- What Is The Two Bucket Car Wash Method (Beginners Guide) - July 2, 2021
- Will Washing Car Remove Wax? What You Need To Know - December 3, 2019
- What Causes Scratches On Car Paint: You Should Know This - April 29, 2019
Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Nate Schnell
Your car’s interior faces daily abuse—from spilled coffee and snacks to dirt and grime from shoes. Keeping your upholstery and carpets clean not only enhances your driving experience but also preserves your vehicle’s value. Fortunately, cleaning your car’s carpets and upholstery is easy and doesn’t require expensive equipment or special skills. I’ll show you exactly how to clean your car interior like a pro, with proven techniques I’ve perfected over more than 10 years as a professional auto detailer.
Whether you need a quick refresh or you’re dealing with stubborn stains, this guide will cover simple yet effective methods to restore your car’s interior to a like-new condition.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these essential supplies to make the job easier:
- Vacuum Cleaner: A cordless handheld vacuum like the Black & Decker Dustbuster is ideal for convenience and versatility.
- Scrub Brush: A soft to medium-bristle brush for agitating carpets and fabric upholstery.
- Microfiber Towels: They absorb moisture well without leaving lint behind.
- Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner: Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean is a reliable, safe, and powerful option.
- Stain Remover (optional but recommended): Turtle Wax Power Out! Upholstery Cleaner is particularly effective at removing tough stains and includes an integrated scrub brush.
With these items ready, you can tackle most interior cleaning jobs with ease.
Step-by-Step Method for Cleaning Car Carpets and Upholstery
Step 1: Preparation and Vacuuming
Begin by removing all items from your car, including floor mats. Shake out the mats outside to dislodge loose dirt and debris.
Next, thoroughly vacuum your carpets, seats, and mats. Pay special attention to crevices around seats and between cushions. Sliding your seats fully forward and backward while vacuuming ensures no hidden dirt remains.
A handheld cordless vacuum makes this step quick and easy, allowing you to reach tight spaces effortlessly.
Step 2: Apply Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
With your upholstery and carpets vacuumed, it’s time to break down tougher dirt and stains.
Spray your chosen carpet and upholstery cleaner directly onto the surface, applying an even layer. Allow the product to penetrate the fabric for 1-2 minutes. This dwell time helps loosen deep dirt and grime.
Step 3: Agitate and Scrub the Surface
Take your scrub brush and gently but firmly scrub the treated areas. Use circular motions to lift embedded dirt to the surface. For stubborn stains, apply slightly more pressure, but avoid scrubbing excessively hard to prevent fabric damage.
If your car upholstery has deep grooves or textures, vary the angle of your brush strokes to ensure thorough cleaning.
Step 4: Wipe and Dry
After scrubbing, grab a clean microfiber towel and blot or dab the area to remove excess dirt and moisture. Do not rub aggressively, as this can push dirt back into the fabric or damage fibers. Simply blotting will absorb the loosened grime.
Allow surfaces to air dry with the windows or doors open if possible. Air circulation helps prevent any musty odors from developing.
Step 5: Treating Tougher Stains (Optional but Recommended)
For especially difficult spots, like coffee stains, sticky residues, or ground-in dirt, apply a specialized stain remover like Turtle Wax Power Out!.
Spray the foam onto the stain and wait 1-2 minutes for it to work into the fabric. Then, use the attached stiff-bristle brush to gently scrub the area in circular motions. Blot again with a microfiber towel to remove residue.
This approach is highly effective for stubborn stains and leaves a fresh, clean scent behind.
Protecting Your Car’s Carpets and Upholstery
Cleaning your upholstery and carpets is just the first step. To maintain cleanliness and protect against future stains, consider applying a fabric protector afterward.
Products like Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor not only provide protection but also make future clean-ups easier. They create a barrier that repels liquids and dirt, preventing permanent staining.
Simply spray a light, even coat of protector onto clean upholstery and carpets, then allow it to air dry fully before using your vehicle again.
Easy DIY Homemade Car Upholstery and Carpet Cleaners
While professional-grade automotive cleaners give excellent results, you can achieve impressive cleaning with homemade solutions, too.
Ammonia-Based Cleaner: Ideal for General Cleaning
If you’re tackling large areas, this ammonia-based solution works well. Here’s how to make it:
- Fill a bucket with two-thirds hot water.
- Add one scoop of unscented powdered laundry detergent.
- Add a small amount (about half a cup) of ammonia and stir thoroughly.
Use a scrub brush or a clean rag to apply the solution. Open car doors and windows during cleaning to ventilate. Let surfaces air dry completely after cleaning.
Vinegar Solution: Perfect for Spot Stain Removal
For treating individual stains, especially fresh ones like coffee or juice spills, vinegar is a great choice:
- In a spray bottle, mix one-third white vinegar and two-thirds hot water.
- Lightly spray the solution onto the stain and gently blot with a clean towel.
- Allow the solution to sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse lightly with cold water.
- Blot dry again with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
Vinegar is highly effective at breaking down stains without damaging fabrics or leaving behind chemical residues.
Baking Soda for Natural Odor Removal
Unpleasant odors often linger even after cleaning. Baking soda naturally absorbs and neutralizes these odors:
- After cleaning and fully drying the upholstery or carpet, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the area.
- Allow it to sit for at least three hours (or overnight for best results).
- Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly afterward.
Your car interior will smell noticeably fresher without relying on strong artificial fragrances.
Tackling Common Stains: Coffee Spills in Your Car
Coffee spills are incredibly common and can seem stubborn. Fortunately, they’re easy to treat effectively:
- Mix a solution of one-third white vinegar and two-thirds water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray or dab the stain, allowing it to soak for a few minutes.
- Blot carefully with a microfiber towel to lift the stain (do not scrub aggressively).
- Rinse lightly with cool water and blot dry.
Acting quickly is key to completely removing coffee stains. Keep a small towel and bottle of water or your homemade vinegar solution in the glove compartment for emergencies. This preparedness helps prevent permanent staining.
Final Thoughts and Additional Tips for Keeping Your Car Interior Clean
Consistent maintenance is essential for keeping your car upholstery and carpets looking new. Follow these practical tips for lasting results:
- Regularly vacuum your interior at least once per month to minimize dirt buildup.
- Spot-clean stains immediately, as fresh stains are always easier to remove.
- Apply fabric protector after deep cleaning to simplify future maintenance.
- Use rubber floor mats for added protection, especially during rainy seasons.
- Ventilate your vehicle regularly to reduce moisture and odors.
Keeping your car’s interior spotless doesn’t require excessive effort or costly services. With a few simple tools and techniques, your car upholstery and carpets can remain fresh and comfortable, enhancing your driving experience while preserving the value of your vehicle.
