How Often Should You Clean Your Car’s Upholstery?
When it comes to caring for your vehicle, most people tend to focus primarily on the exterior-ensuring regular washes, waxing, and engine checks are kept up to date. However, the interior of your car, particularly the upholstery, is just as important and often overlooked. At Refresh Carpet Cleaning, we understand that keeping your car’s upholstery clean isn’t just about appearance-it also significantly improves air quality, reduces allergens, and helps maintain your vehicle’s overall value over time.
So, how often should you be cleaning your car’s upholstery? Let’s explore the ideal cleaning schedule in more detail.
Routine Cleaning: Every 1–2 Weeks
Light maintenance of your car’s upholstery should be carried out regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up and becoming more difficult to remove later. This routine care typically includes:
Vacuuming the seats and floor mats to remove dust, crumbs, and loose dirt
Wiping down leather or vinyl surfaces to keep them clean and supple
Promptly spot-cleaning any spills or marks as soon as they occur to prevent stains from setting
Performing these tasks every one to two weeks helps to prevent dirt and grime from settling deeply into the fabric and also keeps unpleasant odours from developing inside your vehicle.
Deep Cleaning: Every 3-6 Months
Depending on how frequently you use your car and what sort of activities you do inside it, a thorough deep clean is recommended every three to six months. This more intensive cleaning process may involve:
Shampooing fabric seats to lift embedded dirt and refresh the fibres
Steam cleaning to sanitise and remove stubborn grime without using harsh chemicals
Conditioning leather upholstery to nourish and protect it from cracking
Deodorising and sanitising frequently touched areas to eliminate bacteria and unpleasant smells
If you regularly travel with children, pets, or often eat inside your car, it’s a good idea to arrange a deep clean every two to three months instead.
When to Clean More Often
Certain circumstances require you to clean your car’s upholstery more frequently than usual, such as:
If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, since upholstery can trap pollen, dust mites, and other irritants that exacerbate symptoms
When spills and stains occur, it’s best to tackle them immediately to avoid permanent marks or lingering smells
After long journeys, especially if you’ve had multiple passengers, pets, or food inside your vehicle
At Refresh Carpet Cleaning, we recommend tailoring your cleaning routine to suit your lifestyle. For example, daily commuters, rideshare drivers, or parents of young children will likely need to clean their car’s upholstery more regularly than occasional drivers.
Why Professional Upholstery Cleaning Matters
While regular DIY cleaning is great for everyday upkeep, professional upholstery cleaning offers a deeper, longer-lasting solution. At Refresh Carpet Cleaning, our trained technicians use commercial-grade equipment and safe, effective products to:
Remove deeply embedded dirt, allergens, and dust mites that normal cleaning cannot reach
Neutralise stubborn odours caused by pets, smoke, or food spills
Restore fabric or leather surfaces without causing damage or fading
You won’t just see the difference-you’ll feel it every time you step into your freshly cleaned car.
Our Recommendation
To keep your vehicle’s interior looking and feeling its best, follow this simple cleaning schedule:
Vacuum and wipe down: Weekly
Spot cleaning: As soon as spills or marks occur
Professional deep clean: Every 3-6 months
Stick to this routine, and your car’s upholstery will remain fresh, hygienic, and in excellent condition all year round.
Ready to give your car a proper refresh? Let Refresh Carpet Cleaning handle the hard work for you. Our expert team provides reliable, high-quality upholstery cleaning tailored to your needs. Contact us today to book your appointment and breathe new life into your car’s interior!
