Best Car Upholstery Cleaner 2024

Maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle's interior is crucial, and having the best car upholstery cleaner is a key asset in achieving that pristine look.

Unlike exterior-focused products, these cleaners specialise in keeping the inside of your car free from stains and dirt. By effectively loosening and lifting dirt and stain particles embedded in your car's upholstery fibres, these cleaners make it easy to wipe or vacuum away the mess thereafter.

To help out your search, we've put together a list of the best car cleaning products for interiors based on essential criteria such as price, customer reviews, and user-friendly application. We've made sure to pick out a variety of options to suit your specific needs too. Whether you prefer a convenient spray-on solution, exemplified by the Chemical Guys Super Cleaner, or require a potent cleaner like the Tuff Stuff Stain Remover & Multi-Purpose Cleaner designed to tackle stubborn, set-in stains, our list covers a range of products to kickstart your search effectively.

So, when it comes to keeping a spotless cabin, our list has you covered. Let's get into our top picks...

Best car upholstery cleaners

1. Chemical Guys Nonsense Invisible Super Cleaner - a great multi-surface option
2. CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner - best sprayable cleaner
3. Meguiar's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner - a great option for car carpets
4. Tuff Stuff Stain Remover & Multi-Purpose Cleaner - top pick for tough stains
5. Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner - a great budget-friendly choice

Credit: Chemical Guys

1. Chemical Guys Nonsense Invisible Super Cleaner

Best multi-surface car upholstery cleaner

Our top pick starts with the Chemical Guys Nonsense Invisible Super Cleaner, which boasts the ability to effectively clean vinyl, rubber, plastic, and carpet surfaces within your vehicle. This versatile solution ensures a comprehensive cleaning experience across all interior areas.

Chemical Guys says its formula as colourless and oduorless, ensuring compatibility with various interior materials without the worry of leaving behind unwanted stains. Also, this solution generates minimal foam, expediting the drying process and allowing your interior to swiftly return to its pristine state.

By utilising this Chemical Guys formula, your car's interior undergoes a thorough and rapid cleaning, ensuring it's swiftly ready for your next drive.

• Read More: Best car leather cleaners

Credit: Car Guys

2. CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner

Best car upholstery spray cleaner

CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner may be one of the more expensive options on our list, but its price tag isn't without good reason.

This multi-purpose spray-on solution is suitable for almost every material, including leather, and is said to leave no glossy finish by leaving behind a cloudy, thin, greasy layer of conditioner.

This spray-on solution is also biodegradable and eco-friendly, making it a more sustainable pick to consider for cleaning your vehicle.

All in all, we feel there's a lot to like about this upholstery cleaner, especially with it being suitable for multiple surfaces.

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Credit: Meguiar's

3. Meguiar's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Best car upholstery cleaner for carpets

Previously in our list of the best alloy wheel cleaners, Meguair's is known for its exceptional cleaning products. Meguiar's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner lives up to this reputation, boasting a formula that provides a thorough, professional-grade clean, effectively eradicating stains and unpleasant odours from the comfort of your own home.

This product also offers several noteworthy features, including its residue-free formulation and a convenient brush head attachment that simplifies the process of cleaning your vehicle's carpets. With everything you need conveniently housed in one handy canister, maintaining your car's interior has never been easier.

• Read More: Best car wax sprays

Credit: Tuff Stuff

4. Tuff Stuff Stain Remover & Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Best car upholstery cleaner for tough stains

As its name suggests, Tuff Stuff Stain Remover & Multi-Purpose Cleaner is built for hard-to-clean, set-in stains.

Its heavy-duty solution has been formulated to deliver a deep cleaning foaming action to help it lift up and remove dirt molecules with the help of its bristled cap attachment.

Being a multi-purpose cleaner, you should also be able to use this cleaner on more than just fabric for a more comprehensive and complete clean of the interior of your vehicle.

So, for dirt, grime, and harmful elements like UV rays and oxidation, this cleaner from Tuff Stuff could be the solution for you.

• Read More: Best car wax for black cars

Credit: Armor All

5. Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Best budget car upholstery cleaner

Rounding off our list is this relatively inexpensive Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner which, despite its lower price tag, looks as though it can deliver a seriously good clean.

