Car Seat Detailing Tips

Car seat detailing is a common service that many car rental agencies offer. If you have ever picked up a car at the airport and found an odd stain in the carpet or scratches on the seat of your rental vehicle, chances are the rental company will have it cleaned. At times, the same company will also clean your car while you are there if they know you will be staying a little longer than anticipated. Regardless of when you get your car rented, it’s a good idea to keep the interior looking presentable.

Sometimes, a rental car will come equipped with a seat fabric that looks brand new. However, even if the seat looks good, it can be scratched or stained from road debris, pet hair or even drinks spilled during your travels. The first step in restoring this type of seat fabric is to remove any type of adhesives that were used to attach it to the seat. Typically, you’ll find that the manufacturer’s recommended method is to simply soak the seat in soapy water and then vacuum.

Before cleaning, always test the seat by letting it dry for a few minutes before proceeding. You don’t want to damage the fabric when you are cleaning. Once you are certain that the seat feels secure, you’re ready to begin cleaning. With the use of a soft-bristled brush, carefully scrub the seat in even strokes taking care not to rub too hard as to disturb the padding.

When you are finished cleaning, make sure to allow the seat to air dry. This will allow the material to return back to its original form. In addition to drying the seat, it’s important to properly protect the surrounding area. It’s a good idea to place plastic wraps or perhaps an awning over the seat as not to let any moisture build up. Additionally, to further prevent any water from building up, consider investing in a seat cover such as these.

While most people think of seat cleaning as merely about getting the inside of the car clean, there are actually quite a few other things to focus on as well. For example, you need to make sure that the seats themselves are clean as well. If there are any stains or dirty looks from the cleaning liquid, they should be addressed before the next wash. Also, consider cleaning the cushion covers and even the fabric itself in order to make sure that it all looks as good as new.

One last tip: if you happen to have any type of pets, be sure to clean their waste out of the car as well. After all, having pets in the car can be a real pain! Car seat detailing really does not have to be difficult. If you follow the above tips, you will find that your car is looking as great as possible.