Be sure to test the paint thinner on your upholstery to make sure it will not stain or ruin the material.

Always blot stains. Never scrub them, so that they are not rubbed further in to your vehicle’s upholstery. [3] X Expert Source Chad ZaniAuto Detailing Expert Expert Interview. 2 October 2019. If the coffee is still visible, scrub the upholstery with dishwashing liquid and rinse with warm water. Blot the area again with paper towels. Dry the area with a hair dryer. Hold the hair dryer at least several inches away from the spot so that you don’t scorch the upholstery.

Alternately, you can use a mixture paste of baking soda and water. The baking soda will also help to absorb the smell.

Spray the mixture onto the upholstery, holding the bottle approximately 6-8 inches away. Rub the upholstery gently with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with warm water by using a clean rag. Rinse out the rag frequently. Work on one seat or area at a time. Rinse each area thoroughly before moving onto the next area. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the area.

Brush the foam onto your upholstery with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with warm water by using a clean rag. Rinse out the rag frequently. Work on one seat or area at a time. Rinse each area thoroughly before moving onto the next area.

Follow the instructions to operate the steam cleaner correctly. You can purchase a commercial carpet/upholstery cleaner to use in this machine, or you can make a natural solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water, with a few drops of lavender essential oil included. [6] X Research source Change the water in the steam cleaner often so that you’re not trying to clean the upholstery with dirty water.

For rubber or vinyl mats, after you clean them, apply liquid wax shoe polish to them. This will help improve their shine and will also make them easier to rinse off and keep clean. [8] X Research source

Work on one seat area at a time so that the glass cleaner doesn’t run down and drip onto the floor.

Oil-based cleaners will harden your vinyl seats, so you should refrain from using these types. [12] X Research source

For rubber or vinyl mats, you can also apply liquid wax shoe polish to them. This will help improve their shine and will also make them easier to rinse off and keep clean. [14] X Research source

Follow the instructions on the product’s label for proper usage.

Apply the conditioner to a cloth and wipe over the leather. Wipe away any excess conditioner and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before using your car.

For rubber or vinyl mats, you can also apply liquid wax shoe polish to them. This will help improve their shine and will also make them easier to rinse off and keep clean. [19] X Research source

Alternately, use a coin-operated vacuum at car wash. These also have long nozzles, but they require that you feed coins into a timed meter, which can interrupt your cleaning progress. There are small handheld, portable vacuums that you can also use. These are usually good for spot cleaning but do not tend to have enough suction power to adequately vacuum out a car.

Useful attachments are brushes with a wide square opening and a skinny, narrow attachment that can reach into crevices.

Take out child car seats as well, so that you are sure to get underneath these, which tend to gather cereal, granola bars and crayons.

Make sure the detailer is certified or trained to use tools and cleaners properly. Also make sure they are insured. Call around to get an approximate price in order to compare detailers in your area.

The detailer should not give you a price before they have seen your car, however.

Some detailers may try to cut costs by using cheaper cleaning products, which can ultimately be damaging or not as long-lasting as other products. [22] X Research source This may be particularly important if you have sensitivities to strong odors or chemical smells, which could potentially linger in the car.

Follow the instructions on the product label for proper usage.

Remove crayons and other things that are prone to melting if it is hot outside. The temperature of your car’s interior will be markedly hotter than outside and crayons, for example, will melt on upholstery if left there in the heat.