If you’ve recently purchased a used car or just want to refresh your vehicle’s interior, removing stains from cloth seats can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll show you how to effectively clean the seats of a Toyota Prius, using simple tools and affordable products, all while achieving professional results.
Step 1: Vacuum the Car Seats
Before applying any cleaning products, vacuum the seats thoroughly. In our case, we used a shop vac to remove pet hair, dust, and dirt from the fabric. It’s crucial to get all loose dirt out of the way so that the cleaning solution can fully penetrate the stains. Use a narrow vacuum attachment to reach small crevices and areas between the seats. If you have pet hair, a rotating brush vacuum head can make this task easier.
Step 2: Apply Upholstery Cleaner
We used Blue Coral Upholstery Cleaner for this job. It not only removes stains but also includes an odor eliminator, leaving the car smelling fresh. Spray the cleaner evenly across the stained areas, allowing the foam to penetrate the fabric for a few minutes. Focus on spots where the stains are the worst, such as the driver’s seat edges, which are often exposed to the most wear and tear.
Step 3: Scrub the Seats Using a Drill Brush Attachment
Attach a soft-bristle brush to your power drill for efficient scrubbing. These brushes are readily available on Amazon and make the cleaning process much faster. Carefully scrub the seats with the drill to lift the stains from the fabric. The drill’s power helps loosen deep-seated grime without damaging the material.
Step 4: Wipe the Surface with a Clean Towel
After scrubbing, use a clean towel dipped in warm water with a small amount of cleaning solution (we used Pine-Sol) to wipe the seats. Wipe away the loosened dirt and cleaner with the towel, working in sections. This step helps to remove the stains and ensures the cleaner doesn’t dry on the fabric. Rinse the towel regularly and wring it out to avoid spreading the dirt back onto the seat.
Step 5: Vacuum Again and Finish with Door Panels
Once the seats are cleaned and wiped, vacuum the car again to remove any remaining dirt or debris loosened during the scrubbing process. For a complete cleaning, don’t forget to wipe down the door panels and other fabric surfaces inside the car, as these often collect dirt and oils from hands and arms.
Final Results:
After completing these steps, you’ll notice a significant difference. The stains on our Toyota Prius seats were almost entirely gone, and the fabric looked and smelled fresh. Best of all, this process can be completed in just a few hours using simple tools—saving you hundreds of dollars compared to professional cleaning services.
Video Tutorial:
Watch the full step-by-step video on how to remove stains from car seats: