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Seat Clean
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Seat Clean

Interior vehicle seats are available in an array of materials, each material requiring a different type of care. Further to removing the dust and debris from the seats, the seat clean task is a deeper clean that loosens and removes firmly attached contaminants.

There are two main categories of seat materials; (1) leather and vinyl seats, and (2) fabric seats. Different methods are used to clean each seat material category.

For leather and vinyl seats, a pH neutral cleaner is used. 

Leather is a natural substance and is coated with resins before vehicle installation. Leather surfaces require special care to keep them soft and moisturized; eliminating the possibility of brittleness. Leather cleaners are formulated using emollients, softening agents, that add natural oils back into leather surfaces while cleansing the pores, for deep penetration. DEEP CLEAN is a leather cleaner, designed to be safe and effective on both smooth leather and interior hard surfaces. You will require air pressure equipment (for use with the air gun) to complete this task.

For fabric seats, there are three main methods to deep clean these areas.
  1. Extraction (using X-TRACT and a hot water extraction machine). This method effectively breaks down dirt, grime, and grease in all types of carpet and fabrics. X-TRACT removes most stains, leaves a clean fresh aroma, and eliminates residue which prevents re-soiling.
  2. Shampoo (using CRYSTAL FOAM, a wet-dry vacuum, and a stiff-bristled scrub brush or foam cleaning gun). CRYSTAL FOAM develops a rich lather which lifts and encapsulates soils, preventing re-depositing. The residual foam dries to a brittle crystal that vacuums out easily.
  3. Steam Clean (using a steam cleaner). Steam cleaning is an effective way to lift build-up from fabric fibers. By heating water to an above boiling point, the steam cleaner sends a jet of steam (hot water vapour) onto the areas of application. This hot water vapour loosens embedded contaminants, and once dry, can be removed with a vacuum.
For fabric seats, choose the best method based on:
  • The level of cleaning required. Steam cleaning and extraction are deep cleaning methods used to remove embedded contaminants. Shampooing is used more as a surface clean and does not penetrate as deep.
  • Amount of drying time. Both steam cleaning and extraction methods require hours (usually overnight) to fully dry. Shampooing requires a drying time as well; however, is shorter compared to either the steam cleaning or extraction methods.
  • Surfaces to be cleaned. The use of an extraction machine or steam cleaner on headliners and visors is discouraged as it may lead to adhesive failure resulting in a stretched or sagging liner. Use the shampooing method to clean headliners and visors. 
  • Equipment that is available to use. Following equipment is required for each method (1) extraction, a hot water extractor; (2) shampoo, a wet-dry vacuum; and (3) steam clean, a steam cleaner tool.
The time to clean seats is dependent on the amount of upholstery within the vehicle, the upholstery type, intensity and amount of dirtiness, and the method of cleaning. Once the seat clean is complete, the areas of application will be clean; stain, and odour free.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, and impervious gloves. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Accent Features

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Seats

PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED DIRECTIONS TIPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Directions

LEATHER AND VINYL SEATS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see interior stains and salt deposits task). For scuffs and discolouration on lighter colour vinyl, spray either SUPER-O or SUPER SOL onto the area and allow it to dwell for 10 to 15 seconds before wiping off. Before applying SUPER-O or SUPER SOL, ensure to test the surface material in an inconspicuous area for colour fastness.

STEP 2: APPLY THE CLEANER

Use a spray bottle and a trigger sprayer nozzle. Evenly spray DEEP CLEAN onto the areas of application. Allow DEEP CLEAN to dwell for 1 to 2 minutes; however, do not allow it to dry. Agitate the areas of application using a detailing brush or microfiber towel pre-moistened with DEEP CLEAN. Use an air gun to gently blow all the DEEP CLEAN into and along the seams and cracks; working in one direction, blow dirt into a microfiber towel.

STEP 3: DRY THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Buff the areas of application with a dry microfiber towel to remove the excess cleaner and to fully dry. Review your work. If necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 2 to 3. After leather and vinyl seats are cleaned, it is best to condition and protect these areas (see the seat condition and protect task). Use plastic seat covers to protect and prolong the clean seats from accumulating dirt.

FABRIC SEATS

METHOD 1: EXTRACTION

Uses X-TRACT and a hot water extraction machine

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see interior stains and salt deposits task). Remove any wax, tar, or gum with SUPER-O. For heavily soiled areas, dilute 200 mL of PURPLE POWER per 1 L of water (1:5), and pre-spray the areas with the diluted PURPLE POWER solution.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE EXTRACTION DETERGENT

In the solution tank of the carpet extraction machine, dilute 10 mL of X-TRACT per 1 L of hot water (1:100).

STEP 3: APPLY THE EXTRACTION MACHINE

Use the carpet extraction machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. Draw the hand tool across the seat to disperse the X-TRACT solution. Make 2 to 3 more passes on the areas of application, extracting only; do not disperse more X-TRACT solution unless needed. To rinse the areas of application, use hot water in the carpet extraction machine, dispersing and extracting the water at the same time.

STEP 4: DRY THE AREAS AND REVIEW YOUR WORK

Allow the areas of application to air dry. To speed up the drying rate it is recommended to use heaters and/or fans. Review your work to ensure all areas of application are clean and dry. Use plastic seat covers to protect and prolong the clean seats from accumulating dirt. After fabric seats are cleaned, it is best to condition and protect these areas (see the seat condition and protect task).

METHOD 2: SHAMPOO

Uses CRYSTAL FOAM, a wet vacuum, and a stiff-bristled scrub brush or foam cleaning gun.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see interior stains and salt deposits task). Remove any wax, tar, or gum with SUPER-O.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE SHAMPOO

Dilute 70 mL of CRYSTAL FOAM per 1 L of water (1:15). Whip the diluted CRYSTAL FOAM into a dense foam, or use a foam cleaning gun to produce a thick lather. If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, shake the aerosol can before use and do not dilute.

