How to Clean Seat Covers

Start with the label or manual

Before using any cleaner, find the care label on the seat cover, or the manual for your car or child car seat. Manufacturers differ, and following their instructions protects the fabric, safety features, and your warranty. If you cannot find instructions, test a small hidden area first and choose the gentlest method.

For child car seats especially, the manual comes first. Cleaning that goes against it can affect how the seat performs in a crash (see child car seat covers, straps, and buckles).

Know which kind of seat cover you have

Fabric or polyester covers (aftermarket or factory): often washable, but check the label.
Neoprene or wetsuit-style covers: usually spot-cleaned or gently hand washed; check the label.
Leather or faux leather covers: wipe-clean, but avoid soaking and harsh products.
Sheepskin or fleece covers: often need special washing instructions.
Your car’s cloth seats under no cover: treat as upholstery and spot-clean rather than soak; how to spot clean upholstery has the general method.
Child car seat covers and padding: follow the manufacturer’s manual.

What you will need

Vacuum with crevice and brush attachments
Soft brush and microfiber cloths
Mild laundry detergent or a small amount of mild dish soap
Baking soda
Spray bottle with clean water
Optional: an upholstery cleaner made for car interiors (follow the label)
A fan or a shaded, airy place to dry

Cleaning covers that stay on the seat

Vacuum first

Vacuum the surface, seams, and the gap between the seat back and cushion. Loose dirt turns to mud when wet, so do this before any liquid.

Spot-treat stains

Blot fresh spills with a dry cloth, pressing rather than rubbing.
Mix a few drops of mild detergent in cool or lukewarm water.
Dab on with a cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward.
Blot with a clean damp cloth to lift residue, then blot dry.

Test the solution on a hidden spot first and avoid soaking, since moisture can reach the foam underneath and cause odor or mold. Deep or old stains may need repeating.

Clean the whole seat

For general grime, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with the soap solution and wipe in sections, then wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water. Leave windows open so the seat can dry. A sprinkle of baking soda on dry fabric for a few hours, then vacuumed away, can help with mild odors.

Washing removable covers

Can you use the washing machine?

It depends on the cover. Many fabric covers are machine washable, but others are not. Follow the care label. For general washing tips, see tips for doing laundry. Typical cautious practice:

Remove the cover according to the seat or cover instructions. If your seats have side airbags, follow the vehicle manual before removing or refitting any covers, since covers can interfere with airbag deployment.
Zip or close fasteners and shake out loose crumbs.
Use a gentle cycle, cold or lukewarm water, and a mild detergent.
Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and anything the label rules out.
Wash bulky covers in a machine large enough that they are not cramped, or hand wash them.

Drying

Hang or lay flat to air dry unless the label says tumble drying is allowed, as heat can shrink covers, warp backing, or damage the fabric. Make sure covers are fully dry, including thick seams and padding, before putting them back, because trapped moisture can lead to mildew (see how to clean mold out of a car if you spot any).

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean cloth car seats?

A small amount of mild dish soap diluted in water is commonly used for spot cleaning cloth seats, and it can be effective on greasy marks. The risks come from using too much: leftover soap can attract dirt, leave a stiff or sticky patch, and be hard to rinse out of foam. If you use it, use just a few drops in water, test first, rinse by blotting with clean damp cloths, and dry thoroughly. Check the label or manual for your seat covers, and do not use dish soap on child car seat harness straps unless the car seat manufacturer says mild soap is okay.

Leather, faux leather, and neoprene covers

Leather and faux leather: wipe with a barely damp cloth and mild soap or a cleaner made for the material, then dry. Avoid vinegar, alcohol-based products, and harsh scrubbing unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Condition real leather if the manufacturer recommends it.
Neoprene: follow the label. Many are spot-cleaned or gently hand washed in mild soap, rinsed well, and air dried out of direct heat.

Child car seat covers, straps, and buckles

Car seat makers generally give these guidelines, but your manual takes priority:

Cover and padding: many can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, then air dried. Tumble drying and harsh washing can affect fabric properties, including flame-retardant treatment, so avoid them unless the manual allows.
Harness straps and buckles: spot clean with a soft cloth, water, and mild soap if needed. Do not submerge or machine wash straps. Avoid bleach, solvents, vinegar and other acids, and abrasive cleaners, and do not use lubricants such as WD-40 on buckles.
Sticky buckles: swish the buckle in warm water and press the button to release debris, without soaking the strap.
Let straps dry in fresh air. If a mess can’t be cleaned within the manufacturer’s rules, contact them about replacement parts.

For messes like vomit on child seats, see how to clean vomit from a car.

Safety: chemicals, pets, and children

Never mix bleach with ammonia, or bleach with vinegar or other acids, because the combination can release toxic gases. Use one product at a time and rinse between products.
Ventilate the car while cleaning.
Keep children and pets out of the car until cleaned surfaces are rinsed and dry, and store cleaners and sprays out of reach.
Make sure covers are fully dry and free of residue before a child or pet uses the seat.

Spills, odors, and mold

Treat spills quickly, because moisture left in cushions can cause odor and mold. If covers or seats smell musty or show fuzzy spots, stop and follow the steps in our mold guide, including protective gear and drying thoroughly. For stubborn odors from vomit, an enzymatic cleaner often works better than perfume sprays, as described in our vomit cleanup guide.