7 Best Automotive Upholstery Cleaners (2025 Review)

So, your car’s interior needs a little TLC? Spills, pet accidents, or just general wear and tear have left your upholstery looking less-than-stellar? This guide will help you navigate the world of automotive upholstery cleaners, reviewing seven popular options to help you find the best one for your needs and budget. We’ll break down their features, pros, cons, and user feedback, so you can make an informed decision and get your car looking its best.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	BEST FOR	AMAZON LINK
	Blue Coral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner Dri-Clean Plus with Odor…	Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models	View on Amazon
	Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet &…	DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home	View on Amazon
	Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray , Car…	Fleet managers overseeing maintenance of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks nationwide	View on Amazon
	CAR GUYS Super Cleaner | Effective Car Interior Cleaner |…	Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep owners requiring OEM-quality replacement parts and genuine accessories	View on Amazon
	Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner Spray for Car Seats,…	Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models	View on Amazon
	CLR Brands Automotive Carpet, Upholstery & Fabric Cleaner,…	DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home	View on Amazon
	Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean & Drill Brush…	Fleet managers overseeing maintenance of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks nationwide	View on Amazon

1. Blue Coral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner Dri-Clean Plus with Odor Eliminator

Blue Coral’s Dri-Clean Plus is a powerful cleaner that tackles a wide range of stains, from grease and tar to coffee and even blood. Its brush-cap applicator makes it easy to scrub away ground-in dirt. This is a solid choice for serious stain removal.

• Effective on various stains (grease, tar, coffee, ink, blood, etc.)
• Easy-to-use brush cap
• Powerful cleaning action

Pros:
– Excellent stain removal
– Convenient applicator

Cons:
– Not suitable for all materials (suede, leather, silk, velvet, clear plastic)
– Strong scent might be overpowering for some

User Feedback Summary: Users generally praise its effectiveness on tough stains, but some find the scent too strong.

2. Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Chemical Guys’ Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean is a professional-grade cleaner that uses a deep-penetrating foam to lift dirt and odors. It’s detergent-free and leaves fabrics feeling soft, not stiff. The citrus scent is a pleasant bonus.

• Removes dirt, odors, and stains
• Detergent-free formula
• Patented odor elimination enzymes
• Intense foaming action

Pros:
– Powerful cleaning and odor elimination
– Leaves fabrics soft
– Pleasant citrus scent

Cons:
– Can be more expensive than other options
– Might require more than one application for stubborn stains

User Feedback Summary: Users love the foam and its effectiveness, but some note the price point.

3. Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray

Armor All’s 3-in-1 cleaner offers a convenient spray bottle and built-in brush for cleaning, stain lifting, and odor elimination. It’s a quick and easy solution for everyday messes.

• 3-in-1 action (cleans, lifts stains, eliminates odors)
• New car scent
• Fast-acting formula

Pros:
– Easy to use
– Affordable
– Pleasant scent

Cons:
– May not be as effective on stubborn stains as other options
– Scent might be too artificial for some

User Feedback Summary: Users find it convenient and effective for light cleaning but less so for heavy-duty stain removal.

4. CAR GUYS Super Cleaner

CAR GUYS Super Cleaner is a multi-surface cleaner boasting versatility. It claims to work on upholstery, fabric, leather, vinyl, and more. Its nano-technology promises effective cleaning at a molecular level.

• Multi-surface cleaner (except glass and delicate screens)
• Nano-technology for effective cleaning
• Versatile for various interior and exterior surfaces

Pros:
– Highly versatile
– Claims effective cleaning on various materials

Cons:
– “King of all cleaners” claims need independent verification
– May not be as specialized as single-purpose cleaners for specific materials

User Feedback Summary: User reviews are mixed, with some praising its versatility while others question its effectiveness compared to specialized cleaners.

5. Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner Spray

Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner is a non-residue formula safe for various interior surfaces. It’s designed to cut through dirt without leaving behind a sticky residue.

• All-purpose interior cleaner
• Non-residue formula
• Safe for various surfaces (carpets, fabrics, vinyl, etc.)

Pros:
– Safe for multiple surfaces
– Leaves no sticky residue
– Easy to use

Cons:
– May not be as effective on heavy stains

User Feedback Summary: Users appreciate its safety and ease of use, but its effectiveness on stubborn stains is debated.

6. CLR Brands Automotive Carpet, Upholstery & Fabric Cleaner

CLR Brands’ cleaner is a fast-acting stain remover that handles various spills. It’s EPA-certified and safe for use around kids and pets.

• Fast-acting stain remover
• Multi-purpose
• EPA-certified and safe

Pros:
– Effective on tough stains
– Safe for use around kids and pets
– Environmentally friendly

Cons:
– Fragrance-free formula might not mask odors effectively for everyone

User Feedback Summary: Users report good results on various stains and appreciate its safety features.

7. Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean & Drill Brush

This Chemical Guys offering combines their popular foaming cleaner with a detail brush for extra scrubbing power. It leverages the same formula strengths of #2, but adds a tool for improved cleaning.

• Powerful foaming action
• Citrus scent
• Included detail brush for scrubbing

Pros:
– Powerful cleaning action
– Included brush enhances stain removal
– Pleasant citrus scent

Cons:
– Price point might be higher than some alternatives
– The brush might be unnecessary for some users

User Feedback Summary: Expect similar positive feedback to the standalone cleaner, but with additional praise for the inclusion of the brush.

Practical Buying Advice:

The “best” automotive upholstery cleaner depends on your needs. For everyday spills and light cleaning, Armor All or Griot’s Garage might suffice. For tougher stains and more thorough cleaning, Blue Coral, Chemical Guys, or CLR Brands offer more powerful solutions. Consider the materials in your car’s interior and check the cleaner’s compatibility before use. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.

FAQ:

Q: How often should I clean my car’s upholstery?
A: Ideally, vacuum regularly and spot-clean spills immediately. A deep clean should be done every few months or as needed.

Q: Can I use household cleaners on my car’s upholstery?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Household cleaners can damage certain materials or leave behind residues.

Q: What should I do if I spill something on my upholstery?
A: Blot (don’t rub!) the spill immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel. Then, use an appropriate upholstery cleaner.

Q: How do I prevent stains in my car’s upholstery?
A: Use floor mats to protect carpets, consider seat covers, and clean up spills promptly.

Q: Are all automotive upholstery cleaners safe for all fabrics?
A: No, always check the product label for compatibility with your car’s upholstery materials.

Q: What’s the difference between a foam cleaner and a spray cleaner?
A: Foam cleaners often provide deeper cleaning and better stain lifting, while spray cleaners are more convenient for quick spot cleaning.

This guide provides a starting point for your search for the best automotive upholstery cleaner. Remember to read product reviews and choose the cleaner that best fits your needs and budget. Happy cleaning!