Do you struggle to keep your car upholstery clean and fresh? Keeping the interior of your car clean can be a challenge, especially if you have pets and young children. And, taking a long journey in a dirty car can be a rather unpleasant experience.
So what’s the solution?
The best car upholstery cleaners have been created to eliminate spills and stains effectively. These products come in a wide range of styles, and some are more effective and easier to use than others. We have created in-depth reviews of the most popular products to help steer you in the right direction.
Contents
- 1 8 Best Car Upholstery Cleaners In 2022 On The Market Reviews
- 1.1 1 MEGUIAR’S Detailing All Purpose Interior Cleaner – Best Car Upholstery Softening Cleaner
- 1.2 2 Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner 18oz – Best Car Upholstery Dirt Repelling Cleaner
- 1.3 3 Adam’s Polishes Leather & Interior Cleaner, 16oz – Best Car Leather Upholstery Cleaner
- 1.4 4 Mothers 05424 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – Best No Marking Car Upholstery Cleaner
- 1.5 5 CarGuys Super Cleaner – Best Nanotechnology Car Upholstery Cleaner
- 1.6 6 Chemical Guys SPI_191_16 Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor – Best Stain Removing Car Upholstery Cleaner
- 1.7 7 Blue Coral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner Dri-Clean Plus with Odor Eliminator – Best Foam Car Upholstery Cleaner
- 1.8 8 Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner – Best Car Upholstery Restorative Cleaner
- 2 Best Car Upholstery Cleaners Buying Guide
- 3 Speaking of Vehicle Cleaning…
- 4 So, what are the Best Car Upholstery Cleaners?
8 Best Car Upholstery Cleaners In 2022 On The Market Reviews
1
MEGUIAR’S Detailing All Purpose Interior Cleaner – Best Car Upholstery Softening Cleaner
If you do a lot of cleaning, purchasing a giant bottle is a wallet-friendly solution. This also means that you will have plenty of cleaner on hand when you do need it. However, large and bulky containers of cleaning products can be challenging to work with.
Fortunately, there is a solution…
MEGUIAR’S Detailing All Purpose Interior Cleaner has been perfectly designed to solve this issue. This product is supplied in a substantial one-gallon bottle. However, it also comes complete with an empty spray bottle and a spray attachment.
Simply pour a little of the product into the empty bottle and screw on the spray attachment. You will now find that cleaning your vehicle upholstery is extremely easy. This product also dries very quickly without leaving residue behind.
This high-performance cleaner works in a range of different ways. It can be used as a spot cleaner and is especially useful on deep stains and old marks. It can also be used to polish plastic and vinyl surfaces and produces a high shine.
Fabric softeners…
The fabric softeners in this product penetrate deep into upholstery to leave it clean and soft. The product is also infused with a refreshing citrus scent. This makes it ideal for use in confined spaces such as the interior of your vehicle.
MEGUIAR’S cleaner even comes complete with a comprehensive three-year warranty. As a result, you will be able to store it without concern. Simply dilute the concentrate to the desired strength, and your interior surfaces with be clean and bright.
Pros
- Bottle/sprayer attachment included.
- One gallon of product.
- Suitable for all interior surfaces.
- Contains fabric softeners.
- Optical brighteners.
- Dual-purpose nozzle.
Cons
- Needs to be diluted.
2
Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner 18oz – Best Car Upholstery Dirt Repelling Cleaner
Turtle Wax is sure to be a name that you are familiar with. This prominent company has created a range of cleaning products that are designed for the exterior of vehicles. They produce a high shine while also delivering long-lasting protection.
But is this the best car upholstery cleaner?
Turtle Wax Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner 18oz comes in a convenient spray can. It boasts a triple-action formula that cleans, deodorizes, and protects your upholstery. The method is extraordinarily powerful and gets to work straight away.
The formula is able to tackle grease and oil stains with ease, and the cap comes with a brush attached to it that you can use to scrub away stubborn stains. Simply spray the product onto the stain and scrub the area to enjoy the best results.
