Is the bench or your car seat dirty and stained? We must admit that our cars are often real dust collectors. Add to that the hairs of our pets, the dirt and crumbs left by children or the stains caused by your monumental clumsiness and you quickly find yourself with very clean benches. Fortunately, grandmother has the solution to carry out this interior cleaning… and no need for chemicals (ammonia, detergent, etc.)! Here’s how to clean your fabric or leather car seats with economical products. These maintenance products can also possibly be used to clean your floor mats or carpet.
Good to know: If you have little dirt, but more bad odors, use baking soda. Leave for several hours before vacuuming! You can also add an air purifier in the vehicle cabin. Finally, it is advisable to vacuum before carrying out any cleaning to remove crumbs, residue and dust.
How to clean fabric car seats?
Steam cleaning
Very versatile, steam cleaning allows you to clean fabric seats thoroughly and very quickly. The dirt does not crease and there is no need for cleaning products. With the steam system, there is also no need to wait too long after tedious drying. However, this involves purchasing (or renting from an individual) the machine.
White vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent cleaning product for clean, remove, degrease and disinfect car seats. It also allows them to deodorize very effectively in case of vomit, pee or food stains. To use, mix 500 ml of white vinegar, 250 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Then, all you have to do is mix, then apply this mixture to the benches. Do not hesitate to wring the sponge well before applying it to the fabric using circular movements and a back-and-forth effect. Pay particular attention to stains. Then rinse with a sponge and clean water and let dry in the open air, outside.
Soda crystals to deeply clean car seats
Your seats need something extra big cleaning ? So, use soda crystals (handle with gloves)! Count 2 teaspoons of soda crystals in 500 ml of hot water. Then as with the vinegar, add 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Then apply everything with a brush and brush using circular movements. Finish by wiping with a towel and let air dry. If necessary, vacuum one last time to restore fluffiness to the seat.
As a precaution, with any product, always test the product on an inconspicuous area. This avoids damaging them! Do not hesitate to repeat cleaning at least twice a year, especially if you have children.
How to remove fabric car seats?
For oil, gasoline, alcohol, or grease stains:
Take a sponge and dip it in a mixture of 500 ml of white vinegar, 200 ml of lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Rub vigorously where surfaces are stained. Rinse with a damp cloth. Let dry. Repeat the operation if necessary. You can also remove grease marks with dishwashing liquid alone. Simply scrub the halos with a damp brush soaked in dish soap and water.
For removing vomit stains:
L’Sparkling water helps loosen, unclog and deodorize a vomit stain very efficiently. So it’s ideal if you get car sick. And of course, it will also work if your pets suffer from motion sickness as well. Soak a cloth abundantly in Perrier (or any sparkling mineral water) and apply to the dirty area(s). The bubbles will loosen dirt from fabric surfaces. Leave to act for a few moments and rub with a soft cloth or brush. Finish using a damp sponge to rinse.
And to clean leather or imitation car seats?
To make leather seats shine, no need to rack your brains! A simple soapy water will be enough. Take a well-wrung microfiber cloth soaked in hot water and a little Marseille soap or black soap. (A washcloth will also work.) Rub in a few circular motions. On the seam areas, rub in the direction of the seam or demarcation, making smaller circles. Rinse with a second, well-wrung damp microfiber cloth. Shine guaranteed in your leather or imitation leather interior!