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10 Best Car Upholstery Cleaners 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vax CDCW-CSXA SpotWash Duo Spot Cleaner, Car, Upholstery, Sofa Carpet Cleaning Machine, Included Pet Tool & Solution Removes Spills & Stains, Portable and Compact Design, 1 Liter, Grey/Blue

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,378
Stain Removal Capability
Stain Removal Capability
"Transforms old stains into surfaces that look like new, proving its worth beyond expectations."

The Vax CDCW-CSXA SpotWash Duo Spot Cleaner is designed to handle spills and stains across a variety of surfaces, including car upholstery, sofas, and carpets. Its notable strength lies in its powerful suction combined with deep cleaning capability, making it effective in stain removal. This is complemented by its portability, with a slim and compact design that makes it easy to maneuver and store, especially on stairs. The inclusion of specialized tools, such as the Pet Tool and Everyday Tool, adds versatility for handling both routine cleaning and more stubborn messes.

In terms of ease of use, the SpotWash Duo scores well with a self-clean function that simplifies maintenance by flushing out the hose after use. This is a handy feature for anyone looking to save time on cleaning the cleaner itself. The lack of complex assembly and the absence of a battery requirement further enhance its user-friendliness.

However, the cleaner has a few areas that might not meet everyone's needs. While it is portable and compact, some might find the 1-liter volume limiting for larger cleaning tasks, potentially requiring more frequent refills. Additionally, the product's effectiveness in odor elimination is not explicitly highlighted, which might be a consideration for those dealing with particularly smelly messes. The cleaner is best suited for users who need a reliable, easy-to-use option for spot cleaning, especially in homes with pets or children where stains are common. Those needing heavy-duty cleaning might need to look elsewhere due to its compact size and potential limitations in cleaning large areas continuously.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,378
Stain Removal Capability
Stain Removal Capability
"Transforms old stains into surfaces that look like new, proving its worth beyond expectations."
#2

Autoglym Leather Cleaner, 500ml - Car Leather Cleaner Deep Cleans and Freshens Automotive Leather Upholstery, white

Rating
9.8
Type of Cleaner
Ingredients
Stain Removal Capability
Type of Cleaner
Cleans leather surfaces effectively without damaging or leaving a greasy residue, preserving the natural finish.
Ingredients
The pH-balanced and silicone-free formula maintains the leather’s original matte look and feel.
Stain Removal Capability
Restores the appearance of leather, making steering wheels and seats look as good as new.
Odor Elimination
Leaves leather feeling supple and with a pleasant, subtle scent.
Ease of Use
Works well for routine upkeep, keeping leather fresh and clean with minimal effort.

The Autoglym Leather Cleaner is a gentle yet effective spray designed specifically for cleaning automotive leather and faux leather upholstery. Its pH-neutral formula cleans deeply without damaging leather or leaving an unnatural shine, preserving a natural matte look. Containing no silicones or masking agents, it avoids any sticky or unpleasant residue, which helps maintain the original feel of your car seats. This cleaner works well on all types of automotive leather surfaces, making it a versatile choice if you have different leather materials in your vehicle. It is also unscented, which is ideal if you prefer no added fragrance.

Using the product is straightforward: just spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth and gently rub onto the leather, paying extra attention to stains or dirtier spots. While it cleans and freshens leather effectively, it does not add conditioning or protectant properties. Therefore, you might want to use a separate leather conditioner after cleaning to keep the material supple. Additionally, it focuses on cleaning and odor elimination from dirt, but if you’re dealing with strong leather odors or spills, additional treatment may be needed.

With its high customer ratings and well-established reputation, Autoglym Leather Cleaner stands as a reliable choice for those looking for an easy-to-use, safe, and natural-feeling product to maintain the look and cleanliness of their car leather upholstery.

Rating
9.8
Type of Cleaner
Ingredients
Stain Removal Capability
Type of Cleaner
Cleans leather surfaces effectively without damaging or leaving a greasy residue, preserving the natural finish.
Ingredients
The pH-balanced and silicone-free formula maintains the leather’s original matte look and feel.
Stain Removal Capability
Restores the appearance of leather, making steering wheels and seats look as good as new.
Odor Elimination
Leaves leather feeling supple and with a pleasant, subtle scent.
Ease of Use
Works well for routine upkeep, keeping leather fresh and clean with minimal effort.
#3

Autoglym Interior Shampoo, 500ml - Car Interior Shampoo That Cleans and Freshens Carpets, Fabrics, Upholstery and Plastics

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Stain Removal Capability
Odor Elimination
Compatibility
Leaves no sticky residue, making seats feel genuinely clean and fresh after use.
Stain Removal Capability
Cleans car interiors thoroughly, leaving surfaces looking refreshed and well-maintained.
Odor Elimination
The fresh, subtle fragrance enhances the cleaning experience without being overpowering.
Ease of Use
Effortless to use with a simple spray, scrub, and wipe routine that delivers outstanding results on fabric seats.

