Car upholstery – how to keep it looking like new

Daily car use is more than just driving from point A to point B. It's about coffee spilled in a hurry, mud marks from a walk, dust from the air conditioning, dirt from clothes, and sweat from a hot day. All of this ends up in the upholstery. Many people care about the exterior, forgetting that it's the interior of the car that has the greatest impact on driving comfort.

That's why it's important to know how to properly clean your upholstery to maintain its appearance and functionality for years to come.

Why is it worth taking care of your upholstery?

Many drivers still consider upholstery cleaning to be excessive or something done only before selling the car. However, neglected car upholstery is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of health, the durability of the materials, and the vehicle's value.

Dust that settles on seats is a breeding ground for allergens. Food and drink stains quickly penetrate the material, creating permanent stains and unpleasant odours. Furthermore, regular upholstery care , whether fabric or leather, helps maintain its original appearance and properties for longer.

Cleaning the car's interior is an investment, not only in comfort but also in the vehicle's future resale value.

Types of upholstery – what do you have in your car and what is it made of?

Before you get started, you need to know what you're dealing with. Not all upholstery is the same. There are four most common types: 

• Fabric (e.g. velour, microfiber) – textile materials absorb moisture, dust and dirt like a sponge – this is their biggest disadvantage.
  
  
• Alcantara – although it looks similar to microfiber, it's a completely different material. It's delicate, prone to pilling, and requires careful treatment. Regular vacuuming and gentle brushing are essential; the less moisture and harsh chemicals, the better.
  
  
• Natural leather requires moisturizing, because without regular care it can peel, crack and lose colour.
  
  
• Eco-leather – although more resistant to dirt, does not tolerate aggressive chemicals and delaminates easily.

Knowledge of the material should be a fundamental aspect of your future work. Otherwise, you risk doing more harm than good.

Fabric Upholstery – How to Clean It Effectively and Safely

Cleaning fabric upholstery doesn't end with vacuuming. It's just the first step, but it's crucial. Skipping it will only deepen the dirt.

After vacuuming, it's worth using specialized foams or extractive cleaning products. The latter are particularly effective for deeply soiled surfaces.

Apply the product in sections and don't treat the entire seat at once. Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the fabric. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse out any remaining product; leaving it can cause discoloration or attract more dust.

Remember to let the upholstery dry . Leave the car in a warm, well-ventilated place for a few hours. Otherwise, instead of a clean finish, you'll end up with fogged windows and a musty smell.

Alcantara – how to clean the delicate material in your car interior

Before cleaning, always thoroughly vacuum Alcantara , preferably using a soft brush to gently separate the stuck-together fibres. This will prevent pilling. Apply the cleaning product evenly and sparingly, only slightly dampening the surface. Clean gently with a sponge or soft brush, moving along the grain. Rinse tools regularly to avoid spreading dirt.

After cleaning, allow the material to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Do not dry Alcantara in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in a car with the heater on – high temperatures stiffen the fibres and destroy the material's softness.

Finally, protect everything with a sealant that will prevent dirt and moisture from penetrating without compromising the material's breathability. Apply a thin layer of the sealant in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry.

Natural leather – luxury, but requiring care

Leather upholstery is a symbol of luxury, but also a material that doesn't forgive neglect. Regular vacuuming is essential, as sand and dirt particles can act like sandpaper.

For proper cleaning, use only products with the appropriate acidic pH, specifically designed for leather. Overly strong products (e.g., alkaline ones) can dry out or discolour it.

After cleaning, it's essential to moisturize the surface at least once every three months. It's like moisturizer for the human body: without it, it ages quickly. Neglected leather upholstery quickly loses elasticity and begins to crack, especially on the seat bolsters. In the long run, refinishing or replacing it will outweigh the cost of regular servicing.

Eco-leather – cheaper, but also different

Faux leather upholstery is becoming increasingly popular because it combines the look of natural leather with a lower price and easier maintenance. However, it has its limitations.

Faux leather doesn't require oiling, but it can be easily damaged by aggressive cleaning products. A mild cleaner and a delicate microfiber cloth are best.

