate the steam cleaner properly.
- You can purchase a commercial carpet/upholstery cleaner to work with this appliance, or you can make your own from natural ingredients by mixing 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water, plus a few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Change the water in the steam cleaner frequently so that you don't clean the upholstery with dirty water.
Step 5. Use a toothbrush to clean the seams
In the seat mount, there are many seams where the parts of the seat meet and are sewn together. Dirt and dust can easily collect there and are often difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner or rag. Use a toothbrush for these areas, brushed gently along with the cleanser of your choice.
Step 6. Clean the mat
Take the mat out of the car and clean it with the same cleaner you used to clean the upholstery. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth.
For mats made of rubber or vinyl, after cleaning, brush with liquid wax shoe polish. This will help increase shine while making it easier to rinse off and keep it clean
Step 7. Use a Lint Roller (fur remover)
Lint rollers use sticky paper to catch small objects such as fluff, food crumbs and hair. Remove hard-to-reach crumbs and hair from the woven upholstery by rolling the lint roller along the seat. Change the paper lint roller regularly to ensure that it is still sticky enough to remove bits of fabric, fur, hair and dirt.
Step 8. Use a microfiber cloth to reduce dirt transfer
When you're absorbing stains or wiping woven upholstery, use a microfiber cloth or cloth that doesn't leave any extra debris on the upholstery.
Method 3 of 7: Cleaning Vinyl Upholstery
Step 1. Use a glass cleaner on the upholstery made of vinyl
Vinyl upholstery is the easiest type to clean, as spills and dirt usually wear off on their own. Spray all-purpose glass cleaner on the seat mount and wipe with a soft cloth.
Remove each stain individually to prevent the glass cleaner from melting and dripping onto the floor
Step 2. Use baking soda and water on the vinyl upholstery
You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean and polish the vinyl upholstery. Make a paste of these two ingredients, then rub it into the upholstery, one at a time. To finish, rinse the entire seat with mild soap and water. Wipe the upholstery dry with a soft and clean cloth.
Oil-based cleaners will harden your vinyl upholstery, so don't use them
Step 3. Use a toothbrush to clean the seams
In the seat mount, there are many seams where the parts of the seat meet and are sewn together. Dirt and dust can easily collect there and are often difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner or rag. Use a toothbrush for these areas, brushed gently along with the cleanser of your choice.
Step 4. Clean the mat
Take the mat out of the car and clean it with the same cleaner you used to clean the upholstery. To clean the mat, make an all-purpose upholstery cleaner by mixing 1 part water and 1 part dishwashing liquid. Spray this liquid on the mat and brush with a bristle brush overtime. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then wipe with a microfiber cloth to dry.
For rubber or vinyl mats, you can also use liquid wax shoe polish. This will help increase shine while making it easier to rinse off and keep it clean
Method 4 of 7: Cleaning Leather Upholstery
Step 1. Use a special cleaning device for leather seats
Leather upholstery requires more careful care than woven or vinyl seats, as they are more prone to fading and aging. The best option for cleaning leather upholstery is to use a cleaner and conditioner that is specifically made for leather. These are usually available in pairs or as a package, for example the Wolfgang Brand Leather Upholstery Cockpit Care Cleaning Package or the Pinnacle Contours Interior Package.
Step 2. Turn on the car heater
Leather reacts to heat and is more receptive to cleaning and care in warm environments. If your home is hot, you don't need to turn on the heater. But in winter areas, turn on the heater for a few minutes to warm the car before cleaning the leather upholstery.
Step 3. Pre-treat stubborn stains on leather upholstery
For stubborn stains on leather upholstery, pre-treat with conditioner. Then apply a special skin stain remover on the stain and rub it in. Let it cool for about 30 seconds and then wipe off the stain.
Step 4. Use a leather cleaner
Apply a special leather cleaner to your upholstery, focusing on only one area or seat at a time. Use a soft cloth to rub the cleaner into the upholstery. Rinse the cleaner thoroughly with clean water.
Follow the instructions for proper use according to the product label
Step 5. Use a gentle homemade cleanser
You can mix a mild bar of soap with warm water to wash leather upholstery. Not too much water. Be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry the soap mixture with a clean cloth.
Step 6. Dry the leather upholstery
After cleaning the upholstery, make sure it is completely dry before applying conditioner. While leather is a natural water repellant, it won't hold the conditioner if it's still wet.
Step 7. Use a special water-based, pH-neutral conditioner
Conditioner for leather upholstery will replenish the oil that makes the upholstery feel smooth and look rich. Cheaper leather conditioners may be oil-based, so they tend to stick to leather and transfer to clothing. This conditioner also leaves a greasy polish. Therefore, use a special water-based leather upholstery conditioner with a normal pH to ensure that your leather upholstery and clothes remain in good condition.
Apply conditioner to clothes and wipe onto leather upholstery. Remove any remaining conditioner and let it dry for 15-20 minutes before using the car
Step 8. Use a toothbrush to clean the seams
In the seat mount, there are many seams where the parts of the seat meet and are sewn together. Dirt and dust can easily collect there and are often difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner or rag. Use a toothbrush for these areas, brushed gently along with the cleanser of your choice.
