How To Deep Clean Car Seats and Secrets Detailers Won't Tell You

Richard Dang
Jan 24, 2024
3 min read

Introduction

According to researchers at Aston University, there are 649 types of bacteria identified in car seats, compared to 34 on toilet seats. Yike. Our body makes contact with car seats on a daily basis, therefore, it is crucial to deep clean car seats routinely. Our health is our wealth. Glory Mobile Detail will let you in on professional detailer’s secrets to deep clean your car seats.

Pre-Cleaning Prep: Choosing The Right Chemicals

How to Deep Clean Car Seats — Vacuum thoroughly before using shampoo

List of tools and products need, while keeping it simple:

Vacuum Cleaner: many comes with attachments that help removing loose dirt and debris easier.
Soft Brushes: For gentle scrubbing, especially on delicate fabrics.
Microfiber Cloths: For wiping and drying the seats without leaving lint or scratches.
Spray Bottle: If you need to mix a cleaning solution.
Gloves: To protect your hands from chemicals.
Carpet Extractor solutions work best in most cases. They come in aerosol cans for mild stains and concentrated form to pair with carpet extractor machines.
Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning leathers, such as Simple Greens or regular dish soaps, as they dry the leathers out and create cracks.
Optional: Carpet Extractor, Hot steam cleaner, Pet hair brushes

How To Clean Vinyl Seats

Step 1 - Begin with a Thorough Vacuum: Remove loose debris to set the stage for a deeper clean.
Step 2 - Apply a Vinyl-Friendly Cleaner: Gentle yet effective, the right cleaner will respect the material's boundaries while doing its job.
Step 3 - Let the chemical do its job for a couple minutes, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you use vinegar solution, wait around 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 - Scrub with circular motion for best result.
Step 5 - Rinse and Dry: Wipe seats off with absorbing microfibers, allow seats to dry overnight, windows a bit down if possible.

*Detailer’s tips:

Use a soft brush to get in the hard-to-reach areas.
Use a hot steamer and Carpet Extractor: In our professional detail service, we use hot steamer and the soft-to-medium brush that come with the machine to agitate the cleaning solution. We then use a carpet extractor, which, as its name suggests, extracts the dirty solution off your seats.
WARNING: Do not use a hot steamer if you do not have a carpet extractor, as water can stay in the seats and cause molds if not extracted out.

How To Deep Clean Leather Car Seats

The process is similar to cleaning vinyl seats, using a less abrasive cleaning solution since leathers can dry and crack. Limit the hot steamer since it can also dry out leathers. Save it for the toughest stains.

How To Remove Mold From Car Seats

Safety First: Donning gloves and a mask is non-negotiable when dealing with mold.
Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: Capture those spores before they spread.
Mold Removal Solutions: Applied with care, these solutions are your secret weapon in this unsung battle.
Dispose and Clean: Post-cleanup, your tools need as much attention as your car did.
Detailer’s tips: ALWAYS wear N95 Masks, wash your brushes, towels and tools in warm to hot water, do not steam your soft brushes with hot steamer, as it often makes brushes harden.

How To Remove Pet Hair Out Of Car Seats

Regular Vacuuming: A pet hair attachment can be a lifesaver.
The Squeegee & Brush Tactic: For the more tenacious strands, these tools are your allies.
Detailer’s tips: Use the soft rubber pet hair brush with circular motion, it will lift the pet hairs up from the carpets
Routine Cleaning: Stay ahead of the game with regular maintenance.

Prevent Car Seats From Getting Dirty

A Scheduled Approach: Regular cleaning is not just a chore; it's a ritual that keeps your vehicle in showroom condition.
Consider using rubber mats and seat covers
Seat Covers: The First Line of Defense: They bear the brunt so your seats don't have to.
Emergency Wipes: For those unforeseen spills and spots, always be prepared.