Avoid using furniture lotions or "do-it-all" products. Water with a small amount of mild detergent is often the best choice. Remember that faux leather doesn't regenerate like natural leather. Any crack is permanent damage. Therefore, regular, gentle cleaning without excessive scrubbing is crucial.

The Most Common Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Car cleaning isn't always a matter of meticulous knowledge, but not knowing the basics can ruin your interior faster than you might think. The most common mistakes?

• Bad cleaning products – e.g. alkaline liquids used on upholstery – can leave permanent stains after just one use.
  
  
• Washing without vacuuming first – instead of cleaning, you're rubbing dirt in even deeper. Scrubbing too hard, especially with hard-bristled brushes, can damage the fabric. 
  
  
• Cleaning upholstery in a cold or humid environment is a sure-fire way to create moisture, fogged windows, and mould. Upholstery requires the right conditions and patience.

How often should you clean your upholstery? How often should you maintain your car's interior?

You don't have to do a full detailing every week, but it's good to know the basic schedule.

• Fabric upholstery – should be thoroughly cleaned every six months , with a light refresh every quarter.
  
  
• Alcantara – regular vacuuming, cleaning every six months , drying in the shade and impregnation.
  
  
• Leather – minimum every 3 months : first cleaning, then conditioner.

• Faux leather – as needed, but it's a good idea to wipe it down to remove dust and dirt at least once a quarter . If you drive frequently, have children, or a dog, do it more often.

Take care of your car like you take care of your living room. After all, it's your second favourite space—only on wheels.

Which cleaning products should you choose?

There's no shortage of "do-it-all" products on the market, but they often don't work well on anything.

It's much better to opt for professional car care products . For fabric upholstery, choose extractive cleaning products or active foams. Avoid supermarket sprays with aggressive ingredients.

At ULTRACOAT , we prioritize effectiveness and safety, which is why we've prepared a range of products that meet the needs of caring for all types of upholstery – from leather, through fabric, to mixed surfaces:

Leather Cleaner

This ready-to-use leather cleaner works quickly and effectively, without damaging the delicate structure of the material. It creates an active foam that penetrates dirt and allows for easy removal with a brush or microfiber cloth. Its fresh scent makes the entire process pleasant, which, contrary to appearances, is important – especially when cleaning takes longer. Leather Cleaner is suitable for both natural and synthetic leather, making it a universal choice for every driver.

Leather Conditioner

After cleaning, it's important to properly moisturize and protect the leather. Leather Conditioner is a product that not only nourishes the upholstery but also leaves a matte, elegant finish. Its creamy consistency makes application quick and easy, with no need for rubbing in. Furthermore, regular use protects the upholstery from aging, cracking, and discoloration. This product significantly extends the life of the leather in your car.

Leather Q-Detailer

If you're looking for everyday care or a quick interior refresh, Leather Q-Detailer will be the perfect choice. This spray combines cleaning and protection. It's perfect not only for cars but also for motorcycles and boats. It has a UV filter to prevent fading, and antistatic properties to reduce dust build-up. The sprayer makes it easy to use – all you need is a cloth and a moment's attention to restore a fresh look to your interior.

Fabric Cleaner

This concentrate is designed for quick and effective cleaning of fabric upholstery, removing stains without damaging fabrics. It can be used for efficient, rinse-free cleaning or as a pre-spray for extraction cleaning. It has a pleasant, fruity scent and leaves no stains or unpleasant odours. Easy to use, it refreshes colours and leaves fabrics soft to the touch .

Fresh Maker

Fresh Maker is a versatile cleaner for the entire car interior. It works on plastic, glass, fabric, and leather upholstery. It's a great option if you want one product for everything . Its high foaming properties ensure thorough dirt removal without leaving streaks or residue. It's perfect for daily freshening, especially since it has a tropical scent and is safe for the user – with no harmful symbols on the label. Perfect to have on hand in your car at all times.

Upholstery cleaning is your investment

Well-maintained upholstery isn't just a beautiful sight – it improves driving comfort, increases the car's value, and reduces future problems. Cleaning your car's interior is a process worth mastering. It's not about overdoing it. All it takes is awareness, a proper plan of action, and the right products.

The interior is your car's calling card. Take care of it just like the paint, and your car will reward you with comfort and durability for years to come.