The Best Upholstery Cleaners for Your Car
There is nothing like that new car scent when your car is fresh off the lot. While the newness won't last forever, it's still possible to recreate a clean, like-new look. Upholstery cleaners for cars have come a long way, helping to bring that new-car vibe to even the most well-loved and well-traveled wheels on the block. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor
Expert at-home clean
Ultra-concentrated and ready to take on just about any stain, this upholstery cleaner will make the interior of your car clean enough to eat off of. And if you’re like us and actually do enjoy snacking in the car, well, this actually works to help resist future stains down the road. Completely lifting nasty-looking stains and hard-to-handle smells, this formula won’t fade colors or surfaces while it works its magic, either. A handy spray bottle helps to target specific areas, so it’s also a nice option for frequent spot cleans.
Pros:
- Easy-action spray nozzle for spot cleaning
- Long-lasting solution (one gallon of formula makes up to twenty gallons of spray)
- The ultra-powerful formula works almost instantaneously
Cons:
- Best for spot cleaning as opposed to the entire floor or seat areas
- Although this does arrive in a handy spray bottle, you must dilute it before using
Armor All Car Carpet and Fabric Spray Bottle
Foaming action cleaner
For tough-to-clean areas such as floor mats and ceilings, this formula is a workhorse. Penetrating deep into fibers to completely lift debris, this is a fantastic pre-vacuum option for deep cleaning vehicles. For non-leather seats, it works to restore the original feel and look of the fabric, creating that coveted new car look we all love. In a handy spray bottle that creates a luxurious foam, this works to keep every surface free of dirt, debris, and funky smells and stains.
Pros:
- Expertly lifts stains
- Easy spray application with a precise nozzle spray
- Multi-purpose, it can also be used on home furniture and carpets
Cons:
- Strongly scented formula
- The top does not stay on well
Carfidant Ultimate Car Interior Cleaner
All-in-one versatility
When it comes to cleaning a vehicle, there are typically multiple types of surfaces that require multiple types of cleaners. This can be a hassle, especially in a small space where there just isn’t much elbow room for cleaning. So when you have the option of a versatile all-in-one cleaner, it can be a major plus. This one, from Carfidant, is the ultimate multi-purpose, multi-surface cleaner. Appropriate for use on everything from leather seats, mats, dashboards, vinyl, and plastic, it can even be used on the exterior. Simply spray and wipe to reveal a clean surface.
Pros:
- Unscented formula – contains no harmful chemicals or strong scents
- Includes microfiber cleaning towel
- Can be safely used on all surfaces, including exterior paint
Cons:
- Matte finish, which can be a bummer if you prefer a shinier look
- If you are trying to cover up a funky car smell, this formula is totally unscented
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush
Pet-lover approved
This one is for those of us who treat our pets like babies and bring them along for the ride. As we know, after a trip to the park, things can get pretty messy. This power set comes with an OXY formula that effortlessly lifts those tough pet messes that leave the car stinky and dirty. Combined with the rotating hand vacuum, you can keep your vehicles spotless and smelling good even after a long morning at the dog park. Featuring a lithium-ion battery for hassle-free use, Bissell’s PowerBrush system instantaneously restores the original look to the interior of your vehicles.
Pros:
- Small size for convenience
- Tough OXY cleaning formula
- Includes a bonus Stationary Pet Tool that helps to really get those nasty pet messes
Cons:
- Not the most convenient for long-haired pets – the hair tends to mat, as opposed to getting suctioned up
- This is just for use on floor mats and fabric car seats, other cleaning agents required for vinyl and dashboard
Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
More bang for your buck
With the typical spray bottle, a brush is still needed for rigorous cleaning. So combining the two – a triple action deep cleaner and stain remover with a durable scrub brush – means one less step. In fact, there are four bottles of cleaner in this pack, and each one features its own attached bristle top. Excellent for cleaning dirty seats, this formula also works to eliminate odors, effortlessly lifts pet stains, and keeps rugs and other vehicle upholstery looking in tip-top shape. And perhaps the best feature? It’s totally safe and non-toxic for kids and pets.
Pros:
- The scrub bristle brush is tough, yet safe for use on more gentle fabrics
- Eliminates strong pet odors
- Handy four-pack set
Cons:
- This formula works to lift the stain and scrub them clean – but further vacuuming is required
- It can be a bit tricky to get the contents out of the can while cleaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to clean up after pets?
For fully removing pet smell, hair, and soils, it’s best to go with a formula that is specifically tailored to cleaning more difficult pet messes, such as urine, vomit, or feces. If possible, apply the cleaner as soon as the mess is made. Letting it set in proves to be difficult for removing stronger scents.
Is vacuuming required after scrubbing upholstery?
Depending on the type of mess being cleaned, some additional vacuuming may be required for a full cleaning. For example, pet hair often cannot be removed by a simple cleaner – a more thorough follow-up is required for actually lifting stubborn hair from fabric.