Table of Contents
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Many adults in society today drive a car almost every day. We rely on our cars for so much; we rely on them to take us to work each day, to go to the store each week, to go to countless appointments, interviews, and events. We should honor our vehicles the way they honor us and keep them clean and looking brand new. Many people overpay for automatic car washes that allow them to clean the exterior of their cars thoroughly with little effort, but what about the inside of our cars?
The interior of our vehicles is where we spend all our time while driving and we deserve to treat our cars with the best stain removers we can find on the market. Since most people neglect to keep after the inside of their cars, there are often tough stains and lots of built-up debris and dirt on the floor and in between the seats. Luckily, no matter how old or severe the stains and dirt are, there are countless stain remover brands out there made to make our lives easier and get rid of grime until the inside of our cars are looking good as new.
Our aim with this review is to help you choose the best and most cost-effective stain removers on the market to help save you money, make your life easier, and make even the grimiest of neglected car interiors look just as they did the day you took the car home! Our purpose for this guide of the top ten best stain remover brands is to help you decide which removers will best suit your particular needs to make the vast market of car cleaners will not overwhelm you.
Reading our guide before buying the proper cleaner will save you lots of time and allow you to familiarize yourself with the effectiveness and customer feedback of our top ten list so you can choose what will be the absolute best for you!
Product FAQs
We found and answered a few of the most frequently asked questions from curious customers looking to remove dirt, grime, and stains from the interiors of their cars. We hope these questions and answers will provide you with insight and helpful information to allow you to make the most of your cleaning experience, how to clean properly, why you should want to choose the best stain remover, and how to clean your car’s interior properly.
1. What Is Stain Remover?
Most people avoid cleaning the interiors of their cars because they are more focused on the exterior that everyone sees. The most time we spend with our cars is in the interior, though, right? We should want to make our driving experience look (and smell!) better and the right cleaner will do that. For those of us that can spare the extra expense of leather interiors, we may not have to scour the market nearly as much as messes can easily be cleaned off leather. Many of us do not have leather interiors and we will need to find a product that will do our upholstery justice.
The best upholstery cleaners will keep the interior of our car in perfect condition for up to a month and protects our seats and floors from future damage. This, in turn, will extend the lifespan of the material on the interior.
2. How Can I Choose the Best Stain Remover?
The best upholstery cleaners will be at an affordable price, not too expensive and not too cheap. However, there are many other tips for finding the best remover for your situation. You should first determine the best type of upholstery cleaner for your car. There are two main choices: standard cleaners that won’t pick up loose debris and dirt (you will have to thoroughly vacuum before using these) and multifunction cleaners that can be used without vacuuming. Typically these are the most popular choice, and most of our top ten list consists of multifunction cleaners.
It is also helpful to check online reviews of the products you are looking into. We have included Amazon rating parameters and links to the products on our list to make it easier for you to look into those reviews. Many customer reviews will include helpful things such as effectiveness, scents, longevity, and other helpful aspects to consider before buying. You should also consider the material and type of surface the interior of your car consists of so you can purchase a cleaner that is specifically suited for the type of material you have. Multipurpose cleaners are also good to consider for these reasons.
3. How Can I Properly Clean My Car Carpets?
While using a vacuum is considered by most car owners to be a thorough enough way to clean one’s car interior, this method is just the beginning of what needs to be done. The amount of dirt and debris that accumulate in the cracks and crevices between and underneath our car seats is unbelievable, and in order to truly clean the entirety of one’s car carpet, the seats would need to be removed entirely. Most people do not have the time nor the resources to go through this process, and multifunctional cleaners are an easy way around this.
In order to properly clean your car carpets, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make sure you are cleaning thoroughly and properly. You should first get rid of large objects or dirt and proceed to remove the car mats on the floor in front of your seats. Placing these outside the car will allow you to thoroughly vacuum the inside. Take your appropriate upholstery cleaner and an applicator or brush, spray the cleaner onto your applicator and scrub it into stained areas in a circular motion. Once you have scrubbed thoroughly, wipe remaining residue off with a lightly damp towel. Make sure you open all your doors and windows to allow your carpet time to dry properly and vacuum the car mats before placing them back in your car.
4. Where Can I Buy Stain Remover?
Most auto shops such as Advance Auto, O’Reily’s, and NAPA Auto Parts offer vast selections of cleaners depending on what material is in your car. Places like Walmart offer run-of-the-mill cheaper products and online sites such as Amazon offer all brands at competitive prices and lots of helpful user reviews as well as testimonies from the manufacturers.
