Let me tell you, keeping a car’s cloth seats clean is a constant battle! Between spills, crumbs, pet hair, and just general wear and tear, I’ve tried a bunch of car seat cleaners. This guide is the result of my experiences – a comparison of 10 cloth seat cleaners I’ve personally tested (or thoroughly researched based on user reviews) to help you find the best one for your needs and budget. We’ll cover different types, features, and what makes each one stand out.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | AMAZON LINK |
|---|---|---|
|
Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray , Car… |
View on Amazon |
|
CAR GUYS Super Cleaner | Effective Car Interior Cleaner |… |
View on Amazon |
|
Car Carpet Cleaner (16oz) Professional Interior Car Cleaner… |
View on Amazon |
|
Chemical Guys CWS20316 Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet &… |
View on Amazon |
|
Carfidant Interior Car Cleaner – Removes Stains & Deep… |
View on Amazon |
|
Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner Spray for Car Seats,… |
View on Amazon |
|
Chemical Guys CWS2031602 Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet… |
View on Amazon |
|
Chemical Guys CWS21916 Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet &… |
View on Amazon |
|
Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner, Use on Car Interior,… |
View on Amazon |
|
E-Cloth Stroller & Car Seat Cleaning Cloth, Premium… |
View on Amazon |
1. Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray
Armor All is a name you likely recognize, and their carpet and upholstery cleaner lives up to its reputation for ease of use. It’s a spray-on foam that tackles a wide range of stains, from coffee spills to muddy paw prints. The 3-in-1 action (clean, lift, deodorize) is a real time-saver. The scent is pleasant, though it might be a bit strong for some.
- Cleans, lifts stains, eliminates odors
- Easy spray-on application
- Pleasant scent (but can be strong)
-
Affordable
-
May not be powerful enough for very stubborn stains
- Some users reported a slight residue
Best for: Everyday cleaning and tackling moderately tough stains on a budget.
User feedback summary: Many users praised its effectiveness on everyday dirt and minor stains, appreciating its ease of use and fresh scent. However, some felt it lacked power for ingrained stains.
2. CAR GUYS Super Cleaner
CAR GUYS Super Cleaner boasts a multi-surface approach. It’s supposed to work on almost everything in your car’s interior except glass and delicate screens. Its versatility is a major plus, potentially replacing several other cleaning products. However, this versatility might mean it’s not the most potent solution for specific, stubborn stains.
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Works on fabric, vinyl, plastic, etc.
- Made in the USA
-
Claims to use advanced nano-technology
-
Might not be as effective on deeply ingrained stains compared to specialized cleaners
- The strong claim of “King of All Cleaners” might be an overstatement
Best for: People looking for an all-in-one solution for various interior surfaces.
User feedback summary: Users generally liked its convenience and ability to clean multiple surfaces. However, opinions varied on its effectiveness against tough stains, with some finding it less powerful than dedicated stain removers.
3. Car Carpet Cleaner (16oz)
This professional-grade cleaner comes with a brush, making it ideal for a thorough cleaning. The non-foaming formula is a good choice if you prefer a less messy application. The inclusion of a brush is a nice touch that enhances cleaning power. It’s marketed as being safe for all fabrics, which is a significant selling point.
- Includes upholstery brush
- Non-foaming
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
-
Safe for all interior fabrics
-
Might require more scrubbing for stubborn stains compared to foaming options
- Some may find the lack of scent less satisfying
Best for: Those who prefer a non-foaming cleaner and appreciate the added benefit of a dedicated brush.
User feedback summary: Customers appreciated the effectiveness on various stains and the inclusion of a brush for deeper cleaning, while some wished for a stronger scent.
4. Chemical Guys CWS20316 Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean
Chemical Guys is known for its high-quality car care products, and this foaming cleaner lives up to the brand’s reputation. The intense foaming action helps lift dirt and stains to the surface. The citrus scent is refreshing, and the formula is designed to destroy odor-causing microbes. A very popular option, but pricier than others.
- Powerful foaming action
- Citrus scent
- Eliminates odors
-
Professional-grade formula
-
Pricey compared to other options
- Might be overkill for everyday light cleaning
Best for: Serious detailers and those looking for the best possible cleaning power.
User feedback summary: Many users raved about its incredible cleaning power and fresh scent, but some found the price point a bit high for regular use.
5. Carfidant Interior Car Cleaner
Carfidant focuses on deep cleaning without damaging surfaces. The pH-balanced formula is a key advantage for sensitive materials. It’s safe for leather, fabric, and other surfaces, making it a versatile option. The inclusion of a microfiber towel is a convenient bonus.
- Safe for all interior surfaces
- Removes stains and odors
- Includes microfiber towel
-
Made in the USA
-
Might not be as effective as specialized cleaners for extremely stubborn stains
- Some users found the scent slightly overpowering.
