Best Car Upholstery Cleaners: Revive Your Seats’ Appearance

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.

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.

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. 

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 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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!