Whether your car seats are looking a little worse for wear or you simply want to keep your vehicle looking and smelling fresh, learning how to clean car seats properly is essential. From muddy school runs to long work commutes, car seats absorb dirt, sweat, and odours. Deep cleaning not only keeps your interior spotless but also improves hygiene and enhances resale value.
At Modus Car Body Repairs, we don’t just repair your vehicle’s exterior — we care about helping you maintain a spotless interior too. Here’s your complete guide to cleaning both leather and cloth car seats, plus our recommended products for the job.
How to Clean Leather Car Seats
Leather car seats add luxury and are easier to wipe than fabric, but they still require special care to prevent cracking and fading.
Step-by-step:
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Park safely in a shaded, well-lit area to avoid the cleaning product drying too quickly.
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Vacuum thoroughly using a soft brush head, paying attention to seat crevices.
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Use leather cleaning wipes to remove surface grime. Brands like Autoglym and Meguiar’s are reliable.
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Apply a leather cream cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Buff with a clean microfibre cloth to remove excess product and restore the seat’s shine.
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Finish with a leather protector to repel future spills and keep the leather supple.
💡 Tip: Always spot test any leather product on an inconspicuous area first.
How to Clean Cloth Car Seats
Fabric upholstery can harbour more dirt than you might think. Even dark-coloured seats that “look” clean may contain hidden grime.
Steps to clean cloth seats:
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Choose a dry, mild day and park in a well-ventilated area.
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Vacuum seats thoroughly to remove crumbs, dust, and pet hair.
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Apply an upholstery cleaner or interior shampoo. Avoid soaking the fabric.
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Work the cleaner into the fabric using a soft brush, one patch at a time to avoid staining.
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Use a microfibre cloth to dab and absorb excess moisture.
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Allow the seats to air dry naturally with the windows open, if possible.
Best Products for Cleaning Car Seats (UK Recommendations)
We’ve tested and recommend the following car upholstery cleaners available across UK auto stores:
⭐ Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner
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Works on cloth, vinyl, and leather.
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Foaming action lifts dirt and brightens fabric.
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Ideal for deep cleaning entire interiors.
💷 Halfords Upholstery Cleaner
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Affordable and easy to find.
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Great for spot treatments and quick clean-ups.
🌿 Autoglym Interior Shampoo
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Suitable for all interior surfaces (except leather).
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Leaves a clean, fresh scent and removes light stains.
🧼 Autoglym Leather Cleaner
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Neutral pH and non-damaging.
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Leaves a natural, matt finish.
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Best paired with Autoglym Leather Care Balm to maintain softness.
🧽 Mother’s Upholstery Brush
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Helps work products into fibres without scratching.
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A great investment for regular detailers.
🧴 Astonish Car Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
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Disinfects and kills mould/mildew in footwells and boots.
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Excellent for carpeted areas and heavily used mats.
How to Keep Car Seats Clean Longer
Preventing dirt build-up is easier than constant cleaning. Here’s how:
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Use car seat covers, especially if you have children or pets.
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Act quickly on spills – keep cleaning wipes in your glovebox.
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Avoid eating in the car or set rules for passengers.
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Regularly vacuum your seats and footwells to stop crumbs and grit from settling in.
FAQs: Cleaning Car Seats in the UK
Q: How often should I clean my car seats?
A: Every 2–3 months for general cleaning; monthly if you have kids, pets or allergies.
Q: Can I use household cleaners?
A: It’s not recommended. Household cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can stain or degrade car upholstery. Always use products designed for car interiors.
Q: My seats have a lingering odour – what should I do?
A: After cleaning, use an odour eliminator spray or leave an open box of baking soda overnight to absorb smells.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean car seats properly can make a big difference in your vehicle’s appearance and comfort. Whether you’re maintaining a family car or prepping a vehicle for sale, regular cleaning is a small effort with big payoffs.
And once your car interior is looking its best, don’t forget to take care of the exterior too. If your vehicle has dents, scratches, or paint damage, trust Modus Car Body Repairs for expert mobile repair services across Luton, Bedfordshire, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call us on 0330 133 3180
🌐 Visit us at: moduscarbodyrepairs.com
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