Best Way to Clean Car Seats (Cloth, Leather, Vinyl)
Want to clean your car seats safely and effectively? In this simple guide, I’ll show you the best way to clean cloth, leather, and vinyl car seats — step by step — using the right products and tools.
Car seats take a beating — dirt, sweat, spills, oils, and daily wear can leave them looking tired and dingy.
But with the right approach and products, you can safely clean your seats and restore them to like-new condition — whether they’re cloth, leather, or vinyl.
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- The best way to clean cloth seats
- The best way to clean leather seats
- The best way to clean vinyl seats
- The products and tools you actually need
Products You’ll Need
- Complete Cabin Cleaner — Safe for all seat materials
- Scrub Buddy Pads — Great for textured vinyl and deep cleaning leather
- Everyday Microfiber Towels — For safe wiping and drying
- Vacuum with crevice tool
How to Clean Cloth Car Seats
Step 1 — Vacuum Thoroughly
👉 Start by vacuuming the seats thoroughly — use a crevice tool to get between seat cushions and edges.
👉 The more dirt you remove now, the easier cleaning will be — and the less chance you’ll rub dirt into the fabric.
Step 2 — Light Cleaning
- Lightly mist Complete Cabin Cleaner onto a microfiber towel (not directly onto the seat)
- Wipe the seat in sections — this removes light dirt and surface oils
Step 3 — Deep Cleaning
- For stains or heavily soiled areas — mist Complete Cabin Cleaner onto the area
- Gently agitate with a soft brush or towel
- Blot with a clean, dry microfiber towel to lift dirt and moisture
Step 4 — Let Dry
- Leave doors or windows open for ventilation
- Allow seats to dry completely before use
How to Clean Leather Car Seats
Step 1 — Vacuum First
👉 Always vacuum first — removes dirt and debris that could scratch leather during cleaning.
Step 2 — Clean the Leather
- Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner onto a Scrub Buddy Pad or microfiber towel
- Gently scrub the leather — lift dirt and oils from the surface
- Wipe off residue with a clean microfiber towel
Step 3 — Condition (Optional)
👉 If desired, apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to restore suppleness — but many modern leather seats have protective coatings that don’t need conditioning.
How to Clean Vinyl Car Seats
Step 1 — Vacuum
👉 As with all seats — start by vacuuming first to remove debris.
Step 2 — Clean the Vinyl
- Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner onto a Scrub Buddy Pad or towel
- Gently scrub the vinyl to lift dirt and grime
- Wipe clean with a microfiber towel
👉 Vinyl is one of the easiest materials to clean — just don’t use harsh degreasers or APCs, which can dry it out and cause cracking.
Pro Tips for Cleaning Car Seats
- Always vacuum first — prevents scratching and reduces soiling
- Test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first (especially on older leather)
- Work in sections — don’t soak the seat material
- Use clean towels — rotate to a fresh side often
- Allow seats to dry fully before use
Recommended Products
- Complete Cabin Cleaner — Safe for cloth, leather, and vinyl seats
- Scrub Buddy Pads — Great for leather and vinyl deep cleaning
- Everyday Microfiber Towels — Safe for wiping and drying seats
Conclusion
👉 Want your car seats to stay clean and looking great? Follow this simple process:
- Vacuum first
- Use Complete Cabin Cleaner — safe for all seat types
- Use Scrub Buddy Pads and Everyday Microfiber Towels
- Work in sections — allow seats to dry fully
👉 With these simple tips — you’ll keep your cloth, leather, or vinyl seats looking and feeling their best!
