How To Clean Between Car Seats and Center Console: Tips & Tricks!

Last Updated on 3 months by Ollie Barker

The gaps between your car seats are where all the crumbs and hairs gather. Learn how to clean between car seats quickly and efficiently.

We all know how difficult it is to keep a car clean, especially if you have kids. Between spills, crumbs, and the inevitable dust bunnies that form in the nooks and crannies, one might assume that any attempts at keeping your vehicle neat would be futile.

However, a little knowledge about cleaning between car seats can save you from some serious embarrassment later down the road.

How To Clean Between The Car Seats 

Tools and Supplies Needed

Before you begin cleaning between car seats, gathering the necessary tools and supplies is important. Here are some items you’ll need:

1. Vacuum cleaner: A powerful vacuum cleaner with various attachments will help remove loose debris and dust from the car seats.
2. Soft-bristled brush: Use a brush with soft bristles to gently scrub the upholstery and dislodge any dirt or stains.
3. Microfiber cloths: These are ideal for wiping down surfaces and absorbing excess moisture during cleaning.
4. Cleaning solution: Depending on the type of upholstery, you may need specific cleaning solutions. For fabric seats, mild detergent or upholstery cleaner works well. For leather seats, use a leather cleaner and conditioner.
5. Narrow cleaning tools: Opt for tools like crevice brushes, cotton swabs, or compressed air to reach into tight spaces between the seats.
6. Stain removers: Keep stain removers suitable for your car seat fabric on hand to treat any stubborn stains or spills.

How to clean space between car seats step-by-step instruction

Step 1: Prepare the seats

Start by preparing the car seats for cleaning. Remove any loose debris, such as wrappers or trash, from the crevices and crevices. Use your hands or a small handheld vacuum to remove larger debris like crumbs or dirt. Once the visible debris is cleared, it’s time to vacuum the seats.

Step 2: Vacuuming

Using the appropriate attachment, run the vacuum cleaner over the entire surface of the seats. Pay special attention to the gaps between the seats and the crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. This step will help remove dust, small particles, and any remaining loose debris.

Step 3: Removing stains and spills

Stains and spills can be common occurrences in cars, especially if you frequently have food or drinks while on the go. To effectively clean stains between car seats, follow these steps:

• Identify the stain: Determine the type of stain you’re dealing with, whether it’s coffee, juice, or food. This will help you choose the appropriate cleaning method.
• Blot the stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain gently. Avoid rubbing; it can spread the stain and push it deeper into the upholstery.
• Treat with a cleaning solution: Depending on the type of fabric, apply a small amount of mild detergent or upholstery cleaner to a clean cloth. Blot the stain with the cloth, working from the outside inward. Avoid oversaturating the fabric.
• Rinse and blot: After treating the stain, dampen a fresh cloth with clean water and blot the area to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Continue blotting until the cloth comes away clean.

Step 4: Cleaning the gaps and crevices

The gaps and crevices between car seats can be tricky to clean, but you can effectively remove dirt and debris with the right tools and techniques. Here’s how:

• Use narrow cleaning tools: Invest in narrow cleaning tools like crevice brushes, cotton swabs, or compressed air. These tools can help reach into tight spaces and dislodge dirt.
• Start from the top: Begin cleaning from the top of the seats and work your way down. Use the narrow tool to agitate the dirt and bring it to the surface.
• Vacuum or wipe away debris: As you loosen the dirt, use a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber cloth to remove the debris. If using a cloth, ensure it fits into the crevice properly and wipe in a back-and-forth motion.

Step 5: Deodorizing the car seats

To keep your car seats smelling fresh, it’s important to deodorize them regularly. Here are a few methods you can try:

• Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the seats and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Vacuum the seats to remove the baking soda, taking any unpleasant odors with it.
• Odor absorbers: Place odor absorbers, such as activated charcoal or odor-neutralizing pouches, between the car seats. These products will help eliminate lingering odors.
• Fresheners: Use car air fresheners specifically designed for vehicles. Choose scents that you find pleasant and ensure they are placed in a way that doesn’t obstruct your comfort.

Cleaning between leather seats

If your car has leather seats, they require special care to keep them clean and well-maintained. Follow these steps when cleaning leather seats:

Vacuum the seats

Begin by vacuuming the seats using a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris.

Use a leather cleaner

Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the seats, focusing on any stained or soiled areas. Avoid using excess water or harsh chemicals.

Conditioning

After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to moisturize the seats and prevent cracking or fading.

Check out This Video for a Custom Vacuum Piece for Narrow Spaces!

How to Clean Between the Car Seats With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great way to get rid of any nasties attached to your seats. Simply mix 1 part vinegar with two parts water and brush it into each crevice. You can then vacuum up the solution and start fresh.

Cleaning car interiors can be a chore, but you can make it simpler and cleaner with these tips and tricks.

How to Get Rid of Pet Hair in Between Car Seats

If you have a dog or cat, then you have undoubtedly found that their hair can become quite an issue when they run out of places to scratch.

Check out: Easy ways to remove stains from your car seats!

