The biggest problem when cleaning dirty carpets and upholstery is having a low-quality cleaner to do it. Without using the right chemicals for your carpets, seats – fabric in general, you’re going to spend hours and hours of work without any significant results.
That’s why I decided to share my favorite fabric cleaners with you. I’ll show you three carpet and upholstery cleaners that I think work incredibly well.
1. Chemical Guys Fabric Clean
Chemical Guys Fabric Clean is my first choice when it comes to upholstery cleaning. Why? Well, I’ve had the best results with this Chemical Guys product.
This cleaner helped me to remove some of the toughest stains on my carpet that had been there for years. I bought it because my friend who is a professional car detailer told me about this product.
After I tried it, I was more than satisfied with the cleaning properties of this product. The best thing is that the dilution ratio is great, so you get even more of it for the price.
The process of cleaning is very simple, just dilute it to a needed ratio (mostly, I use 1:8), spray on the surface, let it sit there for 30 seconds, agitate the surface with the drill brush and extract with a carpet extractor or clean with MF cloth.
It cleans the stains, removes the odor, and leaves a nice smell in your car.
If you need just a carpet and upholstery cleaning product – You’re going to love this one!
2. CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner
CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner is a well-known company in the auto detailing world. They have great products, and one of their best products is this Super Cleaner.
The greatest thing about it is that it’s not just a carpet & upholstery cleaner. It’s an APC (All Purpose Cleaner) product. So, with this cleaner, you can clean more than just carpets and upholstery.
You can use this APC for the following:
- Carpet & Upholstery
- Leather & Vinyl
- Seats
- Door panel, Steering Wheel, and Dashboard
- Plastic & Rubber
- Engine bay
- All types of metals
I like this cleaner because it replaces dozens of other products. Using this cleaner will make it easier for you to organize things.
However, I like to use it only on carpet & upholstery. If you are a serious detailer, you’ll need more than one product. But, if you’re a weekend warrior, this is more than enough for most cleaning jobs.
3. Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Yes, I know it can sound dumb that I recommend another Chemical Guys product. But this one is slightly different.
If you don’t want the scent that Fabric Clean product leaves behind, you should pick this one. Actually, Lightning Fast is probably a slightly more powerful cleaner as well, which is why most people (and me) use it for stain removal, especially on headliners.
Pricing is similar as the first product from CG, but again, this one seems better for people who don’t want any specific scent, just a clean and fresh feeling of their carpets and upholstery.
What I also appreciate about Lightning Fast is that it’s great at eliminating odors, especially the ones from cigarettes, which I was amazed by.
A Quick Buyer’s Guide
When choosing a cleaner for your car’s carpets and upholstery, it’s important to think about how you’re going to use it. Are you a weekend car detailer who just wants to keep your ride fresh, or are you looking for something strong enough for professional detailing jobs?
Here’s what to consider before making a choice.
1. Purpose and Frequency of Use – If you’re a hobbyist who only cleans your car every few months, you’ll want a simple, easy-to-use cleaner. On the other hand, if you’re a pro or clean multiple cars, you’ll want something more efficient, possibly a concentrate that lasts longer. Professionals usually prefer bulk products with high dilution ratios to save money over time.
2. Type of Stains You’re Dealing With – Light dirt, dust, and surface stains can be handled by most general-purpose cleaners. But if you’re dealing with heavy grime, grease, food stains, pet messes, or cigarette odors, you’ll need a cleaner with stronger stain-fighting power. Think about what’s actually in your carpet or upholstery before buying a product.
3. Tools You’ll Use to Apply It – Are you cleaning by hand or using tools like a drill brush or carpet extractor? If you’re using just a microfiber cloth and elbow grease, you’ll want a cleaner that works well with minimal agitation. If you have access to a drill brush or extractor, you can get more power out of stronger products and save time on deep cleaning.
4. Ready-to-Use vs. Concentrate – Do you want something ready to spray right out of the bottle, or are you okay with diluting a concentrate? Concentrates give you more product for your money, but they’re less convenient. Ready-to-use options are faster and easier for the occasional user, but they’re usually more expensive per ounce.
5. Scent and Odor Control – Some people love that fresh, “just-cleaned” smell, while others prefer no scent at all. If you’re sensitive to smells or prefer a neutral finish, look for products that focus on odor elimination rather than adding fragrance. If odor removal is a priority (like cigarette smells or pet odors), look for products that neutralize odors at the source, not just mask them.
6. Versatility Across Surfaces – Are you cleaning just your carpets and fabric upholstery, or do you want something that can handle leather, vinyl, or plastics too? All-purpose cleaners (APCs) can clean multiple surfaces, but they’re usually less specialized. If you’re a detailer who works on many surfaces, a multi-surface cleaner might be the right choice.
7. Price vs. Value – If you’re only cleaning your own car, a smaller bottle might be enough. But if you’re cleaning cars for friends, family, or clients, you’ll save money with a concentrate that’s diluted to make multiple gallons of cleaner. Price matters, but so does value—a more expensive cleaner that lasts longer is often a smarter buy than a cheap one that runs out quickly.
8. Ease of Use – Do you want something you can spray and wipe, or are you ready to put in some scrubbing effort? Weekend detailers usually want a product that’s “spray-and-wipe” simple, while pros don’t mind agitating stains with a brush or letting the cleaner sit for a few minutes. Check the product’s instructions to make sure it fits your workflow.
9. Eco-Friendliness and Safety – If you’re conscious of environmental impact, look for biodegradable or eco-friendly cleaners. Also, if you’re cleaning in a garage or enclosed space, look for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) products that are safer to breathe in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no. From my experience, some cleaners, like CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner, are versatile enough for leather, fabric, and vinyl. Others, like Chemical Guys Fabric Clean, are formulated specifically for fabric. I’ve made it a habit to always check the label before use to avoid damaging surfaces.
Not necessarily, but I’ve found that having tools like a drill brush, carpet extractor, or microfiber cloths makes the process much easier. While you can work with just a spray bottle and a cloth, a drill brush can drastically cut down on cleaning time and effort. It’s a game-changer.
Cigarette smells can be tough, but I’ve had success using products like Chemical Guys Lightning Fast. I apply the cleaner, let it sit, and then extract or wipe it clean. For deeply embedded odors, I’ll repeat the process or use an odor bomb in combination for maximum effect.
It depends on the product. Cleaners like Chemical Guys Fabric Clean come as concentrates and need to be diluted (usually 1:8) before use. Others, like CarGuys Premium Super Cleaner, come ready to use straight from the bottle. I’ve found that following the dilution instructions is key to getting the best results.
This varies by product. From my experience, Chemical Guys Fabric Clean leaves behind a pleasant citrus-like scent, while Chemical Guys Lightning Fast is more neutral. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, I’d suggest going with Lightning Fast for a “just-cleaned” feeling without the extra scent.
I’ve seen people try it, but I never recommend it. Household cleaners aren’t formulated for automotive interiors and can damage upholstery or leave behind a sticky residue. Automotive cleaners are specially designed for car interiors, and they’re a much safer choice.
This depends on usage, but in my experience, a deep clean every 3-6 months works well for most people. If you have pets, kids, or frequently eat in your car, you’ll probably want to clean it more often. I always tell clients to spot-clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent permanent stains.
