How To Clean Between Car Seats Easy 10-Step Guide?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

Cleaning between car seats can be a tricky task, but it’s important to maintain a clean and hygienic car interior for your comfort and health. Spills and crumbs are inevitable when driving with kids or pets. However, some tips and tricks can help you tackle the mess in the tight spaces between car seats.

Cleaning Between Car Seats: The 10-Step Procedure

Step 1: Disconnect The Negative Battery Terminal

Locate the negative battery terminal under the hood of your vehicle. It is usually marked with a minus symbol (-). Use the pliers to loosen the nut holding the cable in place, and then remove it carefully from the terminal.

Step 2: Remove The Seats

Check your car’s manual to learn how to remove the seats safely. Once you have removed the seats, take them outside your vehicle and set them up in a clean and open space. You can use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to eliminate debris or dust on the surface of each seat.

Step 3: Gather And Throw Away Trash

Start by grabbing a small trash bag or container, then collect any visible debris between the seats. This includes food wrappers, empty bottles, receipts, or any other accumulated waste over time. Once you’ve gathered all the trash, tie up the bag or dispose of its contents properly in a nearby garbage can.

Step 4: Vacuum The Carpet & Floor Ventilation Ducts

Pull back the carpets to expose any debris that may have accumulated underneath them. Use a handheld vacuum or crevice tool to suck up dirt, crumbs, or pet hair.

Turn your attention to the floor ventilation ducts. These can often become clogged with dust and other debris, which can reduce airflow and cause unpleasant odors inside your vehicle. To clean them out, gently work them into the ducts with a long brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner.

Step 5: Remove Pet And Human Hair

A pet hair removal tool is the best way to remove these hairs. These tools are designed specifically to pick up pet hair, but they work just as well on human hair. Run it over the surface of the car seat in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to focus on areas where your pets or humans spend most of their time sitting.

If you don’t have a pet hair removal tool handy, other options include using a lint roller or rubber glove. Simply rub these items over the surface of the car seat in the same back-and-forth motion mentioned earlier.

Step 6: Remove Stains With Upholstery

Choose a stain remover specifically designed for use on fabrics and carpets. Apply the product generously to the affected area and let it sit for several minutes to allow it to penetrate deep into the fibers.

Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently blot the stained area, being careful not to rub too hard as this can spread the stain further. Repeat this process until the stain has been lifted completely.

You may need to repeat this process several times or consider using a specialized cleaning machine for tougher stains.

Step 7: Deep Clean The Carpet

To use an extractor, fill the machine’s tank with hot water and the recommended carpet cleaning solution. Then, turn on the machine and move it over the carpeted areas between your car seats in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to overlap each passes slightly to ensure complete coverage.

Step 8: Clean The Seat Rails

Scrub any dirt or debris collected in the rails using an all-purpose cleaner and a detail brush. This will make your car look better and help prevent future issues with sliding seats or difficult adjustments.

Once you have cleaned the seat rails, inspect them for any damage or wear and tear that may need attention. You can also use this opportunity to re-lubricate the rails, ensuring they move smoothly and quietly. Use a silicone-based lubricant on metal parts of the rail system, taking care not to get any on fabric seats or interior surfaces.

Step 9: Clean The Sides Of The Console

Use an interior detail spray sparingly since excess spray can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt. Also, ensure that you use a clean microfiber towel to wipe away any excess cleaner to avoid streaks or scratches on your console. Use a dedicated microfiber towel for each console section for the best results.

The steamer is ideal for deep-cleaning tight spaces between the seats where dust and debris tend to accumulate. Its high-temperature steam kills germs and bacteria without leaving behind any chemical residue or bad odor. However, use caution when using the steamer since it can be hot and damage some materials.

Step 10: Reinstall the Seats & Reconnect the Battery

Properly align the seat with its respective brackets so that it clicks into place. Tug the seat slightly to fasten it securely. If your car has adjustable headrests, ensure they’re properly positioned before attaching the seats.

After reinstalling the seats, reconnect your car battery . Connect the positive cable (usually red) and the negative cable (usually black).

Why Is It Important To Clean Car Seats Regularly?

Regular cleaning of car seats is crucial for maintaining longevity and keeping them looking new. Over time, debris and dirt can accumulate on the seats, leading to discoloration and staining. Not only does this affect the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle, but it also creates a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that can cause unpleasant odors.

Additionally, regular cleaning helps protect the upholstery from wear and tear caused by friction or exposure to sunlight. This means you don’t have to replace the seats as often, saving you money in the long run.

What Should You Use To Clean Car Seats?

1) Upholstery cleaner: It is specifically designed for cleaning fabric seats and removing stains caused by spills or dirt. You can spray it on the affected areas, scrub it with a brush, and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

2) Leather cleaner: Leather seats require special care as they are prone to cracking and drying out. A leather cleaner formulated for cars will moisturize the leather while cleaning it.

3) All-purpose cleaner: If you don’t want to buy separate cleaners for different types of car seats, an all-purpose cleaner can do the job effectively. Just make sure it’s safe for use on upholstery or leather surfaces.

How Do I Remove The Seats From My Car?

In most cars, the process involves pulling up or removing bolts and holding the seat down with a socket wrench. Once you have removed the bolts, you can disconnect any electrical connections and the seat belt anchor before lifting the seat out of its place. Be careful not to damage any delicate parts as you work on this.

Should I Use A Steam Cleaner To Clean Between Car Seats?

Using a steam cleaner to clean between car seats can be an effective way to get rid of dirt, grime, and bacteria that may have accumulated in hard-to-reach areas. However, before you start using your steam cleaner on your car upholstery, you must know the fabric your car seats are made of. Most modern cars come with synthetic or leather upholstery, which can withstand high temperatures and moisture from a steam cleaner.

Conclusion:

Cleaning between car seats is important to keeping your car clean and presentable. It requires a few supplies, some patience, and a bit of effort. With the right tools and technique, you can quickly work on this task and have your car looking great in no time.