STEP 3: APPLY THE SHAMPOO

Using a stiff-bristled brush, transfer the foam from the CRYSTAL FOAM mixture onto the seats. Scrub the foam, covering the entire surface area. If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, hold the can 15 cm (6”) away from the area of application. Apply to an area of 60 cm (24”) at a time. Brush the area of application briskly using a stiff-bristled scrub brush.

STEP 4: ALLOW TO DRY AND VACUUM THE SHAMPOO

If a wet vacuum is available, use it to remove residue. Allow the applied CRYSTAL FOAM to dry. To speed up the drying rate it is recommended to use heaters and/or fans. Vacuum the dried CRYSTAL FOAM from the treated areas. If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, wipe with a clean, dry, lint-free microfiber towel.

STEP 5: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review work, and if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 3 to 4. Use plastic seat covers to protect and prolong the clean seats from accumulating dirt. After fabric seats are cleaned, it is best to condition and protect these areas (see the seat condition and protect task).

METHOD 3: STEAM CLEAN

Uses a steam cleaner.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Pretreat any stains or salt deposits (see interior stains and salt deposits task). Remove any wax, tar, or gum with SUPER-O.

STEP 2: APPLY THE STEAM CLEANER

Use the steam cleaner machine according to the manufacturer’s directions.

STEP 3: DRY AND VACUUM AREAS

Allow the steam cleaned areas time to dry. To speed up the drying rate it is recommended to use heaters and/or fans. Once the areas are dry, vacuum to remove any loosened remaining contaminants from the seat.

STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review your work, and if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 2 to 3. Use plastic seat covers to protect and prolong the clean seats from accumulating dirt. After fabric seats are cleaned, it is best to condition and protect these areas (see the seat condition and protect task).

Tips

  • Use extreme caution when using heaters to dry the areas of application.
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
LEATHER AND VINYL SEATS
  • Lighter colour vinyl may contain scuffs and discolouration. In this case, use a solvent based cleaner (either SUPER-O or SUPER SOL) to effortlessly remove dirt and contaminants. Spray the solvent based cleaner to the affected area and allow it to dwell for 10 to 15 seconds before wiping off. Before applying SUPER-O or SUPER SOL, ensure to test the surface material in an inconspicuous area for colour fastness.
  • Do not use DEEP CLEAN on suede or rough leather. Ensure to test all surfaces in an inconspicuous area for colour fastness.

FABRIC SEATS: EXTRACTION

  • Each carpet extraction machine is slightly different to operate. Read and follow the carpet extraction machine manual according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Hot water is considered to be between 82˚C to 104˚C (180˚F to 220˚F).
  • Use hot water, with care, when diluting and rinsing X-TRACT, in a carpet extraction machine, for best results.
  • To avoid rinsing the areas of application after applying X-TRACT, dilute 7 mL of X-TRACT per 1 L of hot water (1:143).
  • Use extreme caution when using heaters to dry the areas of application.

FABRIC SEATS: SHAMPOO

  • Avoid over-saturation of CRYSTAL FOAM on fabric surfaces.
  • If using the CRYSTAL FOAM aerosol, there are two nozzle options; inverted and regular. The regular nozzle is best used for seats.

FABRIC SEATS: STEAM CLEAN

  • Read and follow the steam cleaner machine manual according to the manufacturer's directions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Carpet extraction detergent, using X-TRACT, is applied in a carpet extractor machine. Upholstery shampoo, using CRYSTAL FOAM, is whipped into a dense foam, applied using a soft brush, allowed to dry, and then vacuumed off from the area of application. Both methods effectively clean a vehicle’s interior carpets and upholstery. The method best, for you, can be determined based on the equipment you have available.

Vehicle’s interior carpet and upholstery surfaces can effectively be cleaned without a carpet extractor machine using CRYSTAL FOAM. CRYSTAL FOAM is an upholstery shampoo that can be applied by hand, using either a rotary scrub, bonnet buff, or dry foam method.

Each carpet extraction machine will be slightly different to use. Read and follow the carpet extraction machine manual according to the manufacturer's directions.

Hot water is considered to be between 82˚C to 104˚C (180˚F to 220˚F). Use hot water, with care, when diluting and rinsing X-TRACT, in a carpet extraction machine, for best results.

CRYSTAL FOAM aerosols are available in two options; regular and inverted. The options showcase the nozzle usage. For the regular aerosol nozzle, use the aerosol with the nozzle upright, at the top of the aerosol container. The regular nozzle is best used for the back of seats and headliners. For the inverted aerosol nozzle, use the aerosol with the nozzle upside, at the bottom of the aerosol container. The inverted aerosol nozzle is best used for carpets, where the aerosol is used upside down.

It is recommended to use DEEP CLEAN to effortlessly clean all interior hard and leather. DEEP CLEAN is an interior hard surface and leather cleaner that removes dirt, grime, and stains; and cleanses, softens, and moisturizes the pores of leather.

Leather is a natural substance and is coated with resins prior to vehicle installation. Leather surfaces require special care to keep them soft and moisturized; eliminating possibilities of brittleness. Leather cleaners are formulated using emollients, softening agents, that add natural oils back into leather surfaces while cleansing the pores, for a deep penetration. DEEP CLEAN is a leather cleaner, designed to be safe and effective on both smooth leather and interior hard surfaces.

It is recommended to use SOFT TOUCH to condition interior smooth leather surfaces after using a leather cleaner; DEEP CLEAN. SOFT TOUCH moisturizes, protects, and preserves smooth leather; and buffs to a lustrous sheen bringing out the distinctiveness of leather surfaces.

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