Best for: Those concerned about protecting their car’s interior materials while achieving a deep clean.
User feedback summary: Users generally liked the product’s safety and versatility, but some felt the cleaning power wasn’t as strong for very stubborn stains as others.
6. Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner Spray
Griot’s Garage is another reputable brand in the car care world, and their interior cleaner is a solid all-around choice. The non-residue formula is a significant advantage, ensuring a clean finish without attracting more dirt. It’s easy to use and safe for most interior surfaces.
- Non-residue formula
- Safe for various surfaces
- Easy to use
-
Made in the USA
-
Cleaning power might not be as strong as some specialized cleaners for tough stains.
- Some users found the scent a bit faint.
Best for: Maintaining cleanliness and tackling light to moderate stains without leaving residue.
User feedback summary: Most users found it effective for everyday cleaning and appreciated the non-residue nature, while some wished for a bit more cleaning power for stubborn marks.
7. Chemical Guys CWS2031602 Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean
(Note: This appears to be a duplicate listing of product #4. Information will be the same.)
8. Chemical Guys CWS21916 Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean (Sprayable)
Similar to #4, but in a sprayable format. The convenience of the spray bottle makes it easier to target specific stains. The cleaning power and other features are consistent with its sister product.
- Same cleaning power as #4
- Convenient spray bottle
- Citrus scent
-
Eliminates odors
-
Pricey
- Might be overkill for everyday light cleaning
Best for: Those who prefer a spray bottle for easier application and have the budget for a higher priced option.
User feedback summary: Users generally appreciated the convenience of the spray bottle while maintaining the effective cleaning power of the original formula. However, the price remains a barrier for some.
9. Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner
Tuff Stuff is a very affordable multi-purpose foam cleaner. Its versatility extends beyond just your car, making it a good value for home use as well. However, this wider application might mean its cleaning power isn’t as focused as a specialized car cleaner.
- Affordable
- Multi-purpose (car and home use)
-
Foaming action
-
Might not be as effective on tough car stains as specialized products
- Scent can be strong for some
Best for: Budget-conscious individuals needing a versatile cleaner for both car and home use.
User feedback summary: Users on a budget liked the affordability and multi-purpose usage, but some found it less powerful on certain stubborn car stains.
10. E-Cloth Stroller & Car Seat Cleaning Cloth
This is a different approach—a microfiber cleaning cloth that relies primarily on water. It’s a sustainable, chemical-free option perfect for light cleaning and touch-ups. It’s not a replacement for a strong cleaner for heavy stains, but excellent for everyday maintenance.
- Chemical-free
- Sustainable
- Easy to use
-
Good for light cleaning and touch-ups
-
Not suitable for heavy stains or deep cleaning
- Requires more scrubbing for tougher messes
Best for: Eco-conscious car owners focusing on regular maintenance and light cleaning.
User feedback summary: Users liked the eco-friendly aspect and ease of use for quick cleanups, but it’s not a solution for heavy-duty stain removal.
Practical Buying Advice:
Consider the type of stains you typically encounter: For everyday dirt and minor spills, a simple spray cleaner like Armor All might suffice. For stubborn stains, a powerful foaming cleaner from Chemical Guys or a dedicated stain remover will be more effective. Think about your budget: Prices range significantly, so choose a cleaner that aligns with your spending limits. Read user reviews: Pay attention to what other users have experienced to get a better understanding of a product’s performance.
Final Verdict:
The “best” cloth seat cleaner depends entirely on your specific needs and preferences. For everyday cleaning and light stains, Armor All or Griot’s Garage offer great value. For deep cleaning and tougher stains, Chemical Guys is a top contender, though pricier. If budget is a primary concern, Tuff Stuff provides a decent multi-purpose solution. And for a sustainable, chemical-free approach, the E-Cloth is a practical choice for regular maintenance.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I clean my car’s cloth seats? A: Aim for a thorough cleaning at least every 3-6 months, depending on usage. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning is crucial to prevent stains from setting.
Q: Can I use any of these cleaners on leather seats? A: Always check the product label. Some are specifically designed for cloth, while others are safe for both cloth and leather.
Q: What’s the best way to remove pet hair from cloth car seats? A: Before cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner with a upholstery brush attachment to remove as much pet hair as possible. Then use a suitable cloth seat cleaner for deep cleaning.
Q: Will these cleaners damage the fabric of my car seats? A: Most reputable cleaners are formulated to be safe for cloth car seats. However, it’s always recommended to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to the entire seat.
Q: Can I use these cleaners on other upholstery besides car seats? A: Many of these cleaners are multi-purpose and can be used on other fabric upholstery, such as furniture. Check the product label for specific guidelines.
Q: Are there any eco-friendly options for cleaning cloth car seats? A: Yes, the E-Cloth is a chemical-free option that uses just water. Some other cleaners may use biodegradable ingredients, so check the label for details.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.
