Over time, the interior of even a new car requires “general cleaning,” let alone cars that have been used for a long time and every day. Armchairs, upholstery and carpets gradually lose their factory luster, and stains accidentally placed on the seat make the interior of the car untidy. Of course, the idea immediately arises of putting the car in the hands of professionals, but the price of such dry cleaning is steep, and the costs are not always justified. For those who don’t mind saving money or want to do everything personally and conscientiously, there is an option to clean the car seats yourself.
When is professional dry cleaning not advisable?
The thought of taking your car to a car wash for dry cleaning may seem like a good idea when it comes to cleaning the inside of the car. Washing the interior at the station will definitely save your time (possibly nerves) and eliminate the hassle.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to spend a couple of extra thousand, and you have a free sunny day in the near future, then why not clean the seats and car yourself. You should think twice even for minor or spot contamination. It is likely that single stains can be removed by yourself, then there is no point in spending money on a complete cleaning service.
What types of contaminants in a car interior can be removed?
The more often you use your car, the higher the risk of getting something dirty on the seats. This is especially true for families with children: kids constantly spill, rub and smear things.
Reviews from car enthusiasts indicate that using Vanish you can remove a variety of types of stains:
- from drinks (tea, juice, coffee, etc.);
- from foods (chocolate, fat);
- shoe marks, dirt stains.
The logic behind choosing Vanish is simple - if it's suitable for carpets or furniture, then why not use it to clean textile car seats?
Vanish is used not only for home cleaning, but also in cleaning services that provide professional cleaning of furniture, carpets and other textiles.
This popularity of the product is explained by the fact that it:
- suitable for processing pile of any length;
- prevents bright colors from fading;
- Cleans gently without damaging the fibers.
Choice of product
The key to ensuring that the result lives up to expectations and that all efforts will not be in vain is the choice of the right chemistry. Regardless of the manufacturer and composition, the operating principle of cleaning products should be identical, as well as their properties.
What is important to consider:
- high foaming and active foam. What does this mean? It is this that is distributed on seats and textile elements, pushes dirt out of the fibers and is then finally removed. No rubbing or washing with soap;
- non-aggressive composition without abrasive particles that can ruin the fabric in the cabin. Dry mixtures and powders are not suitable for such cleaning. Only liquid chemistry with good solubility;
- purpose of the remedy. The cleaning result is directly affected by the composition of the chosen chemicals, so preference should be given to either specialized products for cleaning car interiors, or household products for fabric coverings, upholstery and carpets. By the way, among special chemicals for cars, some manufacturers differentiate their line of products by the nature of contamination and the type of upholstery. For example, a spray to remove stains from rubber and bitumen will be at least ineffective for the skin, and a light concentrate will not cope with stubborn stains from spilled coffee or wine if you try to clean the seat at home.
Below we will consider the most popular products used by car enthusiasts for these purposes, and also give examples of alternative cleaners.
Vanish
The Vanish brand drug has long and justifiably proven itself to be a household drug that is well promoted to the masses. If you go deeper, this is the name of a brand of household chemicals intended for cleaning various surfaces and cleaning. However, not all products of this brand are suitable for the purposes under consideration.
Vanish products that are potentially suitable for cleaning car interior stains include:
- wet powder;
- spray;
- shampoo.
However, powder is least suitable in this case for one good reason: the granules do not dissolve completely and can get into the inner layers of the upholstery and leave streaks. It will be extremely difficult to get rid of particles stuck in the fibers on your own. The result is wasted time and nerves, forced cleaning of the seats in the service center, and this leads to additional costs.
What about the spray? Compared to powder, it is definitely more convenient to use. When you press the sprayer, the liquid is applied to individual areas of the fabric, then a foam is formed that removes dirt. But in practice, everything is a little more complicated: the foam from the sprayer is absorbed almost instantly, so it is quite difficult to evenly treat the entire surface. And in the case of cleaning ceilings, the spray does not spray well due to the specific location of the upholstery.
The suitable form of Vanish for cleaning the car interior is shampoo. It is enough to stir it in a small volume of water until a lush foam forms. The product dissolves evenly and removes stains without streaks.
Attention! We do not recommend using liquid shampoo for washing vacuum cleaners! The concentration of the active substance in such products is higher, which can negatively affect health, and it is washed out worse than special chemicals for cars. In addition, a washing vacuum cleaner is unlikely to cope with this task, and even the smallest nozzle will not remove dirt in joints and crevices.
Unicum
Another brand of household chemicals from an Israeli manufacturer, less known in wide circles, but gaining popularity and decent competition for pink tubes. The range includes cleaning products and products for the home, upholstered furniture and carpets. A completely workable option for cleaning car seats on your own.
