How to clean car upholstery and remove stains

2 November 2026 · 8 min read

Upholstery is one of the most noticeable parts of a car, and one of the most smelly, when it is neglected. In this guide you will learn how to identify the material of your seats, which tools you need and the right procedure to clean it without damaging it.

Why upholstery is worth looking after

Besides how it looks, built-up dirt (sand, crumbs, skin oils) wears down fibres and leather, and trapped damp is a common cause of bad smells. Cleaning it regularly makes it last longer and helps keep the car’s value.

Step 1: identify your upholstery

Before you touch anything, find out what material you have: each reacts differently to water, products and friction. Check the car’s manual and, if it is not listed, look for these signs:

• Fabric (nylon, polyester): woven, matt and slightly rough surface, with visible threads. It absorbs water quickly.
• Leather: warm, soft feel, with pores and small irregular creases, and a characteristic smell. A drop of water is slow to soak in, or does not at all if it is treated.
• Faux leather or vinyl: looks like leather, but the grain is very even and repeating, it feels cooler and more plastic, and water stays in beads on the surface.
• Alcantara or microfibre: synthetic fabric with a velvety, suede-like feel, whose pile changes shade when you run your hand over it. It often has the Alcantara name on a label or embroidered.
• Mixed: it is common for the middle of the seat to be fabric and the sides another material. Treat each area according to what it is.

If you are still unsure, test on a hidden area, such as under the seat: one small drop of water, and see whether it soaks in, sits on top or leaves a mark. If in doubt, ask a professional.

Step 2: get the right tools

• A vacuum with a crevice tool and a soft brush, to reach joints and seams.
• A soft-bristle upholstery brush. If it is electric, choose soft bristles and a low speed.
• Several clean microfibre towels, ideally in different colours so you do not mix uses.
• A spray bottle, to apply the product in small amounts.
• A cleaner made for your material and, if needed, an upholstery stain remover. An enzyme cleaner helps with organic stains such as food or milk.
• Gloves and, for fabric only and if the manufacturer allows it, an upholstery extractor or a steamer.

Step 3: the procedure, step by step

1. Vacuum thoroughly, first with the crevice tool along seams and corners and then with the brush over the whole surface. Remove dust, sand and crumbs before wetting anything.
2. Dry-brush with the soft brush to lift dirt embedded in the fibres, and vacuum again.
3. Spray a little product on a small area, never over the whole seat. On leather and Alcantara, apply it to the microfibre or brush instead.
4. Agitate gently: with the brush, in short strokes and different directions on fabric, and with the microfibre on leather. Do not press hard: let the product do the work.
5. Remove the product with a clean, dry microfibre, pressing to absorb the dirt that has come to the surface. If you use an extractor, pass the nozzle in one direction to pull up the liquid.
6. Repeat section by section, without soaking, and let it dry with the doors or windows open.

Pro tips

• Always work from top to bottom: windows, dashboard and headliner before seats and floor, so dirt does not fall onto what is already clean.
• Take out and shake the mats before vacuuming, and slide the seats forward and back to reach every area.
• Use a slim nozzle for the seat rails and the gaps next to the doors.
• Tap with your palm in front of the vacuum nozzle: it loosens deep-down dirt.
• Be careful with the headliner: the weight of the liquid can pull the fabric away if the glue is in poor condition. Use very little product.
• Better not to remove the seats yourself, because they have airbag wiring. Check with the manufacturer or a workshop first.
• When you finish, leave the car with the windows slightly open until the damp has evaporated.

How to treat each material

• Fabric: little moisture and a dedicated cleaner, or water with neutral soap. It is absorbent, so avoid soaking it. Steam only if the manufacturer allows it.
• Leather: a leather cleaner, a microfibre and, at the end, a conditioner so it does not dry out.
• Faux leather or vinyl: a damp cloth with water and neutral soap, then dry well. It is easier to maintain, but harsh products wear it down too.
• Alcantara: very little water, a nearly dry microfibre and gentle movements following the pile. Avoid hard rubbing and steam.

Specific stains

• Mud: let it dry, brush it off dry, vacuum and finish with a gentle clean.
• Coffee or soft drinks: clean straight away with a damp cloth and neutral soap.
• Blood: use cold water and neutral soap; avoid hot water.
• Ink or grease: use a product made for upholstery, after testing it on a hidden spot.
• Food, milk or pets: an enzyme cleaner, after testing, helps break down the stain and the smell.
• Bad smells: vacuum seats and mats, sprinkle baking soda, leave it for 20-30 minutes and vacuum. If damp is trapped, dry and ventilate well.

Mistakes to avoid

• Soaking the upholstery: it can leave damp and a bad smell.
• Rubbing hard: it damages the fabric and spreads the stain.
• Using harsh all-purpose cleaners or bleach: they can discolour.
• Applying a product without testing it on a hidden area first.
• Using hard brushes on leather or Alcantara, or the same dirty cloth over the whole surface.

How to keep it clean

Vacuuming regularly, cleaning spills straight away and avoiding damp stops stains from setting in. Well-conditioned leather and clean fabric last much longer.

When to ask for help

If the stain is old, the smell lingers, or your upholstery is leather or Alcantara and you are not confident, it is better to call a professional rather than make it worse.