Your car interior says a lot about you. Whether you’re driving clients, friends, or family, maintaining clean, fresh-smelling upholstery is a must. From muddy shoes and food spills to dust and pet hair, your car seats take a beating. The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands on professional detailing every time. The right car upholstery cleaner can work wonders—and we’re here to help you find the best car upholstery cleaner in Kenya.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What to look for in a good car upholstery cleaner

• The different types of upholstery cleaners

• The best products available in Kenya

• DIY tips and tricks

• How to clean different types of car seats

🚘 Why Use a Dedicated Car Upholstery Cleaner?

Many car owners in Kenya use regular detergents or liquid soaps to clean their car seats. While that may work temporarily, it can lead to:

• Fading or discoloration of fabric or leather

• Odor retention due to poor rinsing

• Stains becoming embedded deeper into fibers

• Residue buildup, making seats sticky

Car upholstery cleaners are formulated specifically to lift stains, dissolve grime, and eliminate odors—without damaging your seats.

🧴 What to Look for in a Car Upholstery Cleaner

🏆 Best Car Upholstery Cleaners Available in Kenya

Here are top-rated products that you can buy online or from local auto shops and supermarkets:

1. Turtle Wax Power Out! Upholstery Cleaner

• Type: Foam spray with scrub brush

• Great for: Cloth seats, floor mats, and roof lining

• Key Features:

  • Built-in brush for deep cleaning

  • Odor-X technology to remove smells

  • Removes grease, coffee, ink, and pet stains

Price Range: KES 1,500–2,000
Where to Buy: KejaniCleaning.co.ke, Jumia, local auto shops

Pros: Easy to use, deep cleans and deodorizes
Cons: Not ideal for leather

2. Meguiar’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

• Type: Spray foam

• Best for: Deep stains on cloth and velour

• Key Features:

  • Fast-acting foam

  • No sticky residue

  • Long-lasting fresh scent

Price Range: KES 2,200–2,800
Where to Buy: Car accessory shops, Skyshop.co.ke

Pros: Professional results, trusted brand
Cons: Premium price

3. Sonax Car Interior Cleaner

• Type: Spray cleaner

• Great for: Seats, roof lining, door panels

• Key Features:

  • Removes tough stains

  • Neutral scent

  • Ideal for fabric and Alcantara

Price Range: KES 1,800–2,500
Where to Buy: Specialty stores, online marketplaces

Pros: Versatile and gentle
Cons: Requires microfiber cloth or sponge

4. Armor All Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

• Type: Aerosol foam

• Best for: Stubborn stains on seats and mats

• Key Features:

  • Lifts ground-in dirt

  • Dry foam formula

  • Great scent

Price Range: KES 1,500–2,000
Where to Buy: Carrefour, Quickmart, Skyshop

Pros: Fast-acting and widely available
Cons: Can leave residue if overapplied

5. Autoglym Interior Shampoo

• Type: Liquid spray

• Best for: Car seats, dashboards, and plastics

• Key Features:

  • Gentle yet effective

  • Safe for fabric, vinyl, and plastics

Price Range: KES 2,000–2,500
Where to Buy: High-end car care stores, online

Pros: Multipurpose interior cleaner
Cons: May not remove old or set-in stains

🧼 How to Clean Your Car Upholstery Like a Pro

What You’ll Need:

• Your chosen upholstery cleaner

• Microfiber cloths

• Soft brush or scrubber

• Bucket of warm water

• Vacuum cleaner

Step-by-Step:

1. Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose dirt and crumbs.

2. Test cleaner on a hidden section to ensure colorfastness.

3. Apply cleaner as directed—spray, foam, or dab.

4. Scrub gently with a brush for deep stains.

5. Wipe away excess with a clean, damp cloth.

6. Let dry naturally with windows open or in shade.

🧴 DIY Car Upholstery Cleaner (If You’re On a Budget)

Homemade Fabric Seat Cleaner:

• 1 cup warm water

• 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon dish soap

Mix in a spray bottle and use with a brush and microfiber cloth.

Homemade Leather Seat Cleaner:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

Shake well, apply with a cloth, and buff clean.

Note: Always test DIY cleaners first on a hidden area.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much water – leads to mildew or fabric damage

• Using bleach or strong detergents – can fade or discolor

• Scrubbing too hard – can damage fibers or stitching

• Ignoring drying time – damp seats can grow mold

🛍 Where to Buy Car Upholstery Cleaners in Kenya

• KejaniCleaning.co.ke – Local online store with a wide range of cleaning products

• Skyshop.co.ke – Great for imported auto care brands

• Auto accessory shops in Nairobi CBD, Industrial Area, and Westlands

💡 Final Thoughts

Your car is your second home—keep it clean, fresh, and comfortable with the right products. Whether you go for Turtle Wax for value, Meguiar’s for premium results, or try a simple DIY solution, there’s something for every car owner in Kenya.

If you’re serious about preserving your upholstery, we recommend cleaning your car seats at least once a month and doing a deep clean every 3 months