Autoglym Interior Shampoo is a liquid cleaner designed for car interiors, especially fabrics like carpets, upholstery, and plastic surfaces. It is easy to use: just spray and wipe hard surfaces or spray and gently scrub fabric areas. This product effectively removes stubborn dirt and grime while leaving a fresh, pleasant scent inside your car.

It is safe for a wide range of interior parts, including mats, doors, dashboard, and steering wheel, but is not recommended for leather, where a specialized cleaner should be used instead. The formula is silicone-free and contains a fragrance that many find refreshing. With a 500ml bottle, it offers a good amount of cleaning power for multiple uses.

The shampoo performs well on common stains and dirt, although very heavy or dried-in stains might require repeated treatment or professional cleaning. Users who are sensitive to scented products may want to test it first, as it has a noticeable fresh fragrance. This product suits car owners looking for a reliable and straightforward interior cleaner that refreshes fabrics and plastics without harsh chemicals or complicated steps.

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Stain Removal Capability
Odor Elimination
Compatibility
Leaves no sticky residue, making seats feel genuinely clean and fresh after use.
Stain Removal Capability
Cleans car interiors thoroughly, leaving surfaces looking refreshed and well-maintained.
Odor Elimination
The fresh, subtle fragrance enhances the cleaning experience without being overpowering.
Ease of Use
Effortless to use with a simple spray, scrub, and wipe routine that delivers outstanding results on fabric seats.

Buying Guide for the Best Car Upholstery Cleaners

Choosing the right car upholstery cleaner is essential for maintaining the interior of your vehicle. A good cleaner will help remove stains, dirt, and odors, keeping your car looking fresh and new. When selecting a cleaner, consider the type of upholstery in your car, the nature of the stains you need to tackle, and any sensitivities you might have to certain chemicals. It's also important to think about ease of use and whether you prefer a spray, foam, or liquid cleaner. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision.
Type of CleanerThe type of cleaner refers to the form in which the product is available, such as spray, foam, or liquid. This is important because different types can be more effective on certain stains or easier to apply on specific surfaces. Sprays are generally easy to use and can cover large areas quickly, making them ideal for general cleaning. Foams can penetrate deeper into fabrics, which is useful for stubborn stains. Liquids might require more effort to apply but can offer a thorough clean. Consider the type of stains and the ease of application when choosing the type of cleaner.
IngredientsIngredients in a car upholstery cleaner determine its effectiveness and safety. Some cleaners use harsh chemicals that can be very effective but might not be suitable for sensitive skin or delicate fabrics. Others use natural ingredients that are gentler but may require more effort to remove tough stains. If you have allergies or sensitivities, look for cleaners with hypoallergenic or eco-friendly ingredients. For tough stains, a cleaner with strong chemical agents might be necessary, but always ensure it's safe for your specific upholstery material.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the cleaner is suitable for the type of upholstery in your car, such as leather, fabric, or vinyl. This is crucial because using the wrong cleaner can damage the material. Leather cleaners often contain conditioners to keep the leather supple, while fabric cleaners focus on removing dirt and stains without leaving residue. Vinyl cleaners are designed to clean and protect the surface without causing discoloration. Check the product label to ensure compatibility with your car's upholstery type.
Stain Removal CapabilityStain removal capability indicates how well a cleaner can tackle different types of stains, such as food, drink, mud, or oil. This is important because not all cleaners are effective against all stains. Some cleaners are formulated specifically for certain types of stains, while others offer a more general cleaning solution. If you frequently deal with specific stains, choose a cleaner that targets those. For general maintenance, a versatile cleaner that handles a variety of stains might be more suitable.
Odor EliminationOdor elimination refers to the cleaner's ability to remove or neutralize unpleasant smells from your car's upholstery. This is important for maintaining a fresh and pleasant environment inside your vehicle. Some cleaners include deodorizing agents that not only clean but also leave a fresh scent. If your car often has lingering odors from pets, smoke, or food, look for a cleaner with strong odor elimination properties. For those sensitive to fragrances, opt for a cleaner that neutralizes odors without adding scent.
Ease of UseEase of use describes how simple and convenient it is to apply the cleaner and achieve the desired results. This is important because a cleaner that is difficult to use can make the cleaning process frustrating and time-consuming. Some cleaners come with applicators or brushes that make it easier to scrub and remove stains, while others might require additional tools. Consider your comfort level with cleaning tasks and choose a product that matches your preference for simplicity or thoroughness.