When it comes to deep cleaning your car, vacuuming alone doesn’t cut it. Over time, car seats, floor carpets, and interior upholstery absorb dirt, oils, stains, and odours. If you’ve ever wondered how to shampoo your car interior, this post walks you through a step-by-step guide to restoring freshness, comfort, and hygiene using the right shampoo techniques.

Whether you’re tackling cloth seats, fabric carpets, or even hard-to-clean crevices, this guide will help you learn how to shampoo car seats, car carpets, and the entire car interior like a pro.

🚘 Why Shampoo Your Car Interior?

Shampooing your car interior provides multiple benefits:

• Removes embedded dirt, food spills, and bacteria.

• Eliminates bad odours from sweat, mould, and pet accidents.

• Restores the appearance of seats and carpets.

• Improves resale value by keeping interiors looking and smelling clean.

• Enhances driving comfort and hygiene.

🧼 What You’ll Need for Car Interior Shampooing

Before you begin, assemble the following supplies:

• Car upholstery shampoo or fabric cleaner

• Upholstery brush or soft detailing brush

• Wet/dry vacuum or extractor machine

• Microfiber towels

• Spray bottle with water (for rinsing)

• Bucket and warm water

• Optional: Steam cleaner, baking soda (for deodorizing)

Tip: Always test any shampoo or cleaner on a small hidden section to check for fabric colorfastness.

🪑 How to Shampoo Car Seats (Fabric or Cloth)

Car seats collect the most dirt due to direct contact with people, pets, and food. Here’s how to deep clean them:

Step 1: Vacuum the Seats

Use a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to remove all loose dirt, crumbs, hair, and dust. Pay attention to crevices and seams.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Spray a stain remover or a diluted mix of shampoo and water on stubborn stains (like coffee, sweat, or food). Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Apply Upholstery Shampoo

Spray the upholstery shampoo generously on one seat at a time. Avoid over-saturating. If using a foaming shampoo, apply foam evenly.

Step 4: Scrub Gently

Using a soft upholstery brush, scrub the fabric in circular motions to loosen dirt. Focus on areas with visible grime or discolouration.

Step 5: Extract Moisture

Use a wet vacuum to suck up the dirty shampoo and moisture. If you don’t have one, blot using a clean, dry microfiber towel.

Step 6: Let It Dry

Open all doors or windows to improve ventilation. Let the seats air-dry for 4–8 hours (or overnight) depending on humidity.

Pro Tip: You can add a fabric deodorizer spray after cleaning for a lasting fresh scent.

🧽 How to Shampoo Car Carpet

Your car carpet takes a beating from muddy shoes, spills, and dust. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove Floor Mats

Take out all mats. Clean them separately with water and brush.

Step 2: Vacuum the Carpet

Vacuum thoroughly to remove dirt, pebbles, and sand. Pay extra attention under the seats and pedals.

Step 3: Pre-Spray the Carpet

Lightly spray shampoo or a diluted fabric cleaner over the carpet. Avoid soaking it.

Step 4: Scrub the Surface

Using a stiff-bristle carpet brush, scrub the carpet in sections. This agitates and lifts dirt from deep within the fibres.

Step 5: Rinse and Extract

Wipe with a damp microfiber towel or extract with a wet/dry vacuum to remove dirty foam and residues.

Step 6: Dry Completely

Leave windows open or use a fan/blower to speed up drying. Avoid closing the car with damp carpets — it encourages mould.

Optional: Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming for odour control.

🛋️ How to Shampoo the Entire Car Interior

Shampooing the full car interior goes beyond seats and carpets. You can clean roof liners, fabric door panels, armrests, and even the rear cargo area.

Step-by-Step Full Interior Shampoo:

1. Start with a full vacuum – including dashboard, crevices, vents.

2. Shampoo headliner sparingly – too much water can damage glue.

3. Use foam or spray shampoo on doors, trunk lining, and armrests.

4. Brush gently with a detailing brush or microfiber pad.

5. Wipe clean or extract using microfiber towels or vacuum.

6. Finish with fabric protectant to resist future stains.

Important: Don’t forget to clean and disinfect high-touch areas like seatbelts, gear knobs, and cup holders.

🧴 How to Car Shampoo (Exterior)

While this post focuses on the interior, many users ask: “How to car shampoo the exterior?”

Here’s a quick summary:

Tools:

• pH-neutral car shampoo

• Microfiber mitt

• Two buckets (wash + rinse)

• Hose or pressure washer

• Drying towel or chamois

Steps:

1. Rinse car to remove dust.

2. Mix car shampoo with water.

3. Wash section by section, top-down.

4. Rinse with clean water.

5. Dry with microfiber towel.

Never use dish soap or powder detergent — they strip wax and harm paint.

✅ Bonus Tips for Interior Shampooing

• Avoid direct sunlight when shampooing to prevent quick drying and streaks.

• Use a fabric protector spray after cleaning to resist spills and stains.

• For leather seats, don’t use fabric shampoo — opt for a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner.

• For odours, use enzyme-based cleaners or ozone deodorizers.

🛍️ Best Car Interior Shampoos Available in Kenya

Here are some top-rated car shampoos available via kejanicleaning.co.ke:

• Sonax Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner – Great for deep foam action.

• Meguiar’s Carpet & Interior Cleaner – Leaves no residue, pleasant scent.

• Turtle Wax Power Out! Upholstery Cleaner – Has built-in brush cap.

• Chemical Guys Fabric Clean – Excellent dilution ratio, foaming.

🧼 Final Thoughts

Knowing how to shampoo your car interior properly is key to maintaining a clean, hygienic, and fresh-smelling vehicle. Whether you’re just tackling the car seats, the carpet, or going for a full interior refresh, using the right tools and products will protect your investment and enhance comfort.

For professional-grade car shampoo, shampoo machines, and car detailing kits in Kenya, visit KejaniCleaning.co.ke — your one-stop shop for auto care excellence.