Best Car Upholstery Cleaners: Revive Your Seats’ Appearance

Take your car’s seats from dirty and grimy to pristine and clean with the best car upholstery cleaners.

byHeather Fishel|
Using car upholstery cleaner
Deposit Photos

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BYHeather Fishel/ LAST UPDATED ON June 1, 2023

Whether you have leather, vinyl, or fabric upholstery in your car, it’s bound to get dirty at some point. Spills, grime, and stains are inevitable, that is unless you’re keeping your car’s upholstery and carpets covered in plastic like your grandmother did with her sofa. The best way to keep your car’s upholstery looking fresh and clean? A high-quality car upholstery cleaner. While there are dozens of products to choose from, each promising to deliver miracles, we’re here to help you decide which are worth your time and money, and which are better left on the shelf. We’ve done the research and put together a solid roster of great car upholstery cleaners, complete with our informative buying guide.

Best Overall
CarGuys Super Cleaner

CarGuys Super Cleaner

Summary
This multi-surface cleaner uses nanotechnology to clean your car on a molecular level. You can clean upholstery, vinyl, wood trim, metals, and rubber. It works to clean up tough stains such as grease, bird poop, and tree sap.
Pros
  • This upholstery cleaner works on many surfaces, which makes cleaning your car easier
  • It won’t leave behind a sticky or slimy-feeling residue 
  • It comes with a money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with how the cleaner performs
Cons
  • Do not use this product to clean glass or sensitive electronics screens
  • It’s only a cleaner, so you’ll need to follow it with a conditioner or UV protector
Best Value

Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo

Summary
This potent cleaning solution can be diluted and used at various strengths so you can adapt whether you’re trying to tackle new or old stains, dirt, and general grime.
Pros
  • Can be diluted up to 20:1
  • Uses natural products to clean and deodorize
  • Color safe, even at lower dilutions
Cons
  • May require more scrubbing than others
  • Requires vacuuming before and after use
Honorable Mention

Shine Armor Car Interior Cleaner

Summary
This product not only cleans your interior but offers UV protection and anti-static properties to repel dust. The small bottle and higher price make it a more premium choice. 
Pros
  • Protects interior surfaces from fading and cracking from sun exposure
  • Helps keep interior cleaner in between uses
Cons
  • This product is a little on the pricey side
  • At only 8 oz per bottle this isn't for people needing to clean up spills regularly

Summary List

Our Methodology

To select our picks for the best car upholstery cleaners, we took a look at what really matters: effectiveness. We looked at the details of each cleaner’s formula, examined which surfaces each cleaner is suitable for use on and assessed their ability to lift away dirt and eliminate stains. Products that worked on set-in stains and longtime dirt and grime were our preferred picks, as they offered the most potent and effective cleaning solution. We also considered users’ real-life experiences putting the upholstery cleaners to use to decide how well each worked against tough messes from kids, pets, spills, and everyday dirt.

Best Car Upholstery Cleaner Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re looking for a cleaner that gets the job done, it’s this all-purpose, multi-surface cleaner. Developed using nanotechnology, it can safely remove grime and dirt at the molecular level. It is perfect for deep-cleaning your car’s upholstery as well as different surfaces such as fabric, vinyl, canvas, rubber, and plastic. This upholstery cleaner doesn’t just clean interior surfaces; it also does a great job on exterior surfaces. It can easily remove tough grease, bird droppings, and tree sap stains. It provides a non-greasy, odorless, no-gloss finish and ensures your car looks clean and appealing. And if you’re not happy with it, contact CarGuys and you will get a full refund. However, the upholstery cleaner doesn’t offer any UV protection or repel dust, and it isn’t effective on glass surfaces.

