How to Protect the Upholstery on a New Car

Protect your new car's upholstery in a few easy steps.

A new car is a pricey investment, especially with the average price of a new car at nearly $30,000. As with all investments, consumers should protect their automobiles. Pets and children have a reputation for not being the cleanest passengers, so taking steps to protect your new car's upholstery is a good idea.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Upholstery cleaner (fabric, vinyl or leather)
• Upholstery protector (fabric, vinyl or leather)
• Protective upholstery covers
• Large towels
• Window sun shades

Instructions

1. Vacuum your car seats to remove dirt and debris. Use a fabric, vinyl or leather cleaner to remove any spills or stains on your car's seats. Make sure you have removed all stains, spills and dirt before using fabric, vinyl or leather upholstery protector as it may set the stains for good.

2. Spray your car upholstery with fabric, vinyl or leather protector, available at your local auto parts store. The protector will make the upholstery resist staining as well as water damage. Allow the seats to air dry.

3. Invest in upholstery covers for your car seats. These covers fit over the seats, and can be easily removed and washed when they get dirty. If buying these covers isn't in your budget, use a large towel to protect your seats.

4. Put window sun shades in all of the windows of your car on sunny days. These shades will protect the upholstery from fading.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent stains on your car's upholstery.

References

• Biokleen: Cleaning and Protecting Vinyl, Leather and Upholstery Interior
• Autopia Car Care: How To Detail Your Car's Interior
• Federal Trade Commission: Buying a New Car