Eliminates odors…
In addition to cleaning your vehicle interior, this product also eliminates unpleasant odors. The patented Odor-C formula is especially tough on all types of unwanted odors, including smoke, damp, lingering food smells, and pet odors.
It should be noted that this product dries in around a minute. This is a real bonus if you are getting ready to hit the road. However, it means that you will need to be prepared to scrub your upholstery immediately if it is necessary.
Repels dirt…
The product contains a dirt repelling silicone shield that comes into effect once it is dry. This helps to prevent dust and stains from penetrating your vehicle upholstery later on. As a result, your vehicle interior should stay significantly cleaner for longer.
Pros
- Pack of six.
- Easy to use.
- Custom designed bristle-over cap.
- Odor eliminating formula.
- Dirt repelling silicone shield.
Cons
- Dries very quickly.
3
Adam’s Polishes Leather & Interior Cleaner, 16oz – Best Car Leather Upholstery Cleaner
While many chemical cleaners work well, they tend to have a strong chemical smell. This can make using them rather unpleasant. This is a particular issue when working in the close confines of your vehicle interior.
Heaven scent…
Fortunately, this can never be an issue when you choose Adam’s Polishes Leather & Interior Cleaner, 16oz. Rather than smelling of chemicals, this product boasts a toasted almond aroma. Not only does it make the interior of your vehicle look clean, but it will also smell fresh and appealing.
While this product is tough on dirt and stains, it is gentle on upholstery, making it the perfect choice if you want to make sure that your vehicle’s upholstery lasts for as long as possible. It is our top choice for leather and suede, but it makes all types of materials feel softer and smoother.
This product delivers enhanced UV protection, so it helps to prevent your seats from fading with prolonged exposure to the sun. Adam’s Polishes Leather & Interior Cleaner comes in a convenient spray bottle and is remarkably easy to use.
Versatile…
In addition to your seats, you can use this product on other parts of your vehicle too. It is perfect for use on the dashboard, consoles, steering wheel, and many other areas. Keeping your car interior clean is sure to be a breeze.
However, it should be noted that this product can fade the dye from colored fabrics. As a result, you should take care when using it on bright and bold car interiors. While the fading effect may take a while to become noticeable, it may give you pause for thought.
Pros
- Sweet almond fragrance.
- Cleans all interior surfaces.
- Strong yet gentle formula.
- Dye-free formula.
- Advanced UV protection.
Cons
- Can cause fading.
4
Mothers 05424 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – Best No Marking Car Upholstery Cleaner
Don’t be fooled by the name. Mothers 05424 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is actually a very versatile cleaning product. It’s effective on a wide range of surfaces and materials, including vinyl, carpet, velour, sheepskin, and leather.
Mothers know best…
This product gets to work quickly by loosening dirt and debris that has become trapped in your car upholstery. It is highly effective at removing caked-on mud and ground-in dirt. So, after walking through the woods, you will not have to worry about muddy shoes ruining your upholstery.
This water-based formula is perfectly PH balanced and is environmentally-friendly. You will not have to worry about your fabrics becoming damaged or fading when you use it. However, you can be sure that it is tough enough to tackle most types of dirt and grime.
No marking…
Mothers 05424 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner comes in a convenient spray bottle with a 24-ounce capacity. The bottle has been shaped so that it is comfortable to hold. Simply spray the product onto the dirty area and wait for it to get to work.
When you wipe away the dirt, no dirt will be left behind. The product dries quickly and is clear, ensuring that it does not mark even light-colored fabrics.
However, this product does have a rather strong chemical smell, and you may find it slightly unpleasant to use in confined spaces. We recommend you open all of your vehicle doors when using this product and wait a while before starting your journey.
Pros
- Trigger spray bottle.
- Environmentally-safe.
- Water-based formula.
- Suitable for numerous surfaces.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Rather strong smell.
5
CarGuys Super Cleaner – Best Nanotechnology Car Upholstery Cleaner
Tracking down the perfect cleaner can take time and trouble, and once you’ve found the ideal upholstery cleaner, you are sure to want to use it on everything. Fortunately, this will not be a problem when you buy CarGuys Super Cleaner.
