How to Clean Vinyl Upholstery in Your Car Like A Pro

Vinyl upholstery boasts tons of benefits—with its stylish look, superior durability, and ultimate comfort, it’s the perfect choice for your car’s upholstery. As with any fabric, though, it’s essential to regularly clean and maintain it. Here’s how to clean vinyl upholstery so that it stays looking great for years to come.

Vacuum up any debris

Before you can really clean the vinyl itself, you’ve got to take care of any debris. Use a car vacuum to take care of any crumbs, scraps, or garbage. If there’s anything larger in there, move that before you start cleaning the vinyl. This will give you a clear canvas to work with, and it’ll make it easier to really get in there and cleanse the upholstery.

Wipe it down first

Before you go in with the specialized tools and cleaning products, simply wipe down your vinyl upholstery with a wet cloth. Fill up a bucket with tap water, dunk the cloth in it, and give your upholstery a preliminary wipe down. It’ll help you find any stubborn stains when it comes time to use the cleaning products.

Use gentle cleaning tools

If the tools you use are abrasive, no matter how effective your cleaning products are, they can cause some major damage. When it comes to how to clean vinyl upholstery, it’s all about using the right tools. Stick with only soft, gentle cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths and soft sponges. If you need a little extra scrubbing, use a soft-bristled brush. It may be tempting to simply scrub as hard as possible, but with patience and the right technique, soft tools will get the job done and preserve your upholstery’s quality.

Choose cleaning products made for vinyl

The last thing you want to do is to distort or fade your vinyl. If the products you use are too harsh, though, that’s a possible outcome. Stick with what the specialty car care store sells. They’ll have the expertise to point you in the right direction, and recommend products that are gentle yet effective. Typically, you’ll get a spray vinyl cleaner, which you should spray directly onto the vinyl surface. Using your cloth, sponge, or brush, rub the cleaner into the vinyl in a circular motion. Let it sit for up to a minute, and then wipe it clean. The result is vinyl that looks brand new.

With the power of vinyl, your car will always impress; if you take care of that vinyl, you can take your car to the next level. Maintenance is always essential, so keep an eye out for any vinyl that may be on its last legs. If it’s gotten to that point, we have the vinyl by the yard to take your ride back to its former glory.