Best Automotive Upholstery Care Products in 2022

Last update: November 22, 2022

Are water stains permanent?

Water stains are often permanent, but there are ways to remove them.

Can I use degreaser on upholstery?

You can use degreaser on upholstery, but you need to be careful not to damage the fabric. You should test the degreaser on a small, hidden area of the upholstery first to make sure it does not cause any damage.

Can I use OxiClean to clean my car seats?

Yes, you can use OxiClean to clean your car seats. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Can I use the pink stuff on car upholstery?

If you're talking about the pink stuff that comes in a can, then no, you shouldn't use it on car upholstery. It's made for cleaning carpets, not for cleaning upholstery.


Blue Coral (DC22-6PK Dri-Clean Upholstery Cleaner with Odor Eliminator - 22.8 oz, (Pack of 6) Review:


Whatever the stain, whether it's on carpet or upholstery, this item quickly removes it. According to what I've been informed, expensive, by-hand vehicle washes are known to clean cars' interiors with Blue Coral (yet another all-around use). So far, Blue Coral has been successful in meeting my needs for household spot cleaning. I find that the final vacuuming step is not necessary when dealing with occasionally occurring human spills and pet-related messes. I simply apply foam, scrub it, and let it air dry. I vacuum after removing food stains from our new carpet, but I don't vacuum when one of the indoor cats wanders away from the litter boxes because I've discovered that leaving the product soak in stops cats from trying to re-mark the location and they retreat back to the litter boxes. We recently lost a pair of pooches, so I'm unable to provide accurate information about dog cleanup at this time. However, when I purchase more of this stuff (which I will undoubtedly do), I'll update with any information I learn that may be helpful to dogs. I'm ecstatic to have discovered a trustworthy product like this in the meanwhile.



Chemical Guys SPI22016 Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant, 16. Fluid_Ounces Review:


With a new car, it performs admirably. 303 UV protectant for the dash and trim, or 303 or trinova fabric protector for your seats, as protection after washing with the car guys, is what I would recommend if you have something particularly unclean. This cleans the inside of the car reasonably well, but it's not the best at everything. I like that it can be used on LCD screens, as those typically need the use of a specialized screen/glass cleaner. On your LCD display, you shouldn't use the Car Guys Super Cleaner. In the end, if you only want one thing, this may be it. However, if you're prepared to buy other products for various items in your interior, there are better options.



Scotchgard Auto Fabric & Carpet Protector 2 Cans, 20 Oz. Review:


All right, so I leased a new Honda Pilot for my wife. This means that the vehicle had to be delivered in good condition. Now, my wife and I have very different ideas about what constitutes "excellent form" with typical wear and tear. I therefore reasoned that I would end our quarrel 36 months from now by doing something bold. Anyone out there in the same situation is encouraged to take advantage of this free material advice!Here is my assessment of how well it functions.THE PLACE OF APPLICATIONI first applied this to my brand-new Honda Pilot. The seats had already been cleaned before, but my mother-in-law had the wonderful idea to give my son a lollipop on the way home from the dealers. When we went home, one lollipop was stuck to the seat at eye level and the seat was coated in drool. The lollipop became our first stain once we took it out. So I wanted additional defense.I decided to test the second spot, which was a dining room chair in my house.DIRECTIONS: A perfect score of 10On the can were the instructions. I bought two cans. Very easy to use and only requires a few simple steps. Each can covers 35 square feet, but because I applied it heavily, it was more like 15 square feet. The can clearly states not to use on leather.EASIEST APPLICATION - Score of 10For an even coverage, you simply point, spray, and rock back and forth. The areas you spray around should be protected, therefore I appropriately covered them with drop cloths. I simply taped the chair at home and quickly removed any tape residue. Very user-friendly!10 out of 10 for SMELLIt didn't smell awful; it had a fresh vehicle or carpet scent. After 30 minutes, the scent disappeared. Because I have a highly keen sense of smell, this is significant to me.10 out of 10 for FEELIt was damp when first sprayed:). I didn't notice a difference in the way the material felt when it dried. I even touched it with my cheek.Initial assessment: 10 out of 10.I sprayed the car and the chair, then I put water on it about two hours later. It readily came off and beaded up. In a second test, I applied about 2 tablespoons of water to both the chair and the car seat; the chair absorbed the water after about 15 minutes, but the car seat did not. Nonetheless extremely impressiveTest results in real life: 11 out of 10.My wife placed an uncooked egg dish in the back seat a week after I covered the car seat. Unsure of what she was thinking, she only had half the ingredients in the pan when she arrived at her location, with the other half floating around in the back seat. She sucked it up as soon as she pulled out the shop vac. I was quite amazed by how well the seat cleaned up because all of the egg came up and left no stains behind. It was incredible. The seat belt buckle was the only area that the Scotchgard didn't successfully shield. She spent a lot of time cleaning it out because it was disgusting. I was amazed!Every day, the dining room chair underwent testing. It had everything spilled on it, including milk and wine. Because of its heavy use and wear, this was the actual test. The only thing that managed to get through the Scotchgard in the end were my son's soccer cleats. He chose to tie his shoes using the stool because they were muddy. When washed, the muck was not completely removed since it penetrated. We now have one of the six seats circling the dining room table that appears to be almost brand new, except that incident. Yes, my wife frequently questioned why I did not shield every one of them. I meant she almost always brings it up when I claim she asked.THREEE MONTHS LATER - A perfect scoreThe defense has been outstanding. The kids have put the car seat to the test with everything from fruit snacks to blueberries to bugs. The seat still has a new look and is easy to clean. Making sure to clean up messes as soon as possible is crucial. I completed all of the chairs surrounding the table after three months.MARRIAGE STABILITY: A perfect 10.Little things add up over time. It's remarkable how few arguments a married couple can have with the help of GPS and Scotchguard.COMPARISON OF THEIR PRODUCTSI am frequently questioned on the distinction between Auto Fabric, Carpet Protector, and Fabric Protector. I've never noticed a distinction. Both have worked for me, and they are equivalent. It seems to me to be purely a marketing communication tactic.Overall, I'm quite satisfied. Every day, I consider whether to Scotchguard various objects, including my dress shirts, which are notorious for drawing crumbs. I now buy a can for everyone in the family whenever they obtain something new that can be preserved.Good fortune!



Meguiar’s G14716 Ultimate Protectant, 15.2 oz. Review:


Despite what the product description would imply, Meguiar's Ultimate Protectant is essentially the same as their Ultimate Black.They are interchangeable since they both use a water-based polymer composition.Since UB has a higher gloss than UP and UP is only available in a spray format, the choice of application method and gloss level is purely subjective.I've been using the UP in and out of my car, and I really like how it functions—even on tires.After drying to the touch, two layers of UP create a stylish gloss tire look (see attached photo taken indoors under fluorescent lights), which progressively fades to a brand-new tire look for a few weeks.If you contact surfaces that have been cleaned by UP, your hands will remain clean. In contrast to certain dressings made of oil, your trim won't hold onto dust or filth.UP also departs with a brand-new smell.Some people may not like how polished interior components like the dash, leather, plastics, door seals, etc. are.If so, you can use a towel to buff it to take the sheen off.A single layer of Endurance delivers a higher gloss wet tire look than Meguiar's Endurance Tire Gel (grape juice), which would impress non-detailing enthusiasts. Although Endurance lasts for a few weeks as well, it doesn't actually dry to the touch.



Sonax (206141) Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner - 8.45 fl. oz. Review:


Great results! I returned the factory-soft matte finish to my 10-year-old BMW M3 steering wheel from a matted, sparkly one.Method: Heat up a microfiber by zapping it in the microwave when it is somewhat damp. After that, I applied Sonax foam directly to the wheel (start with a small surface area). Allow it to boil and absorb. I then wrapped the wheel in the warm microfiber to let the heat do its thing. I began gently removing the dirt out of the surface with little swirls after about 30 seconds. This was effective and produced a very fine but tidy Alcantara finish.Don't touch it and let it dry! It virtually falls apart in your fingers, so until it dries you can ruin it entirely by touching it with anything other than a microfiber. Allow it to thoroughly dry for a few hours. To remove any pilling, return later and lightly brush the area with a dry microfiber or Alcantara brush. If the brush can't remove the pills from your steering wheel, use a sweater razor like the Remington Battery Operated Fabric Shaver RTFS-2 (used to clean cotton sweaters after they've been through the dryer).You'll be astounded. Like getting a brand-new wheel from from the manufacturer! However, since it hasn't been factory-treated, if you don't maintain it semi-annually, it will just return to its previous state, possibly even more quickly. After a complete restoration, I have yet to discover a good treatment. Overall, doing this myself instead of having the wheel recovered saved me a few hundred dollars.