Embracing pure versatility…
This hard-working cleaner is suitable for use on a wide range of different types of materials. In addition to all kinds of fabric, it is ideal for use on plastic, rubber, vinyl, and numerous other surfaces. It is tough on all types of dirt and stains, including stubborn grease.
This water-based polymer formula features nanotechnology that cleans the interior of your vehicle at the molecular level. The product comes in a convenient spray bottle. Simply spray a little of the CarGuys Super Cleaner onto dirt and stains and wipe away the grime.
Nanotechnology means…
This product gets to work instantly without leaving residue behind. The only thing you’ll be left with is a clean and fresh scent. The non-toxic formula is safe to use and will not harm human health or the environment.
Just note, this product is not suitable for use on glass, and it is likely to cause smearing and streaking if used on your vehicle windows. While this limits the scope of this product to a certain extent, it still excels as an upholstery cleaner.
Pros
- Fully adjustable spray nozzle.
- Cleans fabric, plastic, rubber, vinyl.
- Does not require rinsing.
- Non-toxic formula.
- Tough on grease and grime.
Cons
- Not suitable for glass.
6
Chemical Guys SPI_191_16 Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor – Best Stain Removing Car Upholstery Cleaner
If your upholstery is stained, it can ruin the look and feel of your interior. While most types of cleaners are good at removing dust and dirt, they tend to balk when it comes to old stains. But, this won’t be a problem for the Chemical Guys SPI_191_16 Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor!
You are treated to a concentrated formula that is particularly strong and effective. For most types of dirt, you can dilute the product with water in a 20:1 ratio. However, you can also use it neat on old and stubborn stains to produce results that are sure to impress.
Want to know the best part?
This product is so effective that there’s no need to scrub the stain to remove it. The unique formula even helps to repel future stains, which helps to keep your upholstery looking smart and clean for a long time to come.
As the name suggests, this product is designed to work especially quickly. It comes in a convenient spray bottle that makes the application process a breeze. Simply spray the product onto your upholstery and wipe away the dirt and stains with a microfiber cloth.
Pleasant smell…
Despite the fact that this is a powerful chemical solvent, it boasts a fresh and pleasant smell. In fact, it contains potent anti-odor components that are ideal for all types of fabrics. At the end of the application process, your upholstery will look, feel, and smell like new.
Pros
- Eliminates unpleasant odors.
- Powerful chemical solvent.
- Effortlessly removes stains.
- No need for scrubbing.
- Inbuilt anti-bacterial enzymes.
Cons
- Needs to be diluted.
7
Blue Coral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner Dri-Clean Plus with Odor Eliminator – Best Foam Car Upholstery Cleaner
If you have delicate upholstery, you may be reluctant to use certain chemical cleaners. While they work well, they can cause the material to become faded. This is a particular concern if your upholstery has a bright and bold color.
Foam is better…
This will not be an issue when you choose the Blue Coral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner Dri-Clean Plus with Odor Eliminator. This product comes in the form of a foam. Simply spray the foam onto your upholstery, and it will loosen and lift away dust, dirt, and liquid spills.
Wipe away the remaining foam with a soft cloth to leave your upholstery looking like new. While the foam helps to soften the upholstery, it will not leave residue behind. It also dries to the touch, especially quickly for optimum convenience.
Keeping bad odors at bay…
As the name suggests, this product is also effective at removing unpleasant odors. This is sure to be a massive plus if you have pets riding in the back of your vehicle. Pet accidents need no longer be a cause for concern, as the product leaves behind a fresh scent.
You are, however, likely to find that this product falters when it comes to deep stains. The integrated brush that is set into the cap can be used to help scrub away surface stains on your fabric. But if the stains have been set in the upholstery for a while, you may find that some staining remains.
Pros
- Neutralizes unpleasant odors.
- Foam-based cleaner.
- Integrated brush-on cap.
- Light and refreshing fragrance.
- Does not leave residue behind.
