How to Clean Your Cloth and Fabric Car Seats

Before you unleash any cleaner, start with a good vacuum session. This step is crucial to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris that could otherwise get ground into your fabric, causing scratches or stubborn grime. Don't skip the spaces between the cushions or along the seat edges—those are prime real estate for trapped dirt.

A solid vacuum job makes the entire cleaning process smoother and ensures a more pristine finish when you're done. Think of it as the foundation for a top-notch clean.

For fabric seats, you’ve got two heavy-hitters:

• Lightning Fast for those stubborn spots with tough stains.
• Fabric Clean for larger areas, like the whole seat, to give it a full refresh.

Pro Tip: Start by hitting those tough stains with Lightning Fast, then go over the whole seat with Fabric Clean. Just remember to follow the dilution instructions for maximum results.

Bonus Tip: Always test the cleaner on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t cause any surprises!

Tackle one section at a time. Lightly spray the cleaner on areas that are just a little dirty, and go heavier on spots that need extra attention. Keep it light on the liquid—oversaturating can make things messy and leave residue behind.

Pro Tip: Less is more! Too much cleaner can be a pain to remove and could leave behind unwanted odors or residue. Keep it light for a cleaner, fresher finish.

For a more controlled, gentle clean, go old-school and scrub by hand. This method gives you full command over stubborn stains and delicate fabrics, perfect for light messes or more sensitive materials. You get to dictate the pressure and direction, so you won’t risk damaging the upholstery. With a few simple tools, your car’s fabric seats will look refreshed without any of the stress.

First, take a good look at the stain or grime and figure out what you're dealing with. For light, surface-level stains, grab the black Standard Nifty Interior Detail Brush. But if you're facing a heavier mess or tackling tough materials like carpet, reach for the yellow bristle Heavy Duty Nifty Interior Detail Brush. This way, you're using the right tool for the job—no overkill, just pure precision.

Grab your Nifty Interior Detail Brush and get to work! Start scrubbing in a 2x2 ft cross-hatch pattern—up, down, left, right. Keep the pressure light but consistent, and don't be afraid to keep adding product as you go. The more you work it in, the cleaner that fabric will get.

Now, grab your Yellow Workhorse microfiber towel and wipe away all the dirt and grime you've lifted. It’s perfect for showing off all the gunk you’ve just scrubbed out—kind of like a badge of honor. Just make sure to keep wiping until everything’s spotless.

Using a drill attachment for fabric seat cleaning is your ticket to fast and furious stain removal. It’s perfect for those moderate stains that need a little extra muscle. The drill works quickly and efficiently, tackling larger areas and deeper stains with minimal elbow grease. You'll get a thorough clean without breaking a sweat—just hit the trigger and let the drill do the hard work.

First, size up the stain or grime to pick the right drill brush. For lighter stains or delicate materials, go with the Gray Light Duty Brush—gentle but effective. For tougher stains on more durable fabrics, grab the Yellow Medium Brush.

Once you’ve chosen your weapon, pop the brush onto your drill and tighten it up.

Fire up your drill on a low-to-medium speed, and get scrubbing in a 2x2 ft cross-hatch motion. For light grime, a couple of passes will do the trick. Got heavier dirt or stains? Hit it 3 to 4 times to work that surface clean. Keep it steady, and let the brush do its thing!

Wipe away all the residue and grime with a Workhorse microfiber towel. The Yellow Microfiber Workhorse Towel is perfect for the job—it shows all the dirt you're pulling up, so you know exactly what you're cleaning off.

When you're dealing with the toughest grime on durable fabrics, the DA (Dual Action) polisher is your go-to weapon. It packs serious cleaning power, making light work of stubborn stains over large areas. With its pro-level performance, you'll bring your seats back to life in no time, like a detailing wizard at work!

Spray your chosen cleaner directly onto the fabric surface, then attach the Hook-and-Loop Carpet and Upholstery Brush to your DA polisher. This brush is your ticket to a deep clean, designed to work seamlessly with the machine for tackling fabric stains with ease.

Turn on your DA polisher and set it to speed setting 3. Begin working the surface in a 2x2 ft cross-hatch motion. For light grime, repeat the motion about 2 times; for moderate to heavy grime, go 3 to 4 times to ensure a thorough clean.

Wipe away any leftover residue and grime using a Workhorse microfiber towel. We recommend the Yellow Microfiber Workhorse Towel, as it makes dirt and grime pop, helping you see exactly what you’re cleaning off.

Once you’ve cleaned, let your car seats dry completely. Rushing this step can trap moisture in the fabric or padding, creating the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive.

Not only will you end up with that nasty, musty smell, but you might also do lasting damage to your upholstery. So, let those seats air out properly – your future self (and your seats) will thank you.