Pros

Works great on all interior surfaces from mats to headliner

Water-based formula doesn't require rinsing

Effective on dirt or hard to clean grease and stains

Cons

Doesn't provide UV protection

Isn't effective at repelling dust on hard surfaces

Can be hard to remove overspray from glass

If you’re searching for a car upholstery cleaner that’ll get deep inside the fibers of your carpet and fabric, try the Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo. This potent cleaning solution can be diluted and used at various strengths so you can adapt whether you’re trying to tackle new or old stains, dirt, and general grime. It’s a deep-cleaning foam formula that uses biotechnology to break down dirt, all without toxic chemicals, color-damaging deterrents, or other dangers. And it truly takes the hard work out of upholstery detailing, with no hard rubbing or scrubbing necessary. This cleaner is safe for all colors and car fabrics, and it breaks down stains, lifts away dirt, and eliminates unpleasant odors all in one application. It’s recommended that you use a stiff brush when working with this car upholstery cleaner, and it may not be as effective on oil-based stains as it is on other messes.

Pros

The 16 fl oz. bottle is diluted at up to 20:1 with water

Uses natural enzymes to dissolve stains and fight odors

Refreshes the look and feel of cloth and carpeted surfaces

Cons

May require more effort than some other products

Tougher stains will require a less diluted formula

Best Environmentally Friendly

Mothers Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

SEE IT
Another heavy hitter that delivers serious cleaning power is Mothers Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. It’s a sizable 24-ounce trigger spray bottle that will go a long way. It’s safe to use on vinyl, cloth, carpet, velour, and even sheepskin. This is a versatile cleaner you can use in your vehicle or around the house to clean furniture, carpets, and draperies. One thing that sets it apart from some other multifunctional cleaners is that it’s pH-balanced and environmentally safe, meaning it won’t screw up the planet any more than it already is! This upholstery cleaner works best when scrubbed into the fabric with a natural bristle brush, so be prepared to put in some elbow grease. Some users report that it did fail to remove very old, oil-based stains and that it has a stronger odor than some other options.

Pros

Works on most interior surfaces other than glass

Will do double-duty for cleaning inside your car and home

Lifts tough food stains with no residue left behind

Cons

The pleasant scent may seem strong to sensitive users

Requires firm scrubbing for tough stains

Want a car upholstery cleaner that can do more than get rid of dirt? Shine Armor Car Interior Cleaner is a product that’ll tackle your interior on multiple fronts, working to clean, restore, and protect with every application. This full-spectrum cleaning solution uses nanotechnology to make your interior carpet, upholstery, vinyl, leather, and even plastic look like it just rolled off the dealership lot. It works to prevent dust buildup while it removes dirt and grime, and it eliminates odors too. This upholstery cleaner gets rid of stains quickly, and it’s said to work faster than your typical carpet shampoo. Plus, as an added bonus, applying this cleaning solution also offers advanced UV protection to slow down the aging of your interior. However, this car upholstery cleaner is more expensive than other options, especially for just eight ounces in a bottle.

Pros

Provides UV protection with every use

Anti-static formulation repels dust from surfaces

Nanotechnology makes removing stains easier

Cons

8 oz bottle is smaller than competitors

Premium product at a premium price

Our Verdict on Car Upholstery Cleaner

Our pick for the best car upholstery cleaner is the CarGuys Super Cleaner, a product that offers great versatility and tackles a wide variety of different kinds of dirt, messes, and stains. And if you’re looking for a combination of good cleaning power and great value, we like the Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo. This affordable pick delivers impressive results without blowing your entire budget.

What to Consider When Buying Car Upholstery Cleaner

Car upholstery cleaners come in many different shapes, sizes, cleaning potencies, and formulas, meaning no two will deliver the exact same results. So, how can you pick out a quality product? We’ve got the most important details you need to consider right here. 

Types of Car Upholstery Cleaner

Sprays

Sprays are some of the most common car upholstery cleaners as they’re easy to apply and can clean various surfaces in a car interior, saving you money and time. Most can be sprayed on large areas or specific spots, though it all depends on the nozzle. Spray cleaners can come in foam-based or liquid formulas.

