Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Cleaning between car seats can be a daunting task; the area between the seats can be a haven for dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris accumulating over time. Using a vacuum cleaner is the easiest way to clean between car seats. To keep your car seats looking their best, clean them regularly and treat them with a leather conditioner if they are made of leather. Cleaning between car seats can be time-consuming, but with the right tools and cleaners, you can have your interior look new in no time.
Various Cleaning Points Between Seats
- In The Car Seat Creases
- Console Areas
- Car Seat Tracks
- Crevices And Edges
Cleaning Between Car Seats
What You Need
-
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Specialized Car Cleaning Products
- Crevice Tool
- Microfiber Cloth
- Bristle Brush
- Steam Cleaner
- Air Compressor
- Soft Cloths For Polishing Upholstery
- Foam Brushes For Scrubbing Tough Spots
- An Old Toothbrush For Scrubbing Tough Spots
- Rubber Pet Hair Brush
Instructions
Discard The Unwanted: Before beginning the cleaning process, remove debris between the seats, such as coins, receipts, or garbage.
Remove Moving Objects: Remove any items that can be moved, such as floor mats, seat covers, and cushions.
Vacuum The Area: Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a crevice tool to vacuum in and around the seat crevices and tracks. Vacuuming will remove surface dirt and dust. If you have an air compressor handy, blow out the seat crevices and tracks.
Clean With Specialized Products: Use specialized car cleaning products to clean the upholstery between the seats. Use a microfiber cloth or an old toothbrush to scrub any tough stains or spots. You can use A rubber pet hair brush for pet hair removal.
Clean Console Areas:
- Remove any items from the console and clean them with mild soap and a damp cloth.
- Use a vacuum to get into all the nooks and crannies so no dirt or debris remains.
- Once everything is clean, dry it off with a clean cloth before replacing your items in the console area.
Clean Car Seat Rails: The seat tracks must be free of dirt and debris for your car seats to function smoothly. Start by using a dry cloth to wipe down the rail area. For more stubborn dirt, take a damp cloth and mild soap and give them a good scrubbing. Make sure to get into all the crevices, so everything is properly cleaned. Once done, dry the area with a clean cloth, so nothing gets stuck in the rails.
Clean Crevices And Edges:
- Get into all the nooks and crannies using a vacuum cleaner, focusing on the crevices around the seat edges.
- Once you’ve suctioned out any dirt or debris, use a mild soap and damp cloth to clean up any lingering mess.
- Dry off the area with a clean cloth so nothing gets stuck in the cracks.
Steam Cleaning: Consider using a steam cleaner for your car seats and upholstery for a deeper clean. Steam cleaning is excellent for removing tough dirt, stains, and odors that regular cleaning may not be able to handle. Steam cleaning is also an eco-friendly way to keep your car looking its best.
Dry Your Car: Once you’re done cleaning, dry all your car’s surfaces with a clean cloth.
Polish Upholstery: To give your car’s upholstery an extra shine, use soft cloths and a mild polish to buff out any scratches or dull spots.
Air Freshener: To keep your car smelling fresh and clean, try using an air freshener. You can also use a fabric refresher spray to remove any lingering odors from the upholstery or carpets.
Different Options For Cleaning Between Car Seats
- Baking Soda
- Club Soda
- Vinegar
- Detergent
- Commercial Car Upholstery Cleaner
- Foam Cleaners
Tips
- Clean up the stain as soon as possible
- Vacuum the area first to remove loose dirt and debris
- Test any cleaning solution in a small, inconspicuous spot before using it on the whole seat
- Use upholstery cleaner that is specifically designed for car interiors – many other cleaners may damage or discolor your car interior
- Work in small sections and use a clean towel or rag to wipe off the excess cleaning solution
- To remove any stains, use a scrub brush with the cleaning solution
- Use a dry cloth to remove any remaining residue
- Before replacing the car seat, make sure it is entirely dry first to avoid mildew formation
- To reduce the frequency of car seat cleaning, consider buying a protective cover for your car seats. This will help keep dirt and spills away from the fabric.
Risks Of Removing The Car Seat For Cleaning
Possible Damage To The Seat: Removing and re-installing a car seat can cause damage to the seat itself or its mechanism, making it unsafe for use.
Disruption Of Safety System: Depending on your car seat type, they may be connected to other safety systems in your cars, such as airbags or seatbelt harnesses. Removing the car seat could disconnect these systems and make them inoperable until reconnected.
Voiding Of Warranty: Many car seats come with warranties that could be voided if you remove the seat for cleaning, leaving you without any recourse against a manufacturer should an issue arise.
Risk Of Injury: If you don’t have experience with car repair or safety systems, attempting to remove and re-install a seat could result in an injury from improperly connecting the seat or its components.
FAQs
What Is Car Cleaning Kit?
A car cleaning kit is a collection of items used to clean and maintain the interior and exterior of your vehicle. It typically includes upholstery cleaner, shampoo, waxes, microfiber cloths, sponges, brushes, and other tools for reaching tight spaces and corners.
How Long Should Cleaner Or Polish Be Allowed To Sit On Car Seats Before Wiping It Off?
Most cleaners and polishes should sit on the seat for about 10-15 minutes before they are wiped off.
How Can I Vacuum Hard-To-Reach Spots In My Car?
You can use a flexible vacuum attachment to help you get into the hard-to-reach spots of your car. Alternatively, you can also use a handheld vacuum cleaner with an extendable wand. This will help you get into tight spaces and corners in your vehicle.
How Often Should I Clean Between My Car Seats?
It would be best to clean between your car seats every week or two.
What Are The Risks Of Using Cleaners Inside Your Car?
Using harsh cleaners inside your car can damage the upholstery and discolor it. It’s best to read all cleaning product labels before use to avoid possible damage to your car’s interior. Test on a small, inconspicuous area before they are used on the whole seat.
How To Keep Your Upholstery Looking Great?
Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and brushing can help keep your car’s upholstery looking great.
How Long Do Leather Seats Last?
Leather seats can last between 5-20 years, depending on how they are cared for.
What Are The Benefits Of Applying A Protective Coating For Car Interiors?
A protective coating for your car interiors will protect the fabric from dirt and other debris. It will also make it easier to clean your car and reduce your time spent on regular maintenance. Additionally, a protective coating can help preserve your car’s interior against UV damage caused by direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Cleaning between the car seats is a relatively simple but important part of proper vehicle maintenance. When done regularly, this task helps maintain your car’s interior cleanliness and ensures that it stays looking like new for many years to come. Take some time to review the different steps involved in tackling this task and choose the best approach for you and your vehicle. With the right tools, you’ll be able to keep your car’s interior looking great in no time at all.