Car seats can get dirty. If you’re not careful, water droplets, baby spit, and other substances that accumulate on car seats can stain your seat and make it look cruddy.
There are a number of products on the market that claim to be stain removers for car seats. Some of these products contain harsh chemicals, which is not ideal for a car seat that you want to be able to use for years to come.

The best stain removal product is one that is safe for the fabric and won’t damage it in any way. We have found that the best product is one that contains natural ingredients, such as lemon juice and baking soda. A good rule of thumb is to avoid products with harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia.
In this article we have covered some of the best stain removers for car seats, continue reading to choose the best for your needs.
What Is the Best Stain Remover for Car Seats?
Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar
Lemon juice is another natural stain remover that can be used on cloth car seats. The acidity in the mixture will break down the stain so that it can be removed.
Just mix equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar together in a bowl. Apply this mixture to the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping off with a clean cloth.
Nail Polish Remover (Acetone)
Nail polish remover (acetone) can be used to remove several kinds of stains from your car’s interior, including some stains caused by red wine or fruit juices.
To use nail polish remover: mix 1 part nail polish remover with 2 parts water in a spray bottle; apply this mixture directly onto the stain using an applicator brush or sponge; then leave it on for 15-30 minutes until no more bubbles appear around it, then rise area.
Toothpaste
If you have a kid who likes to splash his drink all over the seat, toothpaste will help get rid of any stains it leaves behind.
Just apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Then use a cloth or paper towel to wipe off any excess toothpaste that remains on the fabric.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is one of the best ways to get rid of stains on cloth car seats because it can be used on both fabric and vinyl. Rubbing alcohol will remove most stains right away. It can also be used on fabric or leather furniture if it gets stained with oil or grease.
Mix a solution of 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture onto the stain, then blot with a paper towel until most of the liquid has disappeared.
If needed, repeat this process until all traces of the stain have been removed.
Deep Stain Remover for Car Seats Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective way to remove stains from cloth car seats. Baking soda works great on many different types of stains as well as fabric softener and other household items that need to be deodorized
Mix baking soda with warm water in a bowl or container large enough to hold your cloth car seat.
Soak your seat in the mixture for about 30 minutes, being careful not to let it sit in it too long because it could become stiff and difficult to clean.
Once your seat is soaked, wipe away any excess moisture with a soft cloth and then let it air dry completely before using it again.
Alternatively, Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing out with soap or water.
Diy Stain Remover for Car Seats Use Vinegar
Vinegar or stain remover is another common way to get stains out of cloth car seats because it’s gentle enough for fabric but strong enough to remove tough stains from car seats as well.
Mix white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Spray on the stain, let sit for five minutes and then wipe away with a soft cloth or paper towel. You might need to repeat this process several times if the stain is really bad.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is another great way to remove everyday stains from your car seat fabric. The best thing about dish soap is that it will help dissolve any food particles left behind by spilled drinks or stains left behind by other foods.
Simply soak your cloth seat in warm water with dish soap mixed into it and rub gently until you see no more spots or stains remaining on the fabric.
Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent also works wonders when removing stains from your cloth car seat.
Just mix one part laundry detergent with two parts water and apply it directly onto the stain with a cloth rag or sponge.
Let it sit for at least 20 minutes so that it has time to work its magic before washing off the area with water and detergent-free soap.
Club Soda
Club soda works great for removing mildew stains on car seats. It’s not as effective as other products (like CarGuys Super Cleaner) because it doesn’t contain any antibacterial ingredients. However, it’s still an effective way to remove mildew from your car seat cloths.
Just fill a spray bottle with club soda and shake well before applying it to your seat cover or carpets in the car. Spray it directly onto the stain until it disappears.
CarGuys Super Cleaner
This product contains enzymes that break down organic material and remove odors from your vehicle’s interior. It’s safe for all fabrics, including leather and vinyl, and can be used on carpets, upholstery, trim, floor mats, and more.
How Do You Get Stains Out of Cloth Car Seats?
If you have a stain on your cloth car seat, there are several different ways you can remove the stain. Here are some of them:
Use Vinegar and Dish Soap
You can get stains out of cloth car seats by using vinegar and dish soap. Vinegar is a natural cleaner, so it will clean the stain out of your car seat. It is also an antibacterial agent.
Simply mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a bowl, then apply to the stain with a sponge or rag. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Repeat if necessary until no more stains remain.
Apply nail polish remover
Nail polish remover contains acetone, which will dissolve grease and grime. Apply the nail polish remover onto the stain with a cloth and let it soak in for 20 minutes before rinsing with soap and water.
Use a steamer
A steamer works by spraying water on the stain and then turning on the heat. This method takes a few minutes, but it does work well to get rid of stains quickly.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great way to remove stains from cloth seats. You can mix it with water and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth or sponge.
Stain Remover for Car Seat FAQs
Can You Use Baking Soda on Car Seats?
Using baking soda on car seats may help clean them. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which can remove dirt and grime from car seats
Does Shaving Cream Clean Car Seats?
Shaving cream works great as a carpet shampooer. It’s even better than dish soap because it doesn’t leave a residue or build-up on the carpet fibers as dish detergent does.
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Car Seats?
Using hydrogen peroxide on car seats is unlikely to be effective because it doesn’t have an antibacterial effect on its own. It’s also possible that the peroxide could damage your car’s upholstery over time if you leave it there too long or otherwise use it improperly.
Does Carpet Cleaner Work on Car Seats?
The answer is yes! Carpet cleaners will work on your car seats. They all contain enzymes that break down dirt, grime and stains so you can remove them easily. However, carpet cleaners will not work as well on leather car seats because they do not have the same cleaning agents as other fabrics.
How Do You Clean White Seats?
Use vinegar to clean white car seats. Vinegar can be used in place of bleach if you want to clean stained carpets.
To use vinegar, mix equal parts water and vinegar together in a spray bottle, then spray on your carpeting. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge. If necessary, repeat this process until the stain is gone or no longer visible after one application of vinegar solution on the stain area.