How to Clean Automotive Upholstery

In this sections we will determine what materials are used in your vehicle as well as the nature of the stains and soil you are fighting. This will allow us to select the fastest and safest cleaning method to get your car looking like new.

How to identify your upholstery materials

Below are several ways to identify your upholstery fabric:

• Refer to your owner’s manual or vehicle paperwork. Owners manuals will usually have basic cleaning instructions as well.
• Look for tags or labels on the upholstery. Look in creases, seams, and places where the upholstery ends, such as the bottom of the front seats.
• Contact the vehicle manufacturer. If the last two steps failed, call the customer service number for your vehicle’s manufacturer. As a bonus, they will probably be able to advise you on cleaning methods as well.
• If all else fails and Google cannot provide the answer, make your best guess and test everything you use on a small, inconspicuous area first. If you suspect that your interior is leather or suede, be very cautious.
• Most upholstery falls into one of the following types:
  • Cloth.
  • Vinyl.
  • Leather.
  • Suede.
  • Vegan/Faux leather.

Assess the type and severity of the stain or dirt

For the purpose of this guide, we will be breaking stains up into three types: water-based soil, oil and greasy soil, and special soil. Below is a list of the different types that you can use to identify your challenge.

Water-based soil examples:

These stains can usually be taken out with mild, water-based cleaners. These are the easiest to remove.

• Coffee or tea stains.
• Soft drink or juice stains.
• Soup or sauce spills.
• Ice cream or yogurt spills.
• Milk or cream spills.
• Water or rain spots.
• Snow or slush stains.
• Humidity or dampness stains.
• Sweat or perspiration stains.
• Liquid soap or detergent spills.

The following can be removed with water-based cleaners, but will require a bit more effort:

• Blood stains from injuries or nosebleeds.
• Grass stains from wet or muddy grass.
• Tree sap or resin stains.
• Mildew or mold stains.

Oil/Grease-based soil examples:

These stains typically require a solvent-based cleaner (unless your upholstery has been treated with a stain repelling layer). They can be more difficult to remove, but with the right cleaner it shouldn’t be that difficult.

• Grease or oil spills from foodstuffs.
• Lip balm or lotion stains.
• Cosmetics or makeup stains.
• Sunscreen or insect repellent stains.
• Motor oil or transmission fluid stains.
• Lubricant or grease stains from automotive work.
• Plant or vegetable oil stains.
• Butter or margarine stains.
• Animal fat or lard stains.
• Petroleum jelly or other ointment stains.

The following can be removed with solvent-based cleaners, but will require a bit more effort:

• Rust stains.
• Ink stains from leaky pens or markers.
• Chemical or solvent spills. (In this case be very cautious that the cleaner you choose won’t react dangerously. We would advise calling a cleaner or just using steam/water.)
• Paint or dye stains.
• Tar or asphalt stains.

Special Stains:

Sometimes these types of stains can be removed with water or solvent-based cleaning agents, but it is possible that you will require something stronger or more specialized.

• Vomit, urine, sweat and feces stains. (These organic stains can sometimes be removed with mild solvents, but when older or set may require an enzyme-based cleaner to break down the proteins and make the stain and odor removable.)
• Blood stains from injuries or nosebleeds.
• Grass stains from wet or muddy grass.
• Tree sap or resin stains.
• Mildew or mold stains.
• Rust stains.
• Ink stains from leaky pens or markers.
• Chemical or solvent spills. (In this case be very cautious that the cleaner you choose won’t react dangerously. We would advise calling a cleaner or just using steam/water.)
• Paint or dye stains.
• Tar or asphalt stains.

Choose appropriate cleaning products and tools

Now that you’ve identifies the type of stain, you can intelligently select the best cleaning agents for the job.

Water-based cleaners

For cloth and vinyl interiors:

• Mild soap and water.
• Dish soap and water.
• Laundry detergent and water.
• Fabric stain remover and water.
• White vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
• A paste of baking soda and water.
• Carbonated water / Club soda.
• Enzyme-based cleaners.

For leather & suede interiors:

• For leather interiors, consult with your manufacturer before doing anything. Most leather interiors have been treated with a sealant to help prevent stains. You may be able to use the above cleaners for it (sparingly). If you are unsure, either test it in a hidden area first, or purchase a cleaner specialized for leather or suede and follow the directions for that particular product.

For vegan leather / faux leather interiors

• Usually, fake leather interiors can be treated with the same product as cloth and vinyl , with a few exceptions. Tesla’s vegan leather for example is a bit more delicate than most and should only be cleaned with very mild products and as little water as you can get away with. Once again we recommend reaching out to your manufacturer for more detailed options – or simply testing your proposed solution in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.

Solvent-based cleaners

Note: Solvent-based cleaners should be used with caution. They are often flammable not healthy to inhale. Follow the safety instructions on each and use them in a well-ventilated area.

For cloth and vinyl interiors, sorted in order of weakest -> strongest:

• Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
• Acetone or nail polish remover.
• Glass cleaner or window cleaners that contain alcohol or ammonia.
• Sticker or adhesive remover.
• Dry cleaning fluid.
• Lighter fluid or charcoal starter fluid.

For leather and suede interiors:

• Only use specialized cleaners made specifically for automotive leather or suede upholstery. All of the above products can damage your leather and suede. Try using water-based solutions first. Most automotive leather has been sealed with a stain-repelling spray to prevent soil from impregnating the pores.
• If that fails, then consult with a professional detailer or your manufacturer.

For pleather, faux leather, and vegan leather interiors:

• There are too many different types of this material for a one-size-fits-all solution. Contact your manufacturer or a professional auto detailer and ask them specifically what you can safely use. Some fake leather interiors can be cleaned with the same agents as cloth – while others require very delicate care.

Specialized cleaners

For stains that are too tough or specialized for the above cleaners, such as pet urine, vomit, or particularly stubborn rust, ink or grass stains you should look to purchase a cleaner that is made both for the type of stain you are trying to remove AND for the upholstery type you have.

If this becomes too much of a pain in the butt (we feel you!) call a local detailer and ask them what they recommend – or – if your tired of trying to get it out yourself, ask them what they would charge to do it for you.

In this section we will explain how to actually do the cleaning. No matter how sure you are that a cleaning method is safe, we strongly encourage you to test your chosen method in an inconspicuous area first – in the trunk or under a floor mat.

Get the stains out!

So now you should know both what kind of stains you’re working with, as well as what cleaners are appropriate and safe to use. Great! Below are instructions for using them.

Dish soap / dawn / baby shampoo

Dish soap and baby shampoo are both mild and a good starting point. The key is making sure you remove all of the soap residue once the stain is out, otherwise it will become sticky and collect dirt all over again.

1. Mix a very small amount of the soap with warm water in a spray bottle. For a normal size spray bottle start with 5-10 drops if using dawn, or a small squirt if using baby shampoo. Shake well.
2. Spray the solution onto the upholstery and use a clean, soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface in a circular motion.
3. After scrubbing, use a clean, damp cloth to blot the area and remove as much moisture as possible. Allow it to completely dry, and then repeat the above steps with water-only, to remove the small amount of soap residue that was left behind.
4. For best results, use as little soap in your solution as you can.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic cleaning agent that can remove stains and eliminate odors. It also doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue!

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Spray the solution onto the stain.
3. Blot OR scrub. Use a clean, soft cloth or soft-bristled brush and either blot the stain to gently lift it, or scrub the stain in a circular motion to prevent the stain from spreading.
4. For tough odors like pet urine or cigarette smoke, spray the vinegar solution directly onto the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
5. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove as much of the vinegar solution as you can, and then allow the upholstery to dry.

Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (aka. rubbing alcohol), Vodka, Everclear, etc.

1. Apply the alcohol to a clean, soft cloth or sponge and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, this can cause it to spread or become more difficult to remove.
2. Continue blotting until the stain is lifted or faded. Move to clean sections of your cloth or sponge as needed.
3. Rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry.
4. Repeat the above steps as needed until the stain is completely removed.
5. If the stain persists, try using a different cleaning method or product.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that can remove tough stains and eliminate odors! There’s two methods of using it here:

1. For fresh / messy stains, sprinkle it as a pre-treatment.
   • Sprinkle enough to cover the stain and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. The baking soda will absorb any excess grease or moisture, making it easier to remove.
   • Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the baking-soda from the stain and then vacuum up the baking soda.
2. Make a paste to eliminate odors and remove stains.
   • Mix enough baking soda with water to create a paste.
   • Gently massage the paste into the effected area, then allow it to dry completely.
   • Once dried, vacuum up the baking soda.

Enzyme Cleaners

Most enzyme cleaners work in a similar way. You apply the cleaner to the stain and allow it time to set and break down the organic compounds responsible for the stain and odors. Then you gently scrub, remove as much as possible and let it dry.

That said, each enzyme cleaner will come with instructions for that specific cleaner. We recommend following those.

Remove bad odors!

Depending on the type of odor you need to eliminate, this can be easy or nearly impossible.

For moldy/mildewy/musty odors

• You need to first make sure you’ve eliminated the source. If there is a moisture problem it needs to be fixed before you have any hope of eliminating the smell.
• Once the source of the moisture is fixed and the interior is completely dry, you should have your entire car shampoo/steam cleaned by a professional detailer to remove the dried out/dead mold, mildew and spores.
• After having it cleaned, if the odor persists, let the car sit in a dry place with the windows open and a fan blowing through it.

For pet urine smells

• Use an enzyme cleaner as detailed in the previous section. Follow the instructions for the cleaner you select.
• If the smell persists, you might try a different enzyme cleaner, or consult a professional detailer.
• For faint smells, saturate the area with baking soda, lightly mist it with water, and then rub/scrub the moist baking soda into the smelly area. Allow it to dry, vacuum it up, and repeat again as necessary.

For cigarette odors

• Cars that smell like an ashtray will need extensive cleaning. The odor comes from the tar that has coated every interior surface.
• You will need to scrub the tar off of the dashboard, seatbelts, all of the trim, every window, and then deep-clean the upholstery in order to fully remove it.
• If the smell is slight, simply airing the car out for a while with can drastically reduce the smell. The above baking soda and vinegar cleaning instructions can also help.