Car upholstery washing. Rules and prices

A comprehensive car wash costs at least PLN 250. This is much more than the cost of cosmetics, which you can clean the car yourself. If the upholstery is very dirty, it is better not to save.

Although the fabrics used to trim the interior of modern cars are becoming more sophisticated, so far manufacturers have not been able to create a material that is XNUMX% dirt-repellent. Regardless of the brand of car, the color of the upholstery quickly changes in everyday use.

Even if the driver regularly vacuums the car, the dirt brought inside on clothes and hands penetrates deeply and after a long time can only be removed with detergents. Stains and discoloration are most noticeable after contact with water, such as raindrops.

First, vacuum

In a professional workshop, interior care begins with a thorough vacuuming of the car. Removing crumbs, debris and other large dirt is a prerequisite for starting the washing machine.

– If the seats and side panels are made of classic fabrics, wash them with the same detergent as the floor and headlining. The difference is that while most of the elements are brushed, the ceiling requires special attention. I use a thin diaper for cleaning. As a result, the material does not get excessively wet, which can cause the fabric to tear off and sag after drying, says Pavel Kozer, owner of a car wash.

Evenly soiled upholstery can usually be thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Large single spots are removed with a soft brush. It is very important that the bristles are not too hard, otherwise the material may wear off. The plastic parts of the cabin are cleaned with a special cleaner. For smooth surfaces, use soft fabrics such as flannel or microfiber. The porous structure requires a brush or a rough but soft sponge. This is the only way to effectively get rid of dirt from the recesses.

Plastics washed with a cleaning agent are wiped dry and preserved with a special agent that prevents cracking of the material and gives it a beautiful appearance. The most common lotions or sprays are based on silicone or natural waxes. They can give a glossy effect or keep the interior in a matte tone. There are also flavors and neutral preparations to choose from.

Special requirements for the skin

Leather upholstery requires a different cleaning technique and detergents. The material is usually washed with a soft brush, sponge or cloth. The choice depends on the degree of contamination.

- A brush is an extreme measure, we use it when the dirt has deeply eaten into the pores of the material. In this case, however, you must be very gentle, because the varnish and the material are very easy to damage. It is best to lather the detergents before applying to the seats so that they do not drip. After washing, wipe the upholstery with preservative milk. Such a procedure should be carried out every six months, otherwise the leather will lose its properties, become ugly, hard and start to crack, Paweł Leather recommends.

When not to overpay?

Comprehensive upholstery washing in a small city car costs at least PLN 250 for a professional. We will pay even PLN 400-500 for cleaning a middle-class car. It's a lot. However, sometimes cleaning is cheaper. If the pollution is small, you can remove it yourself with cosmetics available in car dealerships and gas stations. For example, for chairs with velor or fabric upholstery, special foam rubber is used. A 500-700 ml pack costs about PLN 30, which is enough to freshen up a set of chairs. Just spray it on, apply the cleanser with a soft cloth and let it dry. At the end, vacuum the resulting powder. Preparations from well-known manufacturers can easily cope even with pen marks.

Leather upholstery is most often washed with milk. Its task is not only to cleanse, but also to nourish and maintain the material. You can give it an attractive look by applying a layer of a special cream after washing. Milk and cream cost from PLN 30 per pack.

Plastic elements are easiest to clean at home with warm water and a small amount of detergent. This is an effective solution that takes time. After washing, the plastic must be thoroughly wiped with a cloth dampened with clean water. Then we preserve them with a silicone-based spray. A set of cosmetics for upholstery and plastic can be purchased for about PLN 80-120. This is much less than the cost of professional services. However, it should be remembered that you can refresh the interior of the car only on your own. Restoring it almost to factory brilliance is a matter of a specialist. The upholstery is best washed on a sunny and warm day, because although the vacuum cleaner sucks most of the water out of it, the fabric after washing is still slightly damp and needs to be dried.