To protect fabric car seats, clean them properly, let them dry completely and then apply a fabric sealant. A sealant such as Dodo Juice Fabricadabra repels water, dirt and spills while keeping the fabric breathable and looking the same, so a dropped drink beads up long enough to blot instead of soaking in. Everything below is in our fabric protectant and fabric cleaner ranges.
Why protect fabric car seats?
Fabric soaks up anything that lands on it: coffee, fizzy drinks, muddy paws, make-up and greasy hands. Once a stain sinks into the padding it is much harder to shift. A sealant makes the fibres repel liquid, so you get time to deal with a spill and everyday dirt comes out more easily the next time you clean.
How do you protect fabric car seats step by step?
Clean the seats first, let them dry, then apply the sealant and leave it to dry before anyone sits down.
- Vacuum thoroughly: get into the seams and between the cushions, and use the Maxshine Carpet Lint and Hair Removal Brush to pull out pet hair and lint the vacuum leaves behind.
- Clean the fabric: spray Dodo Juice Fibre Reviver, a solvent-free fabric and carpet cleaner, work it in with the Viking Interior Brush, then wipe or extract the dirt away.
- Let it dry completely: open the doors or run the heater, as a sealant needs clean, dry fabric to bond.
- Test a hidden spot: try the sealant on a small area underneath or at the back of the seat first.
- Apply the sealant: with the doors open for good ventilation and gloves on, spray or brush Fabricadabra on evenly, covering the seat base, back and bolsters. It can be layered for more protection.
- Leave it to dry: let the seats dry fully before anyone sits on them.
What if the seats need a deep clean first?
Heavily stained or smelly seats need more than a spray and brush. An extractor sprays cleaning solution into the fabric and pulls the dirty water straight back out.
An extractor with a 1100W motor, a 4 bar pump, 2 litres per minute flow and a 6.5 litre solution tank.
£399.95In stock5 Litre Carpet and Upholstery Spotting Solution
A low foaming solution used at 280ml per litre in the machine or neat on spots.
£30.00In stock
| Product | Job | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dodo Juice Fibre Reviver | Cleaning before protection | Solvent free, 500ml |
| Dodo Juice Fabricadabra | Protecting the fabric | Breathable, invisible finish, 1 litre |
| Viking Interior Brush | Working cleaner into fabric | Hand-held, for seats, carpets and mats |
| Aquarius Pro Valet | Deep cleaning | Extractor with solution and waste tanks |
How often should you reapply fabric protection?
Fabricadabra is made to last six months or more, so reapplying every six months keeps the protection working. Seats that see daily use, children or dogs may need it sooner. When spills stop beading on the surface, it is time for another coat.
What should you do when something spills?
Act quickly. Blot the spill with a clean microfibre cloth or kitchen roll, pressing rather than rubbing so you do not push it deeper. On a protected seat most of it lifts straight off. Clean what is left with Fibre Reviver and let the seat dry. For sugary drinks, a damp cloth straight after blotting lifts the sugar before it dries sticky and holds dirt.
How do you protect fabric seats from children and pets?
Seal the fabric first, then add a layer on top where it takes the most wear. A seat back protector catches muddy shoes, a blanket or seat cover takes the worst of muddy paws and dog hair, and a quick vacuum every week stops grit wearing into the fibres. If you use a child seat, only put a protector under it that the child seat maker approves, as other mats can affect how the seat performs in a crash. Keep a microfibre cloth in the car for spills.
Does this work on leather or Alcantara?
No, this routine is for fabric. Leather needs its own cleaner and protection, which our guide to the best car leather cleaner covers, and our guide on cleaning car seats and carpets explains how to clean every seat type.
Common questions
Will a fabric sealant change how the seats feel?
Fabricadabra is made to leave an invisible, natural finish and keep the fabric breathable, so the seats look and feel the same.
Can I use the same sealant on a soft top?
Fabricadabra is a fabric and soft-top sealant. Our guide on cleaning a convertible soft top covers roofs.
Does sun damage fabric seats?
Strong sun fades fabric over time, especially on the tops of the seats and the rear shelf. Parking in the shade or using a sun shade helps.
Do I need an extractor to clean the seats first?
Not for most cars. A spray cleaner, a brush and a microfibre cloth do the job, and an extractor is for heavy stains and smells.
Need help choosing?
Tell our team what is on your seats and we will suggest the right cleaner and protection. For pet hair, see our guide on removing pet hair from a car.