Chemical Guys SPI_663 InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant (1 Gal) Review:


When I had the stamina to accomplish that kind of thing every day in the past, I used to be a professional detailer. Although I've used other remedies to clean the inside of things, I ADORE this one. I haven't cleaned my ancient BMW x5 beater in three years. I whacked the B'mer dash with it after finishing the newer automobiles. This dashboard had so much dust on it that it appeared to be donning a gray sweater. After just one wipe, it looks brand new. The way it would have seemed when it was brand-new, not the gaudy, shiny Arm**All look.Then the truly strange thing happens. It has continued to remain that way. It appears to repel dust. Although I'm sure it will become dusty and grimy once more, after a week, it appears as though I had just finished.Ordering the smaller bottle is not necessary. If you don't mind the scent of baby powder, just order a gallon and then spend $2 or $3 on a spray bottle from a hardware shop. You won't be let down, in my opinion.



303 (30606) Fabric Guard, Upholstery Protector, Water and Stain Repellent, 32 fl. oz. Review:


For several weeks after purchasing this product, I had doubts. Although I could hardly treat a five-foot sofa and its cushions with the bottle I bought, the price to volume seemed odd. Nevertheless, I now think the product is worthwhile. I have two Australian shepherds and an American bulldog who constantly drools. Only two of my dogs enjoy lying on the couch, and sadly for us, they are the bulldog and the notoriously filthy aussie. After a rainy night, my husband let the puppies inside. To my horror, the following morning, my sofa was covered in the customary copious amounts of drool and muddy dog prints. I made the decision to try cleaning the sofa once the initial shock and melancholy subsided. All of the dirt was easily removed with a moist towel. The fabric guard performed as intended and prevented the unpleasantness from absorbing. To everyone, I would suggest this product.



303 (30607) Fabric Guard, Upholstery Protector, Water and Stain Repellent, 128 fl. oz. Review:


This material DOES WORK to keep outdoor sectional cushions moist. Rust-Oleum 278146 NeverWet 11-Ounce Outdoor Fabric Spray, Clear and 303 Fabric Guard are both excellent, but 303 wins out in terms of application, cost effectiveness, drying time, look, and feel.ALL-AROUND WINNER: 303EASIEST WAY TO APPLY: 303Compared to 303, Rustoleum feels less oily when wet. The 303 bottle continued to drip into my hands.Compared to the mist setting on both products, the 303's compact spray setting wasted less product. Compact spray used less product while yet providing an even covering similar to that of a mist.- Both products handled cushions in a way that made them appear damp, making it simple to detect where the product had been used.303 produced fewer bothersome bubbles than Rustoleum.DIFFUSER: Rustoleum- The aromas are both very powerful. Apply outside. - Rustoleum has a nice scent rather than a chemical odor that is hidden.Both goods did not completely cover the area they claimed to. COST EFFICIENCY: 303. Although 303 fell short of its promise more than Rustoleum did, it was still less expensive per square foot of coverage.- At $15 for an 11oz, Rustoleum guaranteed 20–60 square feet of fabric coverage. Pricing range: $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot.At a cost of $22, -303 advertised coverage of 80-200 square feet per 32oz. Cost estimate: $0.11 to $0.27 per square foot.- My pillows are made of a thick, textured fabric. I used the product as directed, dampening but not completely wetting the fabric. My four-piece outdoor sectional has 67 square feet of cushioning on the seat and back.- Rustoleum's 11-ounce, $15 bottle covered 11 square feet. per square foot, $1.36.56 square feet were covered by two 32oz, $22 bottles of 303. per square foot, $0.78.303 has to dry for 6 to 12 hours before use, depending on the temperature and amount of light.- 24 hours must pass before exposing rustoleum to water.- On a dry night in the 70s, I let both goods dry outside overnight.- The 303 cushions appeared dry after 3 hours. The cushions made of Rustoleum still appeared damp after five hours. The next morning, both appeared completely dry.WHEN DRY, LOOK AND FEEL: 303- Neither product significantly altered the color or appearance of the cushions or their feel in a way that would have outweighed the advantages of waterproofing.- Smell: Rustoleum's smell lasted 24 hours until it vanished, compared to 12 hours for 303.- Feel: The upholstery seems a little bit thicker and stiffer after using both items.- Texture: 303 cushions lack the slightly rubbery, almost sticky feel of rustoleum.- Cleaning: Due to the Rustoleum cushions' tacky nature, dirt and pollen stick to them a little bit more, but they are readily removed with a moist paper towel.Rustoleum is rustproof, but just just.- The cushions were virtually entirely waterproofed by both procedures.- Dew: Both 303 and Rustoleum cushions had morning dew crystals on them. It can be entirely brushed off of the Rustoleum cushions and only a few droplets can be seen soaking in on the 303 pillows. After an hour in the sun, both are completely dry.- Rain: There was pooling and beading of water on both cushions after the day's two hours of rain. Both cushions were lightly damp after shaking and brushing the water off of them; nonetheless, they quickly dried and were fit for use.- Spills: If a full cup of water is dropped on either cushion, it will pool, bead, and run off the sides. The cushions were completely dry with no soaking-in via either product after using a paper towel to absorb what was left and brushing off droplets. Accidentally spilling watermelon on a 303 cushion? Simply dab with a dry paper towel and wipe with a wet one to clean it up. Red wine or other spills have not yet been reported, but I will update if/when they do.- It's too early to say how well it will hold up.