5. Overall Price Range of Stain Remover Products?
Normal all-purpose cleaners you can buy at your local grocery store are around $5 for 16 oz. bottles. Specialized high-end car stain removers will be anywhere from just a few dollars more to three times the price. Our cheapest product on this list is about $13 for 32. oz and our most expensive is about $17 for 18 oz.
What We Reviewed
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Sonax (321200-755) Upholstery and Carpet Cleaner
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Griot’s Garage 10956 Interior Cleaner
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Spray Nine 26810 Heavy Duty Cleaner/Degreaser and Disinfectant
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Car Guys Super Cleaner
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Turtle Wax T440R2W OXY
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Chemical Guys Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor
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Mothers 05424 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
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Blue Coral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner
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303 Products 303 (30674) Fabric Guard
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Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser
Sonax (321200-755) Upholstery and Carpet Cleaner
Features
The cleaning agents of this cleaner attach themselves to contaminants old and new. Odors will be trapped and neutralized leaving your car smelling fresh and clean.
Pros
- removes old and new stains
- neutralizes odor
Cons
- does not work as well as all-purpose cleaner
- twice as expensive as all-purpose
Price
About $11 for 16.9 fl. oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Sonax-321200-755-Upholstery-Carpet-Cleaner/dp/B0045I8V8G/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B0045I8V8G&imprToken=5y8qio4qMqjPiZxW.gcTkA&slotNum=41&tag=auto-deets-20&linkId=9bcadff15e8b581aac1d4ddb7e435289&linkCode=ktl
Amazon Rating
3.3/5 stars from 33 reviews
Griot’s Garage 10956 Interior Cleaner
Features
This residue-free cleaner retains the color of your surfaces. It is gentle on colors, harsh on stubborn stains, and great for vinyl, fabrics, and leather surfaces.
Pros
- Residue-free
- Easy on color
- Gentle cleaner
Cons
- Neutral scent
Price
About $10 for 22 fl. oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-10956-Interior-Cleaner/dp/B00F4PB8IY/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B00F4PB8IY&imprToken=5y8qio4qMqjPiZxW.gcTkA&slotNum=45&tag=auto-deets-20&linkId=917f637c23f144fb95f776af43877b91&linkCode=ktl
Amazon Rating
4.5/5 stars from 260 reviews
Spray Nine 26810 Heavy Duty Cleaner/Degreaser and Disinfectant
Features
A reliable fabric car cleaner for hard stains, the Spray Nine also has a built-in degreaser and the cleanup is fast and easy!
Pros
- Professional-strength
- Multifunctional
- Kills viruses and bacteria
Cons
- Pricey for an average cleaner
- Works better mixed with soap
Price
About $13 for 32 fl. oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Spray-Nine-26810-Degreaser-Disinfectant/dp/B002VL3NCI/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B002VL3NCI&imprToken=81tJirI6dnwKr1wQ0Lof2Q&slotNum=2&&imprToken=59KAg-IQPxzFPlWEzXTl2A&slotNum=0&ie=UTF8&qid=1492354137&sr=8-1&keywords=Spray+Nine+26810&linkCode=sl1&tag=researchcore8-20&linkId=3abb7200d9d815c1336ac9e37c37013a
Amazon Rating
4.4/5 stars from 505 reviews
Car Guys Super Cleaner
Features
This high-quality fast-acting cleaner will handle the toughest jobs. It can tackle all parts of your car with ease.
Pros
- Highly reviewed
- Versatile
- Can be used on leather, upholstery, wheels, tires, dashboards, etc.
Cons
- Expensive
- Harsh mist to breathe in
Price
About $17 for 18 fl. oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/CarGuys-Super-Cleaner-effective-Upholstery/dp/B071XB18BF/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B071XB18BF&imprToken=5y8qio4qMqjPiZxW.gcTkA&slotNum=52&s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1528071955&sr=1-1&keywords=B071XB18BF&linkCode=w61&tag=auto-deets-20&linkId=a766ac9eeb177cbe7f0e7a8435bf38b7
Amazon Rating
4.7/5 stars from 926 reviews
Turtle Wax T440R2W OXY
Features
The triple-action formula cleans, deodorizes, and protects for a complete deep clean. It offers an affordable solution for coffee, ketchup, and oil stains alike.