Using a wet-dry vacuum is a great way to pick up pet hair from between the seats, but be careful not to get it on the seats themselves. Then, you can either use the wet-dry vacuum again to shake out all of the pet hair or give your seats a quick hand-wash with hot water and dish soap. If you have carpeting or other types of delicate flooring, you may want to invest in a can of spray cleaner instead of just using water and dish soap.

How To Clean Car Seat Rails

Cleaning car seat rails is an entirely different matter than cleaning between the car seats.

• First, remove the headrests from both sides of your vehicle.
• Next, get a bucket of warm water and a soft-bristled brush. Use this to scrub the area you are trying to clean gently. If there are any stains on the seat rails, use vinegar or a commercial cleaner made specifically for this purpose.
• Once you have washed the rails, use a clean, dry towel or a thicker microfiber towel to dry them off. Don’t hesitate to finish off the job with an air freshener for optimum cleanliness.

Useful Tips For How To Clean Between Car Seats

• After vacuuming crumbs and hair, keep a paper towel roll in your vehicle for quick cleanup if you want to add more.
• If you have hard plastic seats, wiping them down with a damp cloth regularly can help to keep them clean.
• To get rid of pet hair quickly between the seats, use a wet-dry vacuum and vinegar or a pet-friendly cleaner to scrub out stains.
• Use an air freshener in the car when you’re cleaning it up to make sure that no nasties are left behind.
• You can easily remove crumbs between the seats by using the vacuum on its highest setting.
• If your car is carpeted, you may want to invest in specialized spray cleaners to eliminate any dirt you find between the seats.
• Don’t forget to clean the headrests and wipe down your car seats after cleaning them.

Cleaning car interiors is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be messy as long as you are prepared and follow expert advice.

Do you know: How to seal the cracks on your car’s leather seats?

How to Clean the Center Console of a Car

The middle console of a car is a commonly used area that can accumulate dirt, dust, spills, and debris over time. Keeping it clean enhances the overall appearance of your car’s interior and promotes a hygienic and organized driving experience. Follow these steps to clean the middle console of your car effectively:

Step 1: Remove loose items

Begin by removing any loose items such as coins, pens, or small accessories from the console. Set them aside in a safe place.

Step 2: Wipe down the surface

Using a soft microfiber cloth, gently wipe down the surface of the console to remove any dust or loose dirt. Pay attention to the buttons, knobs, and any textured areas where dirt tends to accumulate.

Step 3: Clean the cup holders

If your middle console has cup holders, they can often become sticky and accumulate residue from spilled beverages.

• To clean them, mix a solution of mild detergent and warm water in a bowl.
• Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe the cup holders thoroughly.
• For stubborn stains or sticky residue, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area gently.
• Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Address spills and stains

If there are any spills or stains on the console, treat them promptly to prevent them from setting and becoming more challenging to remove. Use a suitable cleaning solution based on the material of your console.

• For vinyl or plastic consoles, a mixture of mild detergent and warm water works well.
• For leather consoles, use a leather cleaner or conditioner. Apply the cleaning solution to a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing, as it can spread the stain or cause damage to the material. Rinse the cloth and blot with clean water to remove any residue. Dry the area thoroughly with a dry cloth.

Step 5: Clean hard-to-reach areas

The middle console may have small crevices, vents, or tight spaces that can be challenging to clean. Use compressed air or a soft-bristled brush to dislodge any dirt or dust from these areas. Vacuum the debris or use a clean cloth to wipe it away.

Step 6: Disinfect if necessary

To maintain a hygienic environment, especially during illness or when sharing the car with others, consider disinfecting the middle console.

Use disinfecting wipes or a solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Apply the disinfectant to a cloth and wipe down the surface, paying extra attention to high-touch areas like buttons and handles. Allow the console to air dry.

Step 7: Condition if applicable

If your middle console is made of leather or has leather accents, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material moisturized and prevent cracking.

Step 8: Reorganize and return items

Once the console is clean and dry, organize the items you removed earlier and place them back in the console. Consider using organizers or trays to keep small things neatly arranged.

Check out This Video for A Quick Way to Clean the Center Console!

FAQs

How often should I clean between car seats?

It’s recommended to clean between car seats at least once a month or more frequently if spills or stains occur.

Can I use household cleaning products for cleaning car seats?

While some household cleaning products may be suitable, checking the manufacturer’s recommendations and testing them on a small area first is important.

Are there any specific cleaning methods for fabric seats?

For fabric seats, mild detergent or upholstery cleaner works well. It’s important to blot stains rather than rub them to avoid spreading and causing damage.

How can I prevent stains and spills between car seats?

Using seat covers and being mindful of eating and drinking in the car can help prevent stains and spills. Promptly addressing any spills can also minimize staining.

Wrap Up

If you thought cleaning your car was a hassle, you would be surprised to find out how much easier it is to follow my expert tips.

There is no need to spend hours scrubbing and wiping the inside of your car when you can do all the work quickly with just a few simple steps.

Check out: How to remove tar from your car’s tires!

With the right equipment and materials, you can clean your car almost as easily as you wash your clothes or even less time-consuming than cooking a meal.