303 (30605) Fabric Guard, Upholstery Protector, Water and Stain Repellent, 16 fl. oz. Review:


This material DOES WORK to keep outdoor sectional cushions moist. Rust-Oleum 278146 NeverWet 11-Ounce Outdoor Fabric Spray, Clear and 303 Fabric Guard are both excellent, but 303 wins out in terms of application, cost effectiveness, drying time, look, and feel.ALL-AROUND WINNER: 303EASIEST WAY TO APPLY: 303Compared to 303, Rustoleum feels less oily when wet. The 303 bottle continued to drip into my hands.Compared to the mist setting on both products, the 303's compact spray setting wasted less product. Compact spray used less product while yet providing an even covering similar to that of a mist.- Both products handled cushions in a way that made them appear damp, making it simple to detect where the product had been used.303 produced fewer bothersome bubbles than Rustoleum.DIFFUSER: Rustoleum- The aromas are both very powerful. Apply outside. - Rustoleum has a nice scent rather than a chemical odor that is hidden.Both goods did not completely cover the area they claimed to. COST EFFICIENCY: 303. Although 303 fell short of its promise more than Rustoleum did, it was still less expensive per square foot of coverage.- At $15 for an 11oz, Rustoleum guaranteed 20–60 square feet of fabric coverage. Pricing range: $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot.At a cost of $22, -303 advertised coverage of 80-200 square feet per 32oz. Cost estimate: $0.11 to $0.27 per square foot.- My pillows are made of a thick, textured fabric. I used the product as directed, dampening but not completely wetting the fabric. My four-piece outdoor sectional has 67 square feet of cushioning on the seat and back.- Rustoleum's 11-ounce, $15 bottle covered 11 square feet. per square foot, $1.36.56 square feet were covered by two 32oz, $22 bottles of 303. per square foot, $0.78.303 has to dry for 6 to 12 hours before use, depending on the temperature and amount of light.- 24 hours must pass before exposing rustoleum to water.- On a dry night in the 70s, I let both goods dry outside overnight.- The 303 cushions appeared dry after 3 hours. The cushions made of Rustoleum still appeared damp after five hours. The next morning, both appeared completely dry.WHEN DRY, LOOK AND FEEL: 303- Neither product significantly altered the color or appearance of the cushions or their feel in a way that would have outweighed the advantages of waterproofing.- Smell: Rustoleum's smell lasted 24 hours until it vanished, compared to 12 hours for 303.- Feel: The upholstery seems a little bit thicker and stiffer after using both items.- Texture: 303 cushions lack the slightly rubbery, almost sticky feel of rustoleum.- Cleaning: Due to the Rustoleum cushions' tacky nature, dirt and pollen stick to them a little bit more, but they are readily removed with a moist paper towel.Rustoleum is rustproof, but just just.- The cushions were virtually entirely waterproofed by both procedures.- Dew: Both 303 and Rustoleum cushions had morning dew crystals on them. It can be entirely brushed off of the Rustoleum cushions and only a few droplets can be seen soaking in on the 303 pillows. After an hour in the sun, both are completely dry.- Rain: There was pooling and beading of water on both cushions after the day's two hours of rain. Both cushions were lightly damp after shaking and brushing the water off of them; nonetheless, they quickly dried and were fit for use.- Spills: If a full cup of water is dropped on either cushion, it will pool, bead, and run off the sides. The cushions were completely dry with no soaking-in via either product after using a paper towel to absorb what was left and brushing off droplets. Accidentally spilling watermelon on a 303 cushion? Simply dab with a dry paper towel and wipe with a wet one to clean it up. Red wine or other spills have not yet been reported, but I will update if/when they do.- It's too early to say how well it will hold up.