Pros
- Pack of two
- Comes with a microfiber towel
Cons
- Currently unavailable on Amazon
Price
About $13 for two 18 fl. oz. cans
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T440R2W-Interior-Multi-Purpose/dp/B07118FHD2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1505938433&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Turtle+Wax+T440R2W+OXY&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=f89c763d533ccd14e74c64b8a90974c4
Amazon Rating
3.1/5 stars from 4 reviews
Chemical Guys Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor
Features
This high-concentrate formula fights heavy stains with ease without damaging coloring. It can clean anything from car headliners to dog accidents.
Pros
- Available in different sizes (4 oz. or a gallon)
- A little goes a long way
- Leaves a pleasant smell
Cons
- Requires dilution before use
Price
About $13 for 16 fl. oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-SPI_191_16-Lightning-Upholstery/dp/B002J824AA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1505936856&sr=1-1&keywords=Chemical+Guys+Carpet+and+Upholstery+Stain+Extractor&linkCode=sl1&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=4221181ddf5be5f49955fc734bee8714
Amazon Rating
4.1/5 stars from 181 reviews
Mothers 05424 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Features
This simple cleaner is perfect for car fabric that is caked in tough dirt and stains. It can be used in the car and house for any and all fabric cleaning.
Pros
- pH balanced formula
- Large amount for use over and over again
Cons
- Leaves some stubborn stains behind
- Does not remove pet odors
Price
About $13 for 24 oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05424-Carpet-Upholstery-Cleaner/dp/B000E9QF06/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1505937511&sr=8-1&keywords=Mothers+05424&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=163429df774a107f18e9d7ae9b4abdf4
Amazon Rating
4/5 stars from 161 reviews
BlueCoral DC22 Upholstery Cleaner
Features
Trusted by Uber drivers who pick up hundreds of people a week, this is one of the best carpet cleaners one can buy, and for an impressively affordable price at that. It will clean anything from coffee stains to tar or tough dirt easily.
Pros
- Affordable
- The cap includes a scrub brush
Cons
- Leaves water marks
- No protective treatments included
Price
About $12 for 22.8 fl. oz.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Coral-DC22-Upholstery-Eliminator/dp/B0009IR0PQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1505938022&sr=8-1&keywords=Blue+Coral+DC22+Upholstery+Cleaner&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=dan0389-20&linkId=7c9c15a46e6b4e4c65f76f79446441b5
Amazon Rating
4/5 stars from 506 reviews
303 Products 303 (30674) Fabric Guard
Features
This multipurpose cleaner can be used as a fabric guard as well as an upholstery protector. It restores lost moisture and stain repellency qualities for a clean that will last.
Pros
- Best value per fl. oz.
- Bulk amount that will last
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Unscented
Price
About $65 for 128 fl. oz
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/303-30674-Upholstery-Protector-Repellent/dp/B0000AY1W7/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B0000AY1W7&imprToken=81tJirI6dnwKr1wQ0Lof2Q&slotNum=14&&imprToken=59KAg-IQPxzFPlWEzXTl2A&slotNum=4&ie=UTF8&qid=1492354483&sr=8-1&keywords=303+(30674)+Fabric+Guard&linkCode=sl1&tag=researchcore8-20&linkId=da95af832b8135a1f2cbdc7f2cd2ce57
Amazon Rating
4.4/5 stars from 992 reviews
Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser
Features
This degreaser formula allows you to remove stubborn grease stains. It breaks down tough and hard grease to make your life easier.
Pros
- Powerful ingredients provide fast results
- Residue-free
- Pleasant herbal fragrance
Cons
- Can’t purchase amount smaller than one gallon
Price
About $36 for one gallon.
Where to Buy?
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-D10801-Super-Degreaser-Gallon/dp/B0006SH4HS/ref=as_at/?creativeASIN=B0006SH4HS&imprToken=81tJirI6dnwKr1wQ0Lof2Q&slotNum=5&&imprToken=59KAg-IQPxzFPlWEzXTl2A&slotNum=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1492354202&sr=8-1&keywords=Meguiar%27s+D10801+Super+Degreaser&linkCode=sl1&tag=researchcore8-20&linkId=ed069dc3881635922cf6e39337dcf3c9
Amazon Rating
4.6/5 stars from 268 reviews
The Verdict
There are countless products out there to help make our lives easier and the interior of our cars cleaner than ever before. Our top ten list is just the tip of the iceberg, but we believe if you go with any of these items you will be satisfied with your purchase and the results. For those who neglect the interior of their cars and have especially greasy stubborn stains, buying a cleaner that has degreaser agents in it is a wise choice. For those who regularly clean their cars and still need a tough formula that won’t ruin the colors of the interior fabric, any of our best money-saving options will be perfect for you