How to Clean Cloth Car Seats After a Harsh Winter
From salty clothes to soaked jackets, your cloth seats take a beating during winter. Let’s bring them back to life with a simple deep-cleaning method that works — no steam machine needed.
Why Winter Wrecks Cloth Seats
Cloth car seats absorb everything — melted snow, road salt, body heat, and moisture. That combo leads to stains, odor, and even mildew if left untreated.
What You’ll Need
- Complete Cabin Cleaner
- Scrub Buddy Pad
- Everyday Microfiber Towels
- Optional: Spray bottle with warm distilled water
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Lightly Mist with Warm Water
This helps loosen any salt residue and softens dried stains. Avoid soaking the seat — just a light mist will do.
Step 2: Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner
Apply Complete Cabin Cleaner directly onto the cloth seat. Let it sit for 30 seconds to penetrate grime and oils.
Step 3: Agitate with a Scrub Buddy Pad
Use circular motions to work the cleaner into the fabric. Focus on stained or high-contact areas like seat bottoms and backrests.
Step 4: Blot with a Microfiber Towel
Use an Everyday Microfiber Towel to blot up the moisture and lift contaminants out of the seat. Rotate to a clean section of the towel as needed.
Step 5: Let Air Dry
Open windows or doors to improve airflow. You can also run a fan or use a dehumidifier for faster drying in humid environments.
Pro Tip: Don’t Skip the Headrests
Winter sweat and hat grime build up fast on fabric headrests. Use the same process to refresh those too — it makes a huge difference in smell and appearance.
Related Posts
- Remove Salt Stains from Car Carpets
- Remove Winter Smells from Your Car
- Prep Your Car Interior for Spring
FAQs
Will salt damage cloth car seats?
Yes. Salt dries into crystals that stiffen fabric and can stain permanently if not removed. The moisture also leads to odors and mildew.
Can I clean fabric seats without a steam machine?
Absolutely. Using a dedicated cleaner like Complete Cabin Cleaner and a scrub pad gives you deep-clean results with zero equipment.
How long does it take to dry?
Usually 1–3 hours depending on airflow and humidity. Always leave doors/windows cracked or use a fan to speed it up.