Scotchgard Fabric & Crafts Protector, 10 Oz. Review:


I've been making interesting stuff with embroidered patches on boots and pants, so I wanted to preserve them since I'll probably wear them to work. I work as a barista, and when things get hectic, spills and coffee stains occur. I now have this. I read many of the other reviews, one of which claimed that this product destroyed an embroidery piece; from the image, it appears as though her materials melted. However, I observed that was the one review that made that claim. Since nobody else had reported damaged needlework, I took a chance and ordered this. I tested the operation on a little portion of the embroidered patch that I didn't use just to be safe. Nothing took place. Nothing was even slightly harmed by this spray. I therefore started by lightly spraying my boots. Then I went a little Scotchgard crazy and sprayed pretty much every pair of boots I had, including my Uggs, Bearpaws (both suede and knitted versions), faux suede, canvas, and other boots. In my defense, I merely took good care of them since I've kept some of them for over ten years, even though I hadn't Scotchgarded them up until now. But hey, they're Scotchgarded, so I'm sure they'll last me another 10 years or more.Overall, neither my embroidered patches made of silk and polyester thread nor any of my boots made of satin, silk, crushed velvet, canvas, heavy felt, felted flannel, faux suede, or real suede were harmed by this. I made sure to completely cover the leather portion of the boots that have flannel felt on top and leather on the bottom. I did not use this on my leather boots. I have plenty of spray left in the can despite spraying over ten pairs of shoes. I used this on all of my different shoes before taking any of my photos. The boots in the final image have actual leather on the bottom, so I totally covered it with newspaper and painter's tape before applying the felted flannel on top.I have no issues recommending this item for your various types of shoes or cloth projects. A brief test spray on either a scrap or a hidden place is always a good idea if you are even the slightest bit apprehensive. Nothing is wrong with exercising caution.


Can you use carpet cleaner on car upholstery?

Assuming you are asking if you can use a carpet cleaner on car upholstery: Yes, you can use carpet cleaner on car upholstery, but you should use a diluted version of the cleaner and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Does shaving cream clean car seats?

Shaving cream can actually be used to clean car seats! All you need to do is spray the shaving cream onto the seat and then use a damp cloth to wipe it away. The shaving cream will help to loosen any dirt or grime that is on the seat and make it easier to wipe away.

Does Tuff Stuff work on car seats?

If you are looking for a product to clean your car seats, you may want to try Tuff Stuff. This cleaner is designed to remove tough stains and dirt from upholstery. It can be used on both fabric and leather seats.

How do you clean car seats without leaving water stains?

To clean car seats without leaving water stains, start by vacuuming the seats to remove any dirt and debris. Next, use a mild soap and warm water to clean the seats, being careful not to soak them. Finally, dry the seats thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth.

How do you shampoo car upholstery?

When shampooing car upholstery, it is important to use a mild soap or shampoo. Too much soap can damage the fabric. It is also important to avoid using a lot of water, as this can cause mold or mildew to form.

How do you take care of car upholstery?

It's important to take care of your car upholstery to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips: -Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. -Spot clean spills and stains as soon as they happen. -Protect the upholstery from the sun with a UV-resistant spray. -Have any rips or tears repaired promptly. By following these simple tips, you can keep your car upholstery looking like new.