Step 9. Clean the mat
Take the mat out of the car and clean it with the same cleaner you used to clean the upholstery. To clean the mat, make an all-purpose upholstery cleaner by mixing 1 part water and 1 part dishwashing liquid. Spray this liquid on the mat and brush with a bristle brush overtime. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then wipe with a microfiber cloth to dry.
For rubber or vinyl mats, you can also use liquid wax shoe polish. This will help increase shine while making it easier to rinse off and keep it clean
Method 5 of 7: Vacuuming the Car
Step 1. Use a wet/dry type vacuum cleaner
Wet/dry vacuum cleaners such as the Shop-Vac are powerful, useful and capable of handling a wide variety of vacuuming jobs. This tool usually has a long hose or pipe, as well as a long cable, for easy portability to suck dust in the car.
- Alternatively, use a coin-operated vacuum cleaner at a car salon. This tool also has a long hose, but before it works it must first be given a coin to the meter which limits the function time and interrupts the cleaning progress for a certain time.
- There is also a small, portable vacuum cleaner you can use. These are usually good at removing stains, but tend not to have enough suction power to clean a car.
Step 2. Use the plastic removable suction unit on the vacuum cleaner
Most vacuum cleaners have a removable part made of plastic, which is definitely much better than metal. Metal vacuum cleaners run the risk of leaving scratches on the car or upholstery, especially if the seat mounts are made of leather or vinyl.
The handy removable suction unit can brush with a wide, boxy opening and another thinner unit that can reach into narrow gaps
Step 3. Move the chair
When vacuuming a car, make sure you clean all nooks and crannies to completely remove dust and dirt. Lay the back of the seat so that it can reach the inside of the seat fold. Move the backrest forward to clean the bottom.
Take out the little chair for the child, too, to make sure you've cleaned the bottom, which is usually full of cereal, chocolate and crayon trash
Step 4. Remove the mat
Suck up the dust on the floor by reaching the bottom of the car mat. This will also make the mat cleaning process easier.
Step 5. Vacuum frequently
Removing dust and dirt from your car will prevent the stain from becoming scale on the upholstery and carpet, and in itself will help get rid of any stubborn stains. Set a schedule for vacuuming your car at least once a month, or more often if your car gets dirty quickly.
Method 6 of 7: Hire a Professional Cleaner
Step 1. Find a car salon
The professional staff there are usually called detailers, and will clean your car completely, starting from the seats, dashboard, ventilation, windows and other parts. Ask family and friends to find a good car salon, or check online to find a location in your area.
- Ensure that certified or trained detailers use all equipment and cleaners properly. Also make sure that they are insured.
- Call and confirm the estimated cost so you can compare the prices of detailer services in your area.
Step 2. Request a quote from the detailer
Bring your car so he can see what kind of work to do to clean your car.
It's best if the detailer should not quote a price before he has seen your car for himself
Step 3. Check the detailer's work
Before you pay and leave, make sure you have checked that the detailer has thoroughly cleaned the car until you are satisfied. If you have a small chair for a child, make sure it has been removed and the seat under it has been cleaned.
Step 4. Ask the detailer about their cleaning products
Most detailers use commercial cleaners and harsh chemicals. If you insist on using an eco-friendly cleaner, look for a detailer that uses such an ingredient.
- Some detailers may go rogue using cheap cleaning products. This can damage or make the upholstery not last long.
- This can be especially important if you are sensitive to strong odors or chemical smells, which are sure to stay in the car for a long time.
Step 5. Prepare to leave the car for a while
A car salon can take at least two hours, and longer if the stain is heavy or the car is very dirty. Plan other activities near the salon, or have someone pick you up so you don't have to wait at the salon.
Method 7 of 7: Preventing Dirty in the Future
Step 1. Get the seat cover
Buy a seat cover for protection. About the color can be adjusted to the color of the seat or choose a bright patterned. Usually sold for a package of front and rear seats, costing between IDR 415,335 - IDR 553,780. Many are machine washable, making it easy to clean up your car.
Step 2. Apply a stain-resistant coating to your upholstery
A stain-resistant coating will make it difficult for stains to persist and extend the life of the upholstery. Stain-resistant coatings such as Scotchgard Fabric and Upholstery Protector are available at home improvement stores.
Follow the instructions for use properly, as stated on the product label
Step 3. Clean up food spills and trash as soon as possible
Don't let it sit in the car for long, if you can. If not cleaned immediately, stains and dirt will imprint and seep into the upholstery, making it even more difficult to clean. Plus, stains and trash make your car smell bad.
Step 4. Limit eating and drinking in the car
By prohibiting eating and drinking in the car, you can reduce the potential for stains and dirt. Accidents are definitely possible if you stop suddenly or try to eat while driving. Eliminate this risk by not allowing eating and drinking in the car.
Step 5. Keep the car clean
By cleaning trash and other items from inside your car after your trip, you can reduce the potential for trash buildup and stains from greased fast food bags or spilled plastic coffee cups. Dispose of garbage immediately after use so that it does not accumulate and add to the shabby interior of the car.
Get rid of crayons and other objects that tend to melt when it's hot outside. The inside of your car will feel much hotter than it is outside, and the crayons, if left too hot, will melt on the upholstery
Step 6. Vacuum frequently
Get rid of dirt and dust from your car so it doesn't seep into the upholstery and carpet and make it difficult to clean. Make your own schedule to vacuum your car at least once a month, or more often if your car gets dirty quickly.