Cons
- Not ideal for deep stains.
8
Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner – Best Car Upholstery Restorative Cleaner
If your car upholstery is old and worn, cleaning it is not enough. Even after it has been cleaned, your seats may still look less than desirable. However, Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner promises to restore your fabrics to their original condition and even extend their lifespan.
Let’s take a closer look…
This product is remarkably tough on oils and grease, even if they have soaked into your fabrics. You simply need to spray a little of the product onto the area and let it soak in for a couple of minutes. When you wipe away the residue, the stain will lift right off of the fabric.
One of the great things about this product is that it is suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces. You can use it on the entire interior of your vehicle without concern. You can also use this product to clean your home, office, and virtually anywhere else you want.
Nongreasy…
Once dry, this product does not leave residue behind and is non-greasy. This makes it easier to work with. All that you will be left with is a light and refreshing scent.
While this is a deep cleaner, it may take a while to penetrate, particularly old and stubborn stains. This could be a tiny bit frustrating if you are in a hurry. While not necessarily a deal-breaker, you may want to search for an alternative for certain types of stains.
Pros
- Suitable for all interior surfaces.
- Extends the life of fabric.
- Light and fresh scent.
- Deep cleaning formula.
- Convenient spray bottle.
Cons
- Can take a while to work.
Best Car Upholstery Cleaners Buying Guide
While all of the best car upholstery cleaners are designed to do the same job, the results they produce can vary widely. Therefore, it’s essential to check out the different options carefully. Here are some things to think about when checking out car upholstery cleaning products.
The Type of Cleaner
First and foremost, pay attention to the type of cleaning power that the product offers. Some upholstery cleaners work well at removing dust and light dirt. However, they may not be effective at removing stubborn stains.
On the other hand, some products are designed with deep cleaning action that is perfect for older stains. These tough products can even remove grease and oil stains! But, these harsher cleaning products may contain harsh chemicals that can damage your upholstery.
Ease of Use
The last thing you want is to spend the whole afternoon scrubbing away at your car upholstery. Therefore, the product you choose should work as quickly and effectively as possible. Products that come in spray bottles tend to be exceptionally easy to use and allow you to keep your distance during application.
Ingredients
If a member of your family is sensitive to certain chemicals, it is essential to read the ingredients list carefully. These days, it is relatively easy to find cleaning products that are free from toxic chemicals. Not only are these types of products safe to use around your children and pets, but they are also better for the environment.
The Smell
Many cleaning products tend to have a rather strong chemical smell. While not necessarily harmful to your health, this smell can be unpleasant, primarily when used in confined spaces. However, certain upholstery cleaners are infused with fresh scents that make them ideal for use in vehicles.
Versatility
Last but not least, check out the types of materials and surfaces the cleaner is suitable for. Of course, it should be safe to use on all kinds of fabrics. However, it will be a bonus if you can also use the product to clean other parts of your vehicle too.
Speaking of Vehicle Cleaning…
If this review was helpful, we recommend checking out some other brilliant car cleaning product reviews before you go – the Best Dashboard Cleaners for Cars, the Best Car Vacuum Cleaners, the Best Buffing Pads, the Best Bug Tar Removers, the Best Carburetor Cleaners, and our Best 10 Fuel Infector Cleaners Review are all worth looking into.
You may also be interested in the Best Car Compasses and the Best Bluetooth Headsets for Drivers?
Back to upholstery cleaners…
So, what are the Best Car Upholstery Cleaners?
When it comes to the ideal car upholstery cleaner, there is one product that stands out from the crowd. And that’s the…
MEGUIAR’S Detailing All Purpose Interior Cleaner
This comes in a one-gallon container, but you are provided with a spray bottle to decant, which helps to make the application easier.
You can dilute the product to the desired strength according to the types of dirt and stains you are tackling. The product gets to work very quickly and helps to make your upholstery look and feel like new. The distinctive conditioning elements leave upholstery bright and soft, while the citrus scent helps to make using this product more enjoyable.
Here’s to a spik and span, fresh-smelling car interior!