Its rich foam formula is said to lift soil and debris with ease, breaking up any dirt and stains for you to then wipe or vacuum away, including tricky bug marks and fingerprints.

Armor All also boasts its formula will not discolour your carpets or upholstery, so you shouldn't have to worry about whether it's suitable for your particular interior. The canister also contains 22.0 Fl Oz. in total which, in our opinion, makes Armour All cleaner great value for money.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Finding the best upholstery cleaner can often lead to a ton of questions. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most common queries right here.

How do you clean car upholstery?

According to Armor All, the first step to cleaning the upholstery of your car is to thoroughly vacuum every inch of your vehicle's interior. This is necessary to ensure you remove any loose dirt or debris before tackling tougher stains.

Next, apply your upholstery cleaner of choice as per the manufacturer's instructions. Take a soft-bristled brush and begin to work in the formula in circular motions, being careful to use as little water as possible during the cleaning process.

Start to dry the areas you cleaned with paper or an ordinary towel before vacuuming the areas again with one of the best car vacuums, then leave the interior to air out.

How much should you spend on car upholstery cleaner?

The ideal upholstery cleaner for your vehicle hinges on your budget and commitment to maintenance.

You need not empty your wallet for a quality cleaner though, as our curated list showcases options that offer lasting performance without breaking the bank.

However, you can go for more expensive cleaning products, typically boasting extended durability and versatility across various surfaces beyond just your car's carpets. Investing more upfront may grant added functionalities and durability too, ensuring years of reliable use.

Ultimately, the decision rests on your financial discretion. Prioritise affordability, ensuring your purchase aligns with your budgetary constraints.

Can you use upholstery cleaner on leather seats?

This all depends on its formulation. Some products are designed to be versatile and can safely clean multiple surface types, while others are more specialised.

For the specific task of cleaning leather car seats, it's advisable to opt for a dedicated leather cleaner. These cleaners are formulated with ingredients tailored to effectively clean, moisturise, and protect leather surfaces. They often contain conditioning agents and UV blockers that help maintain the integrity of the material better than generic upholstery cleaners.

Following the cleaning process, it's recommended to apply a leather conditioner to the seats. This step helps prevent drying and cracking, ensuring the longevity of the leather. For optimal results, select a conditioner specifically formulated for use on leather car interiors.

Can you use carpet cleaner on car seats?

It depends on the type of carpet cleaner you have and the type of car seats you have.

Some carpet cleaners may contain chemicals that could be too harsh for certain types of car seats, such as leather or vinyl seats. Additionally, some carpet cleaners may not be formulated to remove specific types of stains that are common on car seats, such as oil or grease.

If you are considering using a carpet cleaner, it is important to check the label and make sure that it is safe to use on the type of car seats you have. You may also want to do a spot test in a small, inconspicuous area to make sure that the cleaner does not cause any damage or discolouration.

If you are unsure about using a carpet cleaner on your car seats, it may be best to consult with a professional detailer or contact the manufacturer of your car seats for their recommendations.

How long does it take for a car upholstery cleaner to dry?

The drying time for car upholstery cleaners can vary depending on several factors, including the specific product used, the type of upholstery material, the climate conditions, and the amount of cleaner applied. In general, most car upholstery cleaners are designed to dry relatively quickly to minimise the risk of mould or mildew growth.

Typically, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours for a car upholstery cleaner to dry completely. However, it's essential to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific cleaner you are using, as they may provide more precise drying time recommendations.

To help speed up the drying process, you can aid ventilation by opening car windows or using fans. Additionally, avoid sitting or placing any objects on the upholstery until it is completely dry to prevent any potential staining or damage.

If you're unsure about the drying time or have concerns, it's always best to consult the instructions or contact the manufacturer directly for guidance.

Do you need to dilute the car upholstery cleaner before using it?

This can vary depending on the specific product you are using. Some car upholstery cleaners come as ready-to-use solutions, while others may require dilution with water or another recommended solvent.

To determine whether you need to dilute the cleaner, it's important to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The instructions will typically indicate the recommended dilution ratio, if applicable, and provide guidance on how to properly prepare and use the cleaner.

Therefore, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and to prevent any potential damage to your car's upholstery.