The latest trend in distracting online videos is the vehicle detailing clip. You know the reels where they take a mud-encrusted SUV or toddler-destroyed minivan, then bring them back to showroom condition in just five minutes of time-lapse pleasure? When you see the magic that some of these detailers work on fabric seat covers and carpeting — and with such apparent effortlessness — you might wonder why you can’t achieve such results in your home driveway or garage.
One key difference may be a lack of fabric protection.
Long derided as a money-suck at new-vehicle retailers, ever more vehicle owners are discovering the benefits of using fabric protectors that they can apply themselves.
If you did purchase a fabric protection package with your new vehicle, read the terms of that agreement carefully. The benefits of these plans are often limited, but some will cover stain cleaning on spots you can’t get out with normal household cleaning products.
A good protection treatment will facilitate significantly easier cleanup of stains and spills. Instead of forcing the use of harsh cleaners, power scrubbers, and extractor vacuums, many will enable owners to wipe messes off with a normal home product and a cloth, minimal scrubbing required. Abrasive brushing, meanwhile, will fade seat covers and accelerate fibre wear. This is a particularly important consideration for those toting child seats, as even the best seat guard or tray can’t contain the most determined toddler mess. Whether the trouble is baby mess or winter salt, protectant does make messes easier to manage.
For a daily driver applying a fabric protection treatment annually is best. When shopping, 3M’s ScotchGuard ($15 for 297g) rules this market. Another highly rated product is Chemical Guys’ Fabric Guard Interior Protector Shield ($30 for 16oz). As you might suspect, you need to start with a clean interior before applying any fabric shield treatment. Depending on the condition of your ride, you may be better off removing the front seats for access. For most vehicles it’s an easy four-bolt removal and one electrical connector per seat.
If you have to apply a wet cleaning treatment, don’t cheap out by skipping the extraction process. It may mean the expense of renting a machine, but a diligent owner should never rely on Mother Nature to dry everything out. It’s almost impossible to passively dry seat foams, and the number of electrical components and harnesses under floor carpeting on even the barest of entry-level vehicles would shock you.
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