Cleaning Gel

Cleaning gel is ideal for the crevices of your car. It can easily get rid of dirt on door handles, air vents, dashboards, and the steering wheel. It’s easy to use but should be used on water-resistant surfaces. Just place the cleaning gel on the surface you want to clean, press it two to three times, then lift it. Dirt and dust will stick on the gel without leaving any residue.  

Wax

Wax cleaners can eliminate light scratches, oxidation, and other minor issues. However, wax cleaners on the market are meant for the leather surfaces in your car. This is why they’re sometimes referred to as leather cleaners or balms. A wax cleaner rejuvenates your car’s leather, protecting it against UV rays and even refreshing your car’s dull paint.

Car Upholstery Cleaner Key Features

Free of Harsh Chemicals

Sure, harsh chemicals might seem like the best choice for getting super dirty car upholstery clean, but it’s actually better to choose a cleaner that’s non-toxic and safe to use. While harsh chemicals certainly can work wonders on grime, grease, stains, and dirt in general, toxic chemicals can be too hard on your car’s fabrics and your own health. Instead, opt for cleaners that are water-based, alcohol-free, ammonia-free, and pH balanced. These won’t leave any fumes or potential fabric-ruining effects behind. 

Type of Upholstery 

Most cars have vinyl, leather, or fabric upholstery. These materials require different types of upholstery cleaners. Be sure to choose a cleaner that’s ideal for your car’s upholstery or you risk damaging it. There are so many different kinds of car upholstery now, from classic fabric to vinyl to vegan leather. Vinyl is easy to clean as it can be wiped down with a microfiber towel. Leather upholstery needs a dedicated cleaner, wax, and conditioner. Fabric upholstery is the easiest to clean, there are many fabric car upholstery cleaners on the market. Bamboo and other breathable textiles are similar to fabric in terms of care. When it comes to vegan leather, most cleaners can’t penetrate the material, so your best bet here is to use a UV-protection product to keep fading and cracking at bay.

Quality

When buying a car upholstery cleaner, don’t pinch pennies. Selecting a cheap cleaner for your precious car is something you may regret later on. Instead, look for quality, professional-grade formulas that are specifically made for vehicle interiors and fabrics. You’ll have a lower risk of winding up with an upholstery cleaner that doesn't leave patches, residue, or color problems behind.

Car Upholstery Cleaner Pricing 

You don’t have to spend a whole lot to stock up on quality car upholstery cleaner. In fact, you can find products priced for less than $10, making a good cleaner a cheap investment. However, on average, you should expect to spend between $10 and $20. Car upholstery cleaners priced under $10 can be great, but they’re often designed to clean just one or two material types. Step up to the $10 to $20 range, and you’ll find more variety. And if you’d like, you can find products for $21 or more, but these tend to be more comprehensive upholstery detailing kits. 

FAQs 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

Q: How do I use an upholstery cleaner?

A: Upholstery cleaners vary depending on what formula they’re made of. Your best bet is to follow our How to Deep Clean Your Car’s Interior here. Then, follow the manufacturer’s directions on the bottle for the best technique. Always be sure to do a patch test to check for colorfastness on an inconspicuous area before cleaning your entire car.

Q: What do professionals clean car upholstery with?

A: Every auto detailing pro has his own favorite car upholstery cleaner, and products can vary, depending on the kind of material a particular car contains. If you’re looking for professional-level results, you’ll want to seek out professional-grade cleaners, or cleaners that are made by professionals with longtime auto experience. We’ve got plenty of these options on our list above.

Q: Can car upholstery cleaner remove seat stains?

A: Many car upholstery cleaning products promise to remove stains, but results can really vary. If you’re dealing with set-in stains or challenging stains (like coffee spills, salt stains, or pet messes), you’ll want to choose a cleaner that features a stain-fighting formula. Or, you may want to opt for a cleaning product that’s specifically made to target stains. Oxy- or oxygen-based products tend to be particularly great at fighting stains. But remember — no matter what product you pick, you’ll probably need multiple applications to get rid of extra-tough stains.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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