Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Most Suitable Cleaning Method
• Method 2 of 3: Removing stubborn stains
• Method 3 of 3: Caring for Vinyl Seats
• Tips
• Warnings

Vinyl seats are very comfortable and stylish, but like any seating furniture, it needs to be cleaned from time to time. Check your vinyl seat instruction manual before starting. Use only soft objects, such as dishcloths or sponges, to clean vinyl seats to avoid tearing or damaging them. Soap and water are usually sufficient, but sometimes stronger cleaners such as ammonia or diluted bleach are needed to clean them. If possible, remove the seat covers and wash them separately.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Most Suitable Cleaning Method

1. 1 Check your vinyl seat instruction manual. Vinyl seats are different. Your vinyl seat manufacturer's care and operating instructions should provide tips and tricks for cleaning a seat or set of seats in your car - read it.
   • The instructions tell you, for example, which cleaning agents and methods are recommended and which should be discarded, as well as how to remove stubborn stains from a vinyl seat.
2. 2 Remove the covers. If vinyl seats have covers, be sure to remove them before cleaning. Wash them separately from the seats themselves. This will allow better cleaning of the back and bottom of the seat covers, as well as the interior that adjoins the seats.
3. 3 Use soft items for cleaning. Vinyl seats can only be cleaned with soft sponges, dishcloths and soft bristled brushes. This will keep the seats safe for many years. Steel wool, sharp cleaning tools and other abrasive objects can scratch and tear the vinyl seat.
4. 4 Rinse the vinyl seats with distilled water. Dip a sponge or rag in distilled water and then gently wipe the seat. Then wipe them dry with another cloth or sponge. This will keep the seats clean and dry.
   • Distilled water is the safest vinyl seat cleaner.
5. 5 Wash the seats with soapy water. If distilled water is not enough, try washing the seats with soapy water. Add some dish soap to warm water and stir until lathery. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the water. Scrub the vinyl seats with this brush until they are clean. Better to do it on the street.
   • If the vinyl seats can be pulled outside, use a hose to rinse them. This way, the carpet in the car stays clean and you can enjoy outdoor cleaning.
   • Vinyl seats can be rinsed in the tub if they fit.
   • If vinyl seats are not easy to remove outside, wash them with a damp cloth.
6. 6 Do not use abrasive cleaners. Vinyl seats are quite durable, which is why they are so often used on boats, in cars and as upholstery for furniture. But vinyl can still be damaged. For example, undiluted bleach is too corrosive for vinyl. Washing vinyl seats with bleach will cause them to tear over time. You should also avoid using cleaning products that contain the following ingredients:
   • concentrated detergent;
   • silicone oils;
   • wax;
   • petroleum distillates;
   • anhydrous liquid detergent;
   • solvents;
   • acid-based cleaning agent.

Method 2 of 3: Removing stubborn stains

1. 1 Use special cleaners. Although the method for cleaning vinyl seats depends on the product you choose, wipe the seats with a damp rag first, then apply the vinyl cleaner to another clean, damp rag. Then gently rub the cleaner over the surface of the seat.
   • There are many different vinyl surface cleaners on the market. These include Big D and Leather & Vinil Cleaner. You can purchase them at an auto store or online store.
2. 2 Use a mixture of ammonia. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia (5 ml), cup (60 ml) hydrogen peroxide, and ¾ cup (180 ml) water. Apply this mixture to the seats and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Dry the seats with a dry cloth.
3. 3 Rinse the seats with the bleach mixture. Dilute 1: 1 bleach with water to create an effective vinyl seat cleaner. For example, mix two tablespoons (30 ml) of bleach with two tablespoons (30 ml) of water. Take a rag, stiff bristled brush, or sponge and dip it into the mixture. Clean vinyl seats with this mixture, then wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth.
   • Before applying the bleach solution, test it in an inconspicuous area, such as under a seat. Dry it off with a white paper towel and check for any ink remaining on the towel. If paint remains, do not use this solution on vinyl seats.

Method 3 of 3: Caring for Vinyl Seats

1. 1 Cover the seats. If you are not planning to use the seats for a while, cover them with a clean white cloth. This will protect the seats from dust and also prevent wear from the sun. If you use your seats a lot, buy comfortable seat covers.
2. 2 Store vinyl pillows in a cool, dry room. To prevent mildew from forming on vinyl cushions, store them in a cool, dry place. Do not leave pillows in a wet basement or damp attic (or similar).
3. 3 Make sure that the sun is not shining on the seats. If vinyl seats are heated to a high temperature, the adhesive that holds the fabrics together will begin to dissolve. Because of this, they can begin to crack. To prevent this, keep the seats out of direct sunlight.
   • If the seats are in the car, leave the car in different parking places so that the sun's rays do not fall on the same place. Also, do not close the windows and sunroof of the car all the way to reduce the temperature inside. Place vinyl seat covers out of direct sunlight.
4. 4 Clean the seats as soon as the stain appears. If you spill something on the seats or notice stains or dirt on them, clean them right away. The longer the stain stays on the seat, the more difficult it will be to remove.

Tips

• Wipe down vinyl seats once a week to remove accumulation of dust, dirt, and other debris.
• Vinyl seats that are subject to heavy wear (like boat seats) need to be cleaned more often than seats in more climate-controlled conditions.

Warnings

• Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the mixture is poisonous and can severely burn the skin and the vapors can cause serious lung problems.