Before cleaning your car, check the recommendations made in your owner’s manual and on the labels of any products you use.

Upholstery can make up a significant portion of your car's interior, including seats, carpets, and floor mats, all of which get dirty and stained from mud and dirt, grease, oil, grime, and spills. Upholstery also absorbs odors, which, over time, can build up and leave a lingering unpleasant smell in the car.

Regular care, like frequent vacuuming to remove soil buildup and periodic treatment with shampoo or a spray-on/wipe-off cleaner, can keep your upholstery looking fresh. Both cleaning methods have proven to be effective, so use the one that is most convenient for you.

Using a Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

• Carpet and upholstery cleaners, which are available as household or automotive-specific sprays and foams, contain detergents and surfactants that penetrate into the fabric and loosen dirt and stains for removal with the wipe of a cloth.
• Besides stain removal, they help to restore the true color, appearance, and soft, plush feel of your car's fabric interior.
• Consider using a 2-in-1 cleaner and odor neutralizer, as malodorous smells can overwhelm a car's interior.

Using Shampoo

• First, vacuum the upholstery.
• You can use any number of household or automotive shampoo products, but make sure you have access to a wet-dry vacuum. Often they can be found at coin-operated car washes.
• Moving in a circular motion, use a scrub brush to work suds into the upholstery.
• Using as little water as possible, make sure to completely rinse the suds from the upholstery before vacuuming with a wet-dry vacuum.

Stain Removal

• For best results, remove spills and stains immediately before they can set in.
• Blot the affected area with a white paper towel to remove as much excess liquid or residue as possible.
• If the spot has dried, saturate the area with tap water before blotting.
• Spray the affected area with a mild detergent or a carpet/upholstery cleaner and use paper towels to blot the product into the stain. Be sure to spot test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using.
• Let the product stand for a few minutes or as directed per the label instructions.
• Rinse with tap water and blot with paper towels to remove product and excess moisture.
• For best results, place paper towels over the cleaned area and cover with a weight like a brick-this will serve to wick away excess moisture and any remnants of the stain.
• Repeat as necessary. Wipe area with a clean cloth or vacuum when dry.