The manufacturer produces liquid shampoo and cleaning spray. The latter effectively removes local pollution. But in the case of a car showroom, it is better to treat the entire upholstery, because a clean area on a well-worn seat looks no better than a stain from spilled juice or stains.
Special cleaners
The range of specialized auto chemicals is very diverse. By the way, finding special care products in a car store is problematic (which is strange). And in online stores, both branded and universal, in hypermarkets such as Auchan and Lenta, chemicals for car seats are available for purchase.
Let's consider popular products for cleaning seats and car interiors:
- Grass. Large Russian manufacturer of household, professional and auto chemicals. The line of products for cars is quite diverse, including various cleaners, car wash products, disinfectants, car cosmetics and detailing products. The price tag is very attractive: 1 liter of shampoo costs about 220 rubles;
- Karcher – products and devices for professional and household cleaning made in Germany. Among them is a foaming shampoo for cleaning car seats, carpets and upholstery. Most products are suitable for both hand washing and vacuum cleaners and machine cleaning. The average price for a 770 ml bottle is 1000 rubles;
- K2. The Polish brand of car cosmetics and care products has proven itself well among car enthusiasts. It contains active components that effectively remove stubborn stains. The price for a universal cleaner in the form of a spray is from 370 to 960 rubles. (770 ml);
- Profoam 2000 is a line of products from the Korean brand Kangaroo, used for cleaning seats, upholstery fabrics and flooring. Available in the form of a spray or foam in a pressurized container. The average price of a 0.6 l bottle is 350 rubles;
- Wazler is another reputable brand of auto cosmetics, accessories and chemicals from Germany. Cleans fabric surfaces, as well as car upholstery leather and plastic elements. Price on request on the official website.
Folk remedies
If you have a strong desire to save on professional cleaning services, it is very undesirable to save on car chemicals. But circumstances are different, and if there is no opportunity to purchase specialized products, you can try to solve the issue using “old-fashioned” methods. But be careful: the result can be unpredictable!
The principle of cleaning using alternative means remains unchanged: as a result of the reaction of the components, foam should be formed, applied to the surface and pushing out dirt from inside the seats.
What you can use:
- soda and citric acid. They are used to clean fabric car seats in the form of two aqueous solutions, which, when interacting, form foam and push out dirt. A solution of citric acid (25 g of white crystals + 5 g of detergent per 0.5 l of water) and soda (at the rate of 15 g of powder per 0.5 l of warm water) are alternately applied to problem areas from a spray bottle. As a result of the interaction of the components, foam is formed, which is removed after drying. This method is suitable for cleaning all fabric elements inside the car;
- vinegar is used as a neutralizer of unwanted odors in the interior and on upholstery, but is not suitable as a stain remover. Dissolve a small amount of vinegar in warm water and apply to the upholstery using a spray bottle or wet the problem area with a rag slightly moistened in the solution and well wrung out;
- Laundry soap can be used to clean spot stains on seats. To do this, you need to prepare a solution of grated soap in water (1:1). But you need to remember that the product requires thorough rinsing and can leave streaks on fabric elements.
Reviews from car enthusiasts
A simple search query is enough to find many reviews on the Internet about cleaning seats using Vanish with real photos and videos.
Here are just a few of them:
- https://forums.drom.ru/70/t1150972704.html
- https://www.drive2.com/l/7114276/
The authors of some publications get rid of stains by applying undiluted product directly to the stain.
This method may be effective in some cases, but it creates the risk of streaks on the seat upholstery. Use it or not - decide for yourself.
Tools and accessories
If the issue of choosing a cleaning agent has been resolved, preparation for cleaning also involves selecting the necessary equipment. The list is pretty simple:
- a vacuum cleaner without a dust bag – necessary for preparing the interior and subsequently removing foam from surfaces. You can use a specialized automotive one;
- chemicals for cleaning car seats;
- clean, light-colored or non-woven rags (that do not leave lint) or a large sponge;
- a brush with soft or medium-hard bristles (so as not to rub the upholstery fabric);
- hot water in a bucket or basin;
- gloves.
If you have a steam generator at your disposal, and the interior of your car is made of fabric or velor, you can try treating it with steam: often such cleaning is enough to remove stains and dirt.
Auto chemical goods
On my other car, after a year of operation, I tried professional Grass chemistry. Costs about 130 rubles. The effect is exactly the same as that described above, but you don’t need to shake anything.
The foam is applied directly from the bottle sprayer. At first I tried applying it directly to the seat fabric, but it turned out that it was easier to apply more onto a sponge and rub it into the seat. Then I clean it with a wet rag, as in the method described above. I wait an hour or two until the interior dries and looks like new.
This also includes Amway chemistry. I haven’t personally used it, but my friend assures me that the effect is excellent. I'll have to check it out.
Cleaning process step by step
Now we move directly to the most important stage - cleaning car seats. Let's look at this process step by step:
- Dilute the detergent in warm or hot water until completely dissolved, and use a sponge or stick to stir up a strong foam.
- Apply it evenly (namely foam, not soapy water!) onto the surface to be treated using a sponge, spread it with light movements, do not rub it too hard.
- Leave the foam until completely dry (usually the time is indicated on the packaging of the selected chemical). During this time it will turn gray, because... As a result of the reaction, dirt and dust are displaced from the thickness of the fibers during this time.
- Remove foam with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth. It is important to move in one direction from the center to the edge, without putting pressure on the vacuum cleaner brush, so as not to push the dirt back in. If you use a rag, it is important to rinse it every time it is filled with soapy water.
- You can wash especially dirty areas with a brush or the same rag, but the main thing here is not to overdo it. If the stain is stubborn, it is better to apply the foam again rather than try to scrub it off with force.
- Wipe with a dry cloth again to remove as much moisture as possible from the fabric.
- Leave to dry. It's ideal if the car can dry open for better air circulation, but you can leave small gaps in the car by lowering the windows a little. Usually a few hours are enough for complete drying.
Advice! If you are cleaning not only the upholstery of the seats, but the entire interior, it is wiser to start from top to bottom, from the ceiling to the floor.
The well-known Fairy
Personally, I tried the well-known Fairy.
It is enough to add a few drops to a small container with a small amount of water. Then the foam is whipped. This foam needs to be hooked onto a sponge and spread over the surface of the fabric seat covering. You can even rub it into a cloth if it’s very dirty. The surfactants in the detergent begin to break down the dirt.
You need to let them work for a short time. I think that 3-5 minutes is enough, I personally did this. Then you need to thoroughly wipe it all with a wet cloth several times, rinsing it off in clean water. Well, all that remains is to wait for everything to dry. Naturally, it is better to do such things in the summer, when the interior dries out in a matter of minutes.
Features of cleaning interiors made of various materials
Active foam manipulation is great for fabric salons, but does this method work in other applications? After all, there are clearly more modern car interior finishing materials than a couple of decades ago. And how then to clean car seats if they are upholstered in velor, genuine leather or vinyl?
Textile
The entire previously described algorithm of actions is valid for working with fabric upholstery. At the same time, as it turned out in practice, you can use not only specialized car cosmetics and chemicals, but also household shampoos for cleaning carpets and furniture.
Velours
Although this material is usually equated with the fabric version of the interior, its care is still somewhat different. Velor is more delicate and collects dust a lot, so you should try to properly complete the preparatory stage before cleaning. A good vacuum cleaner with various attachments will effectively remove accumulated dirt.
Attention! When using household cleaning products, pay attention to the composition: it should not contain bleaching components.
Leather
Natural leather interior is as capricious as its status. The car looks much more attractive from the inside, but, as they say, beauty requires sacrifice. When cleaning leather seats, it is important to consider:
- Use only special chemicals intended for the care of natural leather. As a last resort - a weak soap solution with mandatory treatment with a skin moisturizer. The cleaning principle is similar: apply the product, wait for it to dry, remove;
- do not forget about moisturizing and protecting against cracking;
- Do not rub with a brush or products containing abrasive particles.
Vinyl
Vinyl upholstery has become famous as one of the most unpretentious. If you are the lucky owner of such a salon, then in your case you can solve the problem without specialized cosmetics and treat it with ordinary soapy water or other household detergents.
Skoda Fabia 2011, 69 l. With. - washing
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Comments 34
How long did it take for the seats to dry?
After 10 seconds, all the cleaner went inside. This is how it should be and now you need to rub it intensively. Or what's wrong with the cleaner?
Well, for now the foam needs to be rubbed) I rubbed it like this...then after I rubbed everything, it remained clean)
yes, I also immediately started rubbing until there was foam, although it was written to wait 30-60 seconds) And then they wiped it with a clean rag? because the dirt should rise to the top
Well, for me, most of the dirt remains on the brush... I washed the brush in a bucket of water and rubbed, washed and rubbed until the brush became more or less clean after wiping) I didn’t really wipe the top with a cloth, wiped it with a towel and left it outside to dry, I did it in the summer
Well, how are you biz brushes
