Best Way to Clean Car Upholstery

Ever stepped into your car and been greeted by stubborn stains, lingering odours, or upholstery that’s seen better days?

Whether your car seats are made of cloth, synthetic blends, or even premium materials like suede or Alcantara, car upholstery tends to absorb the daily wear and tear of life—crumbs from snacks, pet hair, spilled drinks, and the fine dust that’s all too common in Dubai’s climate.

Unlike leather, which can often be wiped clean, fabric-based and synthetic upholsteries demand a more thoughtful cleaning approach. Each material type reacts differently to moisture, cleaning agents, and scrubbing, so using the wrong method can easily do more harm than good.

So, what’s the best way to clean car upholstery without damaging it?

The answer lies in identifying your seat material, using the right tools and products, and maintaining a cleaning routine tailored to your car’s interior. In this in-depth guide, we’ll take you through everything—from prepping and testing cleaners to deep cleaning and drying techniques. 

Understand Your Upholstery: What Type of Fabric Are You Dealing With?

Before reaching for your cleaner, it’s crucial to know what kind of material you’re working with. Car upholstery usually comes in one of the following:

• Nylon: Common in many vehicles, it's durable and breathable, and more resistant to dirt and stains, making it relatively easy to clean and maintain. 

• Polyester (often used in microsuede): Offers a premium feel but is more delicate and prone to water stains.

• Vinyl blends: These are sometimes referred to as "synthetic leather" or "faux leather," as they are made from a synthetic material that mimics the appearance and texture of real leather.

Quick Tip: Check your car manual or look up the make and model on the manufacturer’s website to confirm your seat fabric. Each material may have specific cleaning guidelines.

Prepping for the Deep Clean: Gather Your Supplies

You don’t need expensive gear, but the right tools can make all the difference between a mediocre and a showroom-level result. Here’s what you’ll need:

Basic Supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner with hose and crevice attachment

• Upholstery or fabric-safe cleaner

• Soft-bristled brush or detailing brush

• Microfiber cloths

• Warm water in a spray bottle or bowl

Optional but Helpful:

• Steam cleaner (especially effective on stubborn stains and sanitisation)

• Baking soda or activated charcoal (for odour removal)

• Fabric protector spray for long-term maintenance

Step 1: Vacuum the Seats Thoroughly

Start by vacuuming the entire seat surface to remove loose dirt, food particles, hair, and dust. This prevents rubbing debris deeper into the fabric while scrubbing.

• Use a crevice tool to reach seams, folds, and corners.

• Don’t forget the sides and back of the seat.

Pro Tip: We start all our interior cleaning packages at ScrubUp with powerful vacuuming using industrial-grade tools, making the entire cleaning process more efficient and effective.

Step 2: Always Test Before You Treat

Even if the cleaner says "fabric-safe", always test it in an inconspicuous spot — like the side or underside of the seat.

• Apply a small amount of the cleaner.

• Wait 5–10 minutes and check for discolouration or damage.

If everything looks fine, you’re good to go.

Step 3: Apply Cleaning Solution and Scrub Gently

Mix a mild DIY cleaner (like warm water and dish soap) or use a commercial upholstery solution.

Apply & scrub tips:

• Spray lightly to avoid soaking the fabric, which can lead to mildew.

• Use a soft brush to gently agitate the fabric in small circular motions.

• For stained spots, let the solution sit for 2–3 minutes before scrubbing.

While store-bought products are great, many car owners find that DIY methods can also be part of the best way to clean car upholstery at home.

Common DIY Cleaning Mixes:

DIY Solution	What It's Good For
Vinegar + Water (1:1)	General stain removal and deodorising
Baking Soda + Water Paste	Lifting oily or stubborn stains
Club Soda Spray	Removing food and beverage stains
Mild laundry detergent + water	Deep cleaning and fresh scent

Step 4: Rinse & Blot Without Soaking

After scrubbing, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaner. Do not oversaturate the fabric.

• Use another microfiber towel to blot dry the surface.

• Repeat as necessary for heavily soiled areas.

Still dealing with stubborn stains or smells? 

We at ScrubUp use high-heat steam that penetrates deep into fabric fibres, sanitising and lifting dirt without oversaturating the seats.

Step 5: Drying It Right

Proper drying is essential. Damp seats can trap moisture and cause mildew, especially in Dubai’s humid months.

Here’s how to dry effectively:

• Roll down windows or turn on the car AC with vents for the seats.

• Use a small fan or portable dryer if needed.

• Avoid sitting in the car until completely dry (usually 3–6 hours).

Bonus: How Often Should You Clean Your Upholstery?

If your car upholstery experiences frequent use (kids, pets, groceries), a deep clean every 3–4 months is ideal.

Here are some signs it’s time:

• Foul smells or stains reappear quickly after cleaning

• Seats feel damp or greasy to touch

• Visible dust or crumbs in seams

Maintaining a clean car doesn’t need to be a hassle.

Need a Quick Yet Thorough Upholstery Clean? Here’s How We Can Help at ScrubUp

We know better than anyone—cleaning car upholstery on your own can be a real hassle, especially without the right tools, products, and time. That’s why at ScrubUp, we bring expert car cleaning directly to you—no queues, no wasted hours, and no compromise on results.

Whether you're dealing with deep-set stains, fabric that traps odour, or just need a freshen-up after a sandy weekend out, our upholstery-safe services are designed with Dubai’s climate and your comfort in mind.

Here’s What We Offer to Keep Your Upholstery Clean and Allergen-Free:

🔹 Eco Wash — From AED 39 | 35–45 mins

Our most eco-friendly option, perfect for routine upkeep.

We use a gentle, fabric-safe wash with minimal water to clean your upholstery without saturating it. Includes full interior vacuuming for all those hidden corners.

🔹 Pressure Wash — AED 75 | 60 mins

Ideal for cars with heavily soiled interiors.

Using high-density foam and a high-pressure washer, we target stubborn dirt from seams, under-seat areas, and carpets.

Includes services like interior + exterior wash, tyre and rim cleaning, air freshener, and full vacuuming.

🔹 Steam Wash — AED 105 | 60 mins

This is our deepest and most hygienic clean, perfect for those worried about allergens, dust mites, or bacteria.

We use high-heat steam to sanitise your seats and eliminate tough dirt, all without leaving fabrics wet or damaged. The service also includes interior and exterior cleaning, vacuuming, rim and tyre wash, and a fresh-scent finish.

Conclusion

The best way to clean car upholstery isn’t about harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing; it’s about smart techniques, the right products, and knowing when to call in the pros. By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, using fabric-friendly solutions, and drying your seats thoroughly, you can keep your car’s interior looking and smelling fresh.

Want your car upholstery cleaned professionally without leaving your driveway?

ScrubUp has you covered. Contact us today to book your next wash via WhatsApp, our mobile app (available on Play Store and App Store), or directly through our website.

Let us take care of the mess while you enjoy the drive.

FAQs

1. Can I use household cleaners like bleach or glass cleaner on cloth seats?

No. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia-based products can discolor or damage the fabric. Always use upholstery-safe cleaners.

2. How often should I clean cloth car upholstery?

Ideally every 3–4 months, or more often if you have kids, pets, or frequent passengers.

3. Will vinegar leave a smell?

Vinegar odor fades quickly, especially when diluted. You can also add a drop of essential oil or use a car air freshener afterward.

4. Can ScrubUp clean baby seats or pet hair from cloth seats?

Our interior cleanings services at ScrubUp includes vacuuming tight spots, removing pet hair, and deodorizing—perfect for families and pet owners who want a fresher, cleaner drive.