DIY: Automotive Upholstery Shampooing

Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• wet/dry shop vacuum
• upholstery/fabric cleaner/soap
• bucket of water
• soft brush
• cloth

Procedure:

• this should be done on a warm day so the interior is able to dry easily
• first start by vacuuming the vehicle's interior to ensure it's free of dust or dirt
• lightly spray a soap of your choice onto the fabric or carpet
• if there is stains, spray a little extra onto that area
• let the soap soak into the material for a few minutes
• use a brush to agitate any areas with stains
• only use a soft brush so it won't damaged the fibres in the fabric or carpet
• rub down the other areas using a cloth in multiple directions to remove any dirt imbedded in the surface
• continuously rinse the brush and cloth to reduce any dirt from traveling to other areas of the material we are cleaning
• apply more soap or water when needed
• there is no need to over saturate the area we are working with
• once satisfied, use the wet/dry vacuum to remove the water/moisture from the material
• leave the windows or doors open for a day to allow the material to air dry

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What type of stains will this method remove?

Almost all stains as long as it's not a dye. I have successfully removed stains from coffee, juice, pop, chocolate, candy, and crayon.

Where can I purchase the products shown in the video?

The products can be purchased at any local grocery store, retailer, automotive parts supplier, and hardware stores.

Can I use a regular vacuum instead of a wet/dry version?

No, you cannot as the moisture can damage the vacuum internally. A wet/dry vacuum is designed to suck up water or moisture.

I do not have a wet/dry vacuum, can I allow the fabric to air dry?

Yes, you can allow the fabric to air dry, but it will take much longer. If you've over saturated the fabric, then it will not dry sufficiently or take an extremely long time.

Video tutorial on how to shampoo/clean the carpet and fabric within your vehicle's interior. This video includes both the floor carpet and fabric seats. This method can also be applied to the fabric which is located on some door cards, depending on the vehicle. This video does not cover how to do a headliner. This particular tutorial was done on a 2000 Subaru Outback.