how to clean the driver's seat?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Former Member 68813, Aug 7, 2012.

  1. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    after 2 years of use ~2 hrs a day, there is a need to clean the cloth, especially at the edges. This is my first car with such a light color cloth and I hate it.
    Any advises?
     
    #1 Former Member 68813, Aug 7, 2012
  2. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Spray it with all-purpose cleaner, agitate with a brush (brush attachment for your drill), then extract it with a hot water extractor. Get used to cleaning that interior, I've had to do mine about every 2 months.
     
    #2 The Critic, Aug 8, 2012
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  3. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Thanks!

    I used to use carpet cleaner equipment in my older cars (with the typical nozzle containing sprayer, brush and water suction), but was not sure if the delicate cloth in Prius would take the abuse.
     
    #3 Former Member 68813, Aug 8, 2012
  4. nicholfd

    nicholfd Junior Member

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    What color & type of material (cloth or synthetic leather) are your seats?

    Thanks.
     
    #4 nicholfd, Aug 8, 2012
  5. niteryder

    niteryder Junior Member

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    I would recommend something like Adam's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner. Spray it on, agitate some and wipe off with a microfiber. It does an amazing job.

    Folex is a no rinse cleaner, you can find that at Home Depot or Shopko.

    Otherwise you can use an extractor like the BISSELL Auto Care ProHeat.
     
    #5 niteryder, Aug 9, 2012
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  6. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Awesome, I like check those products.
     
    #6 Former Member 68813, Aug 11, 2012
  7. Snazzzy

    Snazzzy Junior Member

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    Do you have any recommendations for cleaning the leather upholstery?
     
    #7 Snazzzy, Aug 16, 2012
  8. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Did a search but not much found on cleaning fabric (cloth) seats. I've seen those carpet and upholstery cleaners in auto parts stores where you spray it on, let it foam, wipe, dry, vacuum to remove a stain. Thing is my seats are not stained, but they could use some maintenance. So what's your routine with it?
     
    #8 cycledrum, Jan 9, 2014
  9. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Update: I tried cleaning with ScotchGuard foaming auto upholstery cleaner because I had it around at home already. It helped, but not entirely 100%. I ended up using gray/silver/black seat covers and the seats look great. I wish I used them since the day one.
    [​IMG]
    Light gray color for seat cloth is a joke if you ask me.
     
    #9 Former Member 68813, Jan 9, 2014
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  10. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I like to use the Folex mentioned in a post above. You can find it just about anywhere. You basically spray it on, agitate it with your fingers or a soft brush and then blot with a cloth. Most stains disappear before you get to the blotting. If you are doing the whole seats and they are heavily soiled, you may look at heavier duty detergents and extraction, but for light stains and small spots, Folex can't be beat for effectiveness and local availability.
     
    #10 mrstop, Jan 10, 2014
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  11. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    Exactly why I went for the darker gray. I haven't had any issues (yet) with dirt showing from hauling kids around.
     
    #11 mrstop, Jan 10, 2014
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