How to Clean Softex Seats?

Softex is a synthetic material so you probably don't wan't to use products made for leather. Armor All Matte Finish Protectant has worked wonders several times for me. Spray it on, wipe it off. If it's really grimy I scrub with a soft nylon brush then wipe. It cleans the material and brings back the factory matte finish, not shiny & slippery like traditional Armor All. You can get it at Walmart for under $5. I taped off half the seat of a BMW I did to show the difference, try doing that and post a photo.

 

Yes, it cleans remarkably well. They also have a similar product called Interior Detailer that might be the same product with a different name, works just as well. The key word is "Matte" so you avoid shiny and/or slippery.

 

Example of the cleaning, on a fixer-upper that I bought.

 

From the owners manual:

So far, I've just been using a slightly damp rag.

 

+1

My 2014 4Runner has the exact same seat material as my Prime. I've been using plain water with a white towel since 2014 and it just works. I also don't wait until it gets grimy to wipe it down mostly because they're black like the Prime and show dust early. In this case that's a good thing.

 

Yeah, so far mine haven't gotten greasy or grimy yet. In that case, it probably would need some soap.

 

The OP is asking about moonstone seats, which show a lot more stains/grime than black seats. Blue jeans leave marks etc.

 

Mine are moonstone. But, living in the armpit of North America, I almost never get to wear jeans.

 

Local Toyota Dealer Service Manager suggested Mother's VLR. Works great and leaves a matte finish. Walmart or any parts store.

 

I would avoid "protectants" on seats. These leave a residue, and this tends to attract more dirt. I would use a mild soap/warm water solution and a brush, and give the material a good scrubbing. Rinse well at the end, leaving just a clean seat with no soap or other residue.

 

I’ve had light colored seats before, soapy